Happy Hispanic Heritage Month! Although not a traditional calendar month, the state federation joins with the rest of the country to celebrate the rich and diverse cultural heritage of Hispanic Americans. This community is built from a broad diaspora made up of people primarily from Central and South America. Many nations claimed their independence between September 15th and October 15th. Among the nations that welcome the fresh air of independence during this month-long period are Mexico, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua.
Hispanic Americans have played a vital role in shaping the United States into the country it is today. Often that role has been unheralded and received little to no fanfare. Despite the relative obscurity of important and consequential people such as Octaviano Larrazolo, the first Mexican American elected to the United States Senate, we remain grateful for the contributions of Hispanic Americans. Nationally, we recognize high profile Biden Administration officials such as Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona, Secretary of Health and Human Services Xavier Beccera, Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas, and Small Business Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman.
Here in Maryland, we are honored to have Dr. Laura Herrera Scott and Rafael J. Lopez who serve as Secretary of Health and Secretary of Human Services, respectively. These examples are a brief demonstration of the vast and robust contributions Hispanic Americans have made to our nation and our state. The labor movement here in Maryland could not be all that it is without important Hispanic leaders who have worked tirelessly to ensure working people are treated with fairness, dignity, and respect. Former Maryland Secretary of Labor Tom Perez is but one example of Hispanic American leadership that helped push Maryland in the right direction.
This month is indeed a celebration of Hispanic American culture. It is also an opportunity for each of us to learn a little more about our neighbors and to better understand Hispanic American culture. We celebrate each other’s culture because when we do, we strengthen our bonds of solidarity which ensure power in communities and workplace.
Article by AFT Maryland staff
2024-09-15