Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month Thru Reading & Learning

Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month, Rooted in Stories and Education

As Hispanic Heritage Month unfolds, I find myself reflecting on the rich tapestry of my Mexican American heritage and how profoundly it has shaped my life and, most recently, my journey as an author. This month, from September 15th to October 15th, is a vibrant reminder to celebrate the contributions, cultures, and histories of Hispanic communities. For me, it's also a powerful call to emphasize the enduring importance of reading and education, especially when sharing our stories.

My own stories spring directly from my roots – the sun-baked fields of South Texas, the tireless hands of my parents who toiled as farmworkers from the 1940s through the 1960s, and the echoes of my childhood growing up in Ohio and taking long summer trips to visit my family in Texas. These aren't just personal anecdotes; they are fragments of a larger narrative, a vital part of American history often untold. Through my writing, I aim to bring these experiences to life, offering a window into a world of resilience, family bonds, and the strength of my parents working hard to build a future for themselves and their children.

Education was, and remains, a cornerstone of this journey. My parents throughout their working years, Dad working at General Motors as an electrician, Mom running a bridal shop in our house, and both of them working as landlords - buying, fixing and renting houses for additional income, they instilled in me the value of hard work and learning. Learning through reading books or learning through acquiring new skills - these were the pathway to understanding our world, preserving our heritage, and forging new possibilities.

As a child, I would spend hours at our local Defiance Public Library with it's picturesque setting over the Maumee River. It was a magical spot for a library - a place that made it easy for children to dream and be absorbed in their reading adventures.

Now, as an author, I see reading as the bridge that connects us all – to the past, to different cultures, and to empathy. When we read, we don't just consume words; we step into other lives, understanding struggles and triumphs that might be different from our own, yet universally human.

This Hispanic Heritage Month, let's encourage the younger generation to embrace their heritage and the power of knowledge. Here are three important things we can communicate with children:

1. Celebrate Your Roots: Encourage children to learn about their family's origins, traditions, and the stories of their ancestors. Whether it's through family conversations, looking at old photos, or trying traditional recipes, help them connect with where they come from. It builds a strong sense of identity and pride.

2. Explore Diverse Stories: Introduce them to books, movies, and music from various Hispanic cultures. Reading stories by Hispanic authors, especially those that reflect their own experiences or teaching them about new ones, can be incredibly empowering and validating. It also fosters a broader understanding of the world.

3. Embrace Learning as a Lifelong Journey: Help them understand that education extends beyond the classroom. It's about curiosity, asking questions, and continuously seeking knowledge. Emphasize that reading is a powerful tool for personal growth, understanding history, and shaping their future.

Through my writing, I hope to contribute to this legacy of storytelling and learning, ensuring that the voices and experiences of my family, and countless others like them, continue to resonate for generations to come. Happy Hispanic Heritage Month!