Holding On to My Heritage

Another Hispanic Heritage Month has passed in the COVID era and thus passes another year in which I have not celebrated it properly. But then I close my eyes and it all comes back. The heady spice of cinnamon and peppers wafts through the air. Lively music and laughter culminate into a rich ballad with a rhythm I feel in my bones. Yells and chants of courage and independence wash over me and the lights seem just a little bit brighter. I spin and catch the sight of our flags, so many colors blurred together, becoming a kaleidoscope.

Those are the memories I have held onto these last two years, not only in the midst of the pandemic but in the current political climate as well. Despite the change in power we experienced earlier this year, the roots of discrimination and inequity of the Hispanic community run deep. We still see impoverished neighborhoods filled with Hispanic immigrant families and the dehumanization of entire groups of people, simply based on their native language or migratory status. I still remember the fear and confusion at being threatened in the grocery store for speaking Spanish and quite literally spit on while walking down the street.

Moreover, I am aware that like any other place in the world, Latin America has its own issues and areas of contention. There are those who would argue that my experiences and those like them are a better alternative than what would be experienced in our home countries, that being spit on in the street is better than being found in a ditch. My response is always this: I love this place enough to know it could be better. We have the potential to reach something greater, on national and global levels. I see it every day in words of affirmation, a helping hand, and the overwhelming kindness of strangers.

Like the heroes of great fantasy or science fiction stories, I often feel like a realm-walker—able to cross between worlds and be known by many names. However, at the end of the day, there is still one world and I am simply myself. In spite of the dissonance between diverse groups of people, I am a proud Mexican-born woman living in the States. I feel I have inherited the very best of the blend of cultures in which I grew up. The best parts of me have been influenced by my Hispanic heritage. The embrace of greeting in a Hispanic household, being fed and loved and showered with affection. The way family friends go out of their way to bring us homemade soup when we’re sick. Ours is a culture of warmth and sharing and community support. Isn’t that what we should all strive for, especially in an era of distance and uncertainty?

Let us know what you think by commenting on our website or social media platforms. Until next time we here hope you have a safe, happy Halloween and Dia de Los Muertos!

-Alice Santos, CEO