05- Why I Keep Forgetting Hispanic Heritage Month (And Why It Matters)

¡Feliz Mes de la Herencia Hispana!

In this episode, we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept 15–Oct 15) and explore why I often forget its start date, not purposefully. We’ll reflect on the deeper significance of this month for Hispanic Americans, share personal stories, and offer resources like movies and books to help you get involved. Whether you're looking for inspiration or ways to join the celebration, this episode has something for everyone.

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Main Points:

1. Why I Keep Forgetting Hispanic Heritage Month:

• Every year, Hispanic Heritage Month comes around, and I tend to miss the start until I see a social media post or someone asks me what I’m planning. But here's my theory: I forget because I’m always celebrating! As a teacher and a mom, my life revolves around the preservation of our culture—whether it’s sharing stories of Hispanic heroes in my Spanish classes or passing down traditions to my kids. I’m always in ‘celebration mode,’ so the official start date doesn’t stand out!

The Importance of Hispanic Heritage Month:

• Despite my forgetfulness, I deeply value this month as a time for everyone—not just the Hispanic community—to take a step back and appreciate the contributions of Hispanic Americans. It’s a chance to feel seen and to share those stories that might otherwise be overlooked. Whether you're Hispanic or not, it’s a time to reflect on how Hispanic culture enriches the fabric of our society.

How to Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month:

• Movies to Watch:
  • Stand and Deliver: The story of Jaime Escalante, the Bolivian math teacher who inspired his students to defy the odds and excel in calculus. An uplifting tale about believing in people’s potential.
  • Selena: The life of the beloved Tejano singer who bridged the gap between her Mexican heritage and American upbringing. A must-watch for fans of both her music and her journey.
  • Cesar Chavez: A powerful film about the leader of the migrant workers' rights movement in California. His story of peaceful protest and perseverance is a testament to the strength of Hispanic leaders.
• Books & Biographies:
  • STEM Pioneers: Read about astronauts like Dr. Ellen Ochoa and Jose Hernandez, who went from migrant farm worker to NASA astronaut.
  • Justice Icons: Sonia Sotomayor, the first Latina Supreme Court Justice, whose story is inspiring for people of all ages.
  • Sports Heroes: Explore stories about Roberto Clemente, the Puerto Rican baseball legend, and Lionel Messi, one of the greatest soccer players ever.
• Celebrations Around the World:
  • Hispanic culture is vibrant and full of unique traditions. From Mexico’s grito on Independence Day to Spain’s La Tomatina, these celebrations bring people together with joy and pride.
• Music and Dance:
  • Hispanic culture is deeply rooted in music and dance, from salsa and bachata to the emotional power of flamenco and tango—one of my favorites is Cueca. These art forms not only entertain but connect us across generations.

• Check out my friend's online Flamenco Studio.

  https://www.rinaorellanaflamenco.com/