Hispanic Heritage Month

Every year, Americans celebrate ‘National Hispanic Heritage Month’ from September 15th to October 15th (the span of a 30 day period). Similar to ‘Black History Month‘ this period of celebration and acknowledgement started out as one week, the ‘Hispanic Heritage Week‘ in 1968. However, it was expanded to a month in 1988.

The starting date of September 15th is important because it was the day that several Latin American countries: Costa Rica, EL Salvador,  Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua, gained their independence. In addition, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence on September 16 and September 18, respectively. Then there’s Columbus Day (Día de la Raza), which is October 12, that falls within this 30 day period.

Queens Preparatory Academy is a school that can be described in one word: Diverse. Simply put, Queens Preparatory Academy is a school that represents a range of ethnicities, with staff and students from all-over the world. So it’s only natural that we as a community join the rest of the country in using this month to appreciate and recognize Hispanic culture and history, and its impact on today’s society.

Naturally, this month holds serious value for many Hispanics in our school. “The importance is to acknowledge the presence and contributions of Hispanic people into the American culture,” said Mr. Amaya.  “Also, it can serve to demonstrate to all people the diversity in America.”

Different people6 have their own way of celebrating holidays. However, with month long holidays like the Hispanic Heritage celebration, throwing a party isn’t nearly enough. People all over the U.S.A show appreciation and remembrance on this day by spreading their Hispanic culture, pride and heritage for the 30 days the holiday is said to last.

“I think it’s important because it unites different cultures,” said QPA history teacher Ms. Herrera. “It shows the contributions that Hispanic people have made to the United States.”

For Mr. Amaya, his heritage is  a core part of his life, so it’s not just not just celebrated for 30 days. “I try to spread my heritage to others,” he said. “I do that by having a conversation about what it is to be a Hispanic person in America. I tell people about this month, and try to strike up their background.”

In the aspect of showcasing Hispanic pride, there are many ways to go about it, and the teachers at QPA have chosen an outgoing way to do so. “I feel like it’s not a highlighted holiday so there’s not really a celebration,” said Ms. Herrera. “So when Mr. Amaya said that all the Hispanic teachers should wear shirts or clothing to represent which country we were from, I felt really excited.”

Here at QPA we celebrate Hispanic Heritage month to do just as the month was founded: to celebrate the heritage of Hispanic people. Within the grounds of QPA, made up of both staff and students, they are a core part of our community and their contributions to the diversity of the school must be recognized. However, even though we acknowledge their contribution to our school community and use this month to show that we appreciate, love and respect them, it’s also important that we do so throughout the year.