Hispanic Heritage month is celebrated from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15. During this month Montgomery County Schools are filled with music, cultural cuisine and diverse contributions from the Hispanic and Latino community. This tribute allows an opportunity to give the community recognition and embrace cultural traditions. According to Quick Notes by Montgomery County, approximately 34% of Montgomery County students are of Hispanic background which allows for a more diverse outlook on the celebration.
Hispanic Heritage month was first only Hispanic Heritage week; this celebration was brought into recognition in 1968 by President Johnson but was later declared a month-long celebration by President Regan. The specific date Sept. 15 was chosen to start off Hispanic Heritage month because it was the day Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua gained their independence. This month has a lot of people to memorize. Artists like Pablo Picasso brought a new perspective to modern day art and had loads of paintings reflecting his feelings. Pablo Picasso was very influential to the world because he was the co-founder in the cubic movement and he pushed for the invention of college.
In Montgomery County schools, students are able to come together and discuss any topic considering the Hispanic and Latino community including achievements and any challenges they are currently facing. In and outside of schools, students are able to organize events to promote inclusivity, show off their diverse cultures and allow for a more informed society.
For celebration, some students enjoy spending their time eating their tasteful cultural foods such as, Enchiladas, Pupusas de revuelta, Tamales de elote, carne guisada and pasteles. The celebration also includes their cultural dancing and the music that goes along with it, including the Bachata, Cumbia and Merengue. Hispanic and Latino celebrations are also filled with music that comes from artists like Ricky Martin, Selena Quintanilla and Antonio Aguilar. Even though some students and staff don’t do anything to celebrate this month, many embrace it by going out with their family and friends to eat cultural foods and celebrate.
In Montgomery County schools, several clubs revolve around Hispanic and Latino heritage. These clubs range from Latin dance teams that show off cultural dancing followed by cultural music in the background to “Cafe Con Leche,” where students can join to talk and learn about Hispanic Heritage. These clubs bring together students and staff that are of Hispanic heritage even if it’s for a small amount of time during the school day, they are still able to converse about situations and life that bring them closer.
A Paint Branch High School junior said, “Being Hispanic isn’t only a culture or ethnicity it’s me. It is little me waking up at 8 in the morning to the sounds of the vacuum and the smell of beans cooking on the stove. It’s waking up to do chores while listening to Romeo Santos. The language is a piece of life that was passed down to my mom and her mom and hers. Being Hispanic is amazing and I wouldn’t change it for the world.”
The Hispanic and Latino community has brought forward culture to the Montgomery County schools and environment. Their gathering, filled with music and dances, has connected people. Both in and outside of schools, students are seen dancing to Hispanic music and eating cultural foods. Hispanic and Latino communities continue the celebration to shine the light on their cultural background to educate, entertain, and bring people together.
Written by Betel Mekonnen of Paint Branch High School