Why do we have Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15 every year? It is to celebrate the brothers and sisters who have contributed to the heritage of Latino/Mexican Americans in the United States. Many “Hispanic” Americans from different countries have contributed tremendously to the United States especially the American of Mexican descent. The problem is that we don’t hear about it because our true History is not written in the History books. You may wonder why? Well, a lot of it has to do with politics and our Governors, because the Governors appoint people to the Texas Educational Agency who decides what books our kids will read in the public schools and what history will be included in the History books.
My late Vietnam Veteran brother who served honorably with the 1st Calvary Division in the United States Army during the Vietnam War in 1967-1968 and who is no longer with us use to remind me that History means just that “His Story” of the person or persons writing the History books or any book for that matter.
So, if we do not vote in elections and just live and not give a hoot then we have a Hispanic Heritage Month which does not include all the contributions from the military, science, medicine, law, arts, and on and on. Do you know what I am talking about? No vote, no voice, and no recognition! We talk about in with our friends, on Facebook, family gatherings, and other media but the problem is that those in power will not honor the Hispanic for reasons that make no sense. Latin Americans are the most faithful to this country and we are willing to die in the battlefields like no other.
We need to continue to educate ourselves and remember education pays and crime does not!
As we come close to the end of Hispanic Heritage Month remember there were many great Latino/Mexican American leaders, community activist and others who have fought the good fight for you and me, and these people were good and honorable Latinos from all walks of life. There are too many to name here. We have a lot of work to do before we reach the level of having the respect we deserve, and it will not come easy. I think when we are ignorant of other cultures, we become weak. When we discover a Latino Alex Haley who can truly depict the Mexican American, then we will be discovered for who we truly are.
Roger Z. Guevara, Attorney at Law
Hispanic Heritage Month
