Hispanic Heritage Month + a Playlist
Words by: Maggie Laubscher | Music by: Abby Yemm
Detail of “Frida Kahlo”, silkscreen by Rupert Garcia, 1975 - via hispanicheritagemonth.gov
From September 15 to October 15, Hispanic Heritage Month reigns. It’s a month that honors the Latinx community and pays tribute to their lives, their culture, and their contributions. As the largest minority group in the U.S., those contributions are sweeping, that culture is ingrained in our country, and those lives matter. And as a Latinx-owned business, The Nelle is part of this culture and celebration.
Hispanic Heritage Month started as a weeklong celebration in 1968, then expanded to a month-long holiday in 1988. It’s a significant month as eight Latin countries celebrate their Independence Days during this time: Mexico, Chile, Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. The month also includes Indigenous Peoples’ Day on October 12, a U.S. national holiday that has started to replace Columbus Day.
This month is meant to celebrate Americans with heritage rooted in Latin American countries: Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America, and South America. Because of this, some think the term ‘Hispanic’ is too narrow. After all, Hispanic describes someone of Spanish-speaking origin, while Latinx is a broader, gender-inclusive term that describes any person of Latin American origin. The ‘x’ element signifies gender neutrality and encompasses those who identify outside of gender. The term has been embraced by the Latin LGBTQ+ communities and has been used within the U.S. since the early 2000s.
Latinx culture is inherently part of The Nelle. Below, we highlight more of the culture via some reccos for you. Read on and enjoy.
Read this book…
For yourself:
Lost Children Archive by Valeria Luiselli - This 2019 literary fiction novel is a powerhouse of imagination and depth. It’s won countless awards and was written by Mexican author Valeria Luiselli. The story is about a family who road trips across the U.S. and becomes involved in the immigration border crisis.
For a child in your life:
Dreamers by Yuyi Morales - This children’s book is beautifully illustrated and is a celebration of dreamers and immigrants. It’s a story of finding your way in a new place, just as author Yuyi Morales did when she came to the United States in 1994 with her infant son.
Follow this leader…
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, or AOC, is an American politician and the youngest woman to serve in the United States Congress. Since being elected in 2018, the Puerto Rican congresswoman has worked to combat climate change, pushed for medical care for all, and spoken out against ICE, among other issues. She is an LGBTQ supporter and activist.
Sonia Sotomayor
Sonia Sotomayor is the first Hispanic and Latinx member of the Supreme Court. She has a strong Puerto Rican heritage and was nominated to the Court by President Barack Obama in 2009. She continually fights for racial justice, equality in education, and more.
Shop this brand…
Maygel Coronel
Maygel Coronel offers incredibly chic swimwear and clothing. The brand ships worldwide and is based in Cartegena and Columbia.
Yo Soy AfroLatina
Yo Soy AfroLatina is an NYC-based shop that highlights the people, experiences, and culture of Afro Latinas. It’s owned by Bianca Kea, an Afro-Mexican Detroit native, and stocks gorgeous tees, mugs, and hats.
