Hilltoppers,
National Hispanic Heritage Month, Mes Nacional de la Herencia Hispana, is celebrated every year from September 15th to October 15th to recognize the contributions of Hispanic and Latinx Americans. We owe a lot to our Latino/Latina peers and the contributions they have on this country, the Western Slope, and especially Hilltop. We asked Alex Rodriguez from the Latimer House, and Maria Martinez from LAP, to share a few thoughts on Hispanic Heritage Month as a way to recognize and honor the important role that diverse perspectives bring to the critical work all of you do at Hilltop.
Alex: This is a month where the Hispanic community and their contributions are recognized. From migrant workers’ impacts on agriculture, to professional and academic contributions, it is all important. Growing up, I remember the whole class doing projects like writing papers on “why we were thankful to the Hispanic community”. That was really impactful to me. One of my favorite traditions is just the fact that family is so important. No matter what the event, a two-year old’s birthday or a graduation party, everyone, from sometimes states away, would drive in to celebrate as a family.
Maria: My parents brought me here when I was only six months old. They immediately got very involved in the Latino Anglo Alliance and I danced in Folklórico groups all around the valley from age 7-15. We shared our culture and food from not only Mexico, but all around Latin America. The pandemic put a stop to some of the more public gatherings this year, but my favorites were always Cinco De Mayo, Hispanic Heritage Month, and the upcoming Día de los Muertos.
We become a stronger, more inclusive organization when we more fully represent those we serve on a daily basis. I want to personally thank all of you who make us better by sharing yourself and your heritage with us.
-Mike
