Celebrating Hispanic and Latino-American Independence
Ellen Lei
Staff Writer
¡Celebras! Hispanic Heritage month can be traced all the way back to 1968 when many Latin American countries gained their independence. From Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, National Hispanic Heritage month will celebrate the anniversary of their independence. In addition to this, the heritage and culture of Hispanic and Latino Americans will be celebrated. This year Alhambra High School (AHS) clubs are participating by suggesting ways to celebrate Hispanic Heritage month by planning activities and sharing Hispanic culture. AHS students can show their Moor spirit by learning and celebrating the history of Latin American heritage.
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Exploring Hispanic and Latino Culture
Nguyen Kim Tran
Staff Writer
One of the benefits today of living in the United States is having access to many diverse cultures. Hispanic and Latino culture play a vital role in the lives of Americans. In fact, according to United States’ Census Bureau, as of 2014, 17 percent of Hispanics make up the U.S. population, making them the nation’s largest ethnic majority.
Hispanic Heritage Month refers to the celebration of both Hispanic and Latino culture. Recognition initially started as Hispanic Heritage Week in 1968, but later extended to Hispanic Heritage Month in 1988. This month of celebration honors the independence of various Latin American countries such as Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Mexico, Chile and Belize. Different communities are coming together to celebrate U.S. National Hispanic Heritage Month. Celebration is not just exclusive to Latino Americans, everyone should take the time to learn more about this beautiful culture.
There are a multitude of notable Hispanic and Latino Americans that have enriched our society, including Supreme Court Judge Sonia Sotomayor, Broadway star Lin-Manuel Miranda and Author Isabelle Allende. America would not be what it is today without Hispanic and Latino Americans.
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Remembering Hispanic Historical Moments
Katelyn Barreras
Staff Writer
One of the most important aspects of Hispanic Heritage Month is the history and contributions of Hispanics and Latin-Americans. Historic events such as Cesar Chavez’s iconic grape strike to fight for better working conditions and better pay for farmers are celebrated. According to the National Republic Radio, Cesar Chavez led the union through a major reorganization, intended to improve efficiency and outreach to the public.
Another notable historic moment is the Zoot Suit Riots, which took place in the 1940s. These riots were caused by tension between the Chicanos and the Anglo sailors. The Chicanos were the Mexican-Americans who, in the 1940s, faced tough discrimination. According to the Huffington Post, “tensions eventually erupted into a week of rioting in 1943, when some two hundred sailors descended from Los Angeles and severely beat several pachucos.”
One last moment in history to reflect back on is the immigration reform that was signed by President Ronald Reagan, which legalized the status of 3 million people. These historical events helped shape Hispanic Heritage Month.
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Latino Heritage Practice at AHS
Yi-Feng Ho
Staff Writer
The Latin American Student Organization (LASO) was established at Alhambra High School in 2013. Their main purpose is to educate and introduce Latino heritage to others on campus.
“[LASO] work[s] to promote and preserve the Latino culture here at AHS,” said Senior LASO member Sara Castro.
The club welcomes everyone, not just people with Latino heritage, to participate in their efforts of practicing their heritage. Because of this, a blend of cultures in Alhambra High School are being created.
“We are inclusive of all ethnicities and want to educate and expose as many people as possible to our culture,” said Castro. “LASO strives to unite students in order to make a difference at AHS and within the community by developing leaders and getting involved in the community.”
Each member of the club does something to practice their Hispanic heritage with others, and they do it in their daily life. They also share their culture with others on campus.
“Whenever we make traditional Mexican food, which is almost every night, I make sure to bring some to school so my friends who aren’t a part of the Latino culture have a [sense of] the lifestyle,” said Junior and LASO President Stefanie Rubalcava.
LASO is planning to have several activities throughout the Latino Heritage Month, such as games and activities on Third Street, a spirit week or a meeting to educate others on the Latin cultures.
“Everyone can participate in the activities,” said Rubalcava. “The point of these activities is to get everyone to be interested in the Latino culture.”
If you are interested in learning about Latino heritage, be sure to support them when the time comes!”
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Fun Facts
Christian Nguyen
Staff Writer
1) Spanish ranks as the world’s No. 2 language (behind Chinese) in terms of how many people speak it as their first language with 329 million native speakers.
2) There are 1.1 million Hispanic veterans from the U.S. armed forces.
3) 15 million is the Hispanic population of California. This is the largest Hispanic population of any state.
4) Latin and Hispanic music has long had an influence on American culture as seen in stars like Jennifer Lopez, Pitbull and Santana.
5) Around 60 percent of Hispanic people have type O blood.
Sources: augusta.edu and hispanichertiagemonth.org