By Julia Bastos, Staff Writer
Hispanic/ Latinx Heritage month has come to an end, and to anyone identifying as such, it is important to remember that just because the month is over, it doesn’t mean we should stop celebrating.
Every year between September 15 and October 15, we take time to recognize our culture, our heritage, and who we are. We eat, dance, share, learn, and reflect on what being Latinx means to us. Even though the month has passed, it is crucial that we continue to commemorate our roots.
Losing sight of our Latinx identity in a White society and predominantly White college can be easy. It often feels as if no one understands or appreciates our culture and struggles. It is disheartening to see the way we are characterized in the mass media. Frustrating when our peers still don’t know the difference between Hispanic and Latino. Hard to cope with people mashing our countries, cultures, and languages together. Wounding when we hear about the marginalization and oppression our ethnic group experiences on a daily basis in the United States. And it is lonely being a minority at the Bi-Co. We are nearing Election Day in a country run by, and supported by, people who don’t want us here.
Regardless, we are here. And we must be united. Much like our heritage, our pride doesn’t end on October 15. So keep hanging up flags, creating safe spaces, and spreading our cultures among our communities and those who wish to toast with us. Although it is discouraging to feel like we have to fight so hard for people to care about something that is important to our identity, it is essential that we continue to honor our background, even if the rest of the world won’t until next September 15.
Image credit: The New York Times
