Latinx Heritage Month

What gives you pride about being Latinx? What are your hopes and dreams for our Latinx community here in MA and across the country? What does Latinx Heritage Month means to you?

Latinx Heritage Month creates space for individuals and the collective to reflect on the trajectory and contributions of a Latinx people - to the American culture and community, just as much as to the Latinx culture and community worldwide. While it is a pause that is built into a month out of our year, I exist in Latinx heritage everyday because I am a direct product of the history. Whether it is being surrounded by the smell of Mami's food during my weekend visits home, dancing to the loud merengue with all my might while swaying my hips back and forth, listening to Papi and my sister's debates about Dominican politics, speaking Dominican slang to family members near and far, or being on the receiving end of my grandmother's story telling about her time as a young girl in Santo Domingo, particularly during the Trujillo regime. My family is Latinx heritage. Their Spanish, their stories, their sacrifices, my parent's journey to this country and contributions to this countries vibrant Latinx community is at the root of my orgullo for mi gente and mi familia. 

When I think about the history of our ancestors, the words sacrifice and strength immediately come to mind. I celebrate Latinx heritage year round because without them, I am not. I constantly celebrate them by saying out loud my gratitude for the migration stories that came before me, honoring their sacrificial journey and bravery through my own sacrifices and working through my own fears as an adult. The strength of my ancestors runs through my blood. I am a proud product of their generational sacrifice, endurance and love. I am committed to pay that forward to the next generation of Latinos, including the generation that I am rearing in my own home.