Visiting Voice – In Recognition of National Hispanic Heritage Month

During the last 20 years, the Latin culture has evolved enormously. Hispanics are the second largest population in the United States playing a very important role in the development of the socio-economic, political and cultural system of America.

The “National Hispanic Heritage Month” is from September 15 to October 15 as declared by President Lyndon Johnson back in 1968 and later reinforced by President Ronald Reagan in 1988. During this month the multiple contributions of the Hispanic population in the United States are recognized for their work, traditions and values. Originally this tradition in the United States was slated for only one week, a week in which many Latin American countries celebrated their independence however, given the multitude of various Latino countries represented, President Reagan felt such rich culture and traditions would be better expressed in a whole month.

“We the people of the United States…” a phrase so commonly heard echoing among history buffs and elementary school teachers in our country of diverse colors and creeds has seemingly been forgotten. Perhaps one could argue that our forefathers, some of whom were reputable slave owners may have felt “we the people” meant something else, but our fifth president, Abraham Lincoln, with both the Emancipation Proclamation and Gettysburg Address, laid to rest the idea of inequality. I have to wonder when he stated that “all men are created equal” if what he thought of was that common phrase: “we the people of the United States.”

Contrary to what has been publicly extolled within the prevailing political climate these days, I believe that “we the people” takes on a new kind of significance. It is intended to be an embrace of many cultures, ideas, free thought and enterprise. It represents a never-ending work of art gathered together working collectively so that each color added makes the next seem brighter. Each contribution made is no more important than the rest but merely tries to elevate the art in its entirety.

My people, my Latino people have added their colors. Let us not forget our contributions this month. Let us remember our strong work ethic, our family pride and let us continue to add colors boldly and brightly to this wonderful nation.