People Are Reclaiming Hispanic Heritage Month And Decolonizing The Celebration With Latinx As The Focus
Every year, Latinos get one month to shine from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15 known as Hispanic Heritage Month. We are recognized by the U.S. government for all of our contributions and achievements that have made this nation the beacon for hope it still is. Despite the anti-Latino rhetoric that has brought hate and physical violence to our community, we remain a driving force in this country. Latinos are standing up this year and taking back the month in the face of the harmful rhetoric aimed at our community. Here’s what social media looks like as Hispanic Heritage Month kicks off.
Hispanic Heritage Month is proudly being reclaimed as Latinx Heritage Month all over social media.
Latinx Heritage Month is here! So proud to be celebrating this incredibly diverse and ever growing community. When we come together, we are strong! Let's flex our strength at the polls this November! ???????? ✊????✊????✊????#RiseUpAsOne and #Vote. #LatinxHeritageMonth#Latinx pic.twitter.com/RGvTDJ3bou
— California Endowment (@CalEndow) September 17, 2018
Both hashtags — #latinxheritagemonth and #hispanicheritagemonth are bringing our stories to the masses. Some Latinos have an issue with the use of Latinx because they think it is too hard to honor other people’s identities because it might erase theirs. However, it is not that hard.
People are also making sure the entire Latinx Diaspora gets included and not just Mexican-Americans.
Throughout Latinx Heritage Month, we are proud to celebrate the rich heritage of the Latinx community, with roots from Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America. #HispanicHeritageMonth https://t.co/xjDJy5EGNt
— Charlotte Clymer????️???? (@cmclymer) September 18, 2018
So many times Afro-Latinx people get excluded and Mexican culture has become a default of Latinidad in the U.S. Mexicans are the largest population of Latinos in the U.S. but so many other nationalities are represented in the Latinx umbrella.
This is also a perfect time to remind you that DREAMers continue to make a difference.
It's Hispanic Heritage Month and this DREAMer just won her primary pic.twitter.com/AK7xtkKqJW
— NowThis (@nowthisnews) September 17, 2018
Last week, Colombian-American Catalina Cruz, a 35-year-old a former undocumented citizen, won the Democratic primary for a New York State Assembly seat in Queens’ District 39.
“This win today is for all those undocumented parents that are still out there fighting for kids like me,” she said during her victory speech, according to NY1.
Please do not forget to honor Latinx musical legends.
Latinx Heritage Month is a time to honor the beauty and global dominance of nuestra música.https://t.co/c0YO3KbuNV pic.twitter.com/K360GjThRt
— TIDAL (@TIDAL) September 14, 2018
Even the Carters are reminding you to get your playlist in order. Music is one of the biggest contributions our community has made to the country.
In case you are wondering why Sept. 15 is the day we start Latinx Heritage Month.
National Hispanic Heritage Month kicks off on September 15th. Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua share this date as their Independence Day. #HispanicHeritageMonth pic.twitter.com/ZbUFOVvhUI
— Experian (@Experian_US) September 14, 2018
Several Latin countries gained their Independence Day on Sept. 15, and Mexico is close behind.
Yes, representation matters.
.@EditorAaron put together this excellent list of works by Latinx authors in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, and it's a great reminder of why representation matters. https://t.co/tNUMnl6g3w
— Abby West (@AbbyWestNYC) September 18, 2018
Discover Latinx authors that will not only inspire you, but show you how important it is to be included in all realms of literature, art, and music. The more we show up in pop culture, the more accepted we are in society.
Honor the greats.
"Hermana, you're going to have a voice one day, so make sure you have something to say." Eva Longoria reflects on the most influential advice she was given from her mentor Dolores Huerta, a civil rights icon and co-founder of United Farm Workers. https://t.co/kfzWEkh3vm pic.twitter.com/GNHsW3b8TK
— MAKERS (@MAKERSwomen) September 15, 2018
MAKERS is a feminist media brand that highlights important issues to women’s rights and puts vital women on the center of every discussion. They’re showing off a wonderful series for Hispanic Heritage Month.
And don’t forget Selena.
Wakes up on Day 1 of Hispanic Heritage Month like pic.twitter.com/fFsl4xuJfm
— Zoraida (@zlikeinzorro) September 15, 2018
You simply cannot talk about Latinx Heritage Month without mentioning Selena. That would be a true sin.
For more information about how your city is celebrating Latinx Heritage Month just Google the name of your city + Hispanic Heritage Month 2018 events, y ya.
READ: Trump’s Hispanic Heritage Month Speech Included His Complaining That Some Latino Leaders Are Too Tough
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