Celebrating Latin and Hispanic Heritage Month

Latin and Hispanic Heritage Month (LHHM) is noticed from September 15 to October 15, and is a time to rejoice the wealthy historical past, traditions, and contributions of Latin communities worldwide. It’s a chance to mirror on the origins of Latin and Hispanic folks, acknowledging the various roots that form our identities, together with the cultures, languages, and values handed down via generations. This month permits us to honor our achievements and tales whereas recognizing the struggles and resilience of those that got here earlier than us. Tales that make us stronger and produce us collectively as a group.

Cisco is devoted to creating an inclusive future for all. By means of Conexión, a Cisco Worker Useful resource Group, we embrace the various cultural backgrounds of our Latin and Hispanic staff, and their allies. Conexión unites people to foster private {and professional} growth, via native networking, inspirational management, and quite a few alternatives to offer again.

Beneath are two private accounts from members of our Conexión group about what Latin and Hispanic Heritage Month means to them.

Evelyn Reyes

Amid the busyness of on a regular basis life, LHHM represents a second in time to rejoice our wealthy tradition, rejoice in group, and unapologetically take up and/or create house. My dad and mom immigrated from Mexico, and rising up Fresno, CA gave me the arrogance to embrace my tradition. I fondly keep in mind going to flea markets on weekends, listening to bandas play “El Sonidito”, and having a quinceañera full of prolonged household. Nevertheless, after I moved to Michigan for school, I used to be usually one among just a few Latinas within the classroom, and I confronted vital tradition shock. To ease my transition on the College of Michigan, I joined Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority, Inc. (ΛΘΑ), the primary and largest Latina-based sorority—shifted my perspective. Our group’s objectives had been aligned to scholar excellence, empowerment of the common lady, and political and cultural consciousness via activism. By means of my expertise, I discovered the significance of making alternatives in areas that usually don’t cater to folks like me.

I usually mirror on my era’s openness to unlearn the trauma and survival instincts handed down via the years whereas fostering new, wholesome generational patterns. I really feel immense delight after I see others embracing the variety inside our group, recognizing that there’s no must show one’s Latino/a/e identification however moderately to permit everybody to precise their tradition in a productive and inclusive means. Wanting forward, I envision a united Latino group that helps each other, challenges cultural stigmas round psychological well being and medical care, and is given the prospect to dwell life to its fullest potential, free from  immigration and monetary boundaries. This month is a second to remind ourselves to throw away the teachings of, “Calladita te ves mas bonita” (being quiet you’re prettier) and as an alternative channel our internal “chingona” (badass) – standing proud and talking, “Con la cabeza en alto” (head up excessive), trying forward whereas embracing our previous.

Sebastian Gilardi

For me, LHHM is about trying again. It’s additionally a time to point out respect and understanding for our cultures, customs, and methods of residing. Personally, having lately moved to the U.S. from Argentina, this celebration looks like one thing I used to be in search of, a reminder of the significance of remembering the place I come from. Even in a brand new place, I always remember my roots. This not solely makes me proud, but in addition reinforces my identification. It jogs my memory that whereas I’m navigating new experiences, my heritage is all the time with me. This month encourages me to honor my heritage whereas embracing and studying from the various cultures round me.

Whereas LHHM offers us a particular alternative to rejoice our tradition, WE ought to regularly uplift our group, honor our traditions, and present respect for different cultures, making certain that the values of unity and variety stay on the forefront of our lives all yr lengthy.

Find out how to assist

Latin folks symbolize one of many fastest-growing populations in America, notably amongst youth. Regardless of this development, Latin and Hispanic people proceed to face racism and discrimination and are underrepresented in fields equivalent to science, expertise, engineering, and math (STEM).

Your allyship could make a major distinction for Latin and Hispanic communities, whether or not they’re mates, household, or colleagues. Listed here are 4 methods to start out:

• Educate Your self: Study in regards to the challenges confronted by Latin and Hispanic communities via books, podcasts, or documentaries. Gaining information on these matters may also help you higher perceive the lived experiences of individuals from completely different backgrounds.
• Help Organizations: Contemplate donating to or volunteering with organizations that promote fairness and inclusion for Latin and Hispanic communities.
• 12 months-Spherical Help: Present your assist past Latin and Hispanic Heritage Month. Constantly hearken to, rejoice, and uplift voices from Latin and Hispanic communities all year long.
• Cisco Staff: Be a part of our Conexión workforce for our Latin and Hispanic Heritage international occasion on October tenth, 10AM PT/ 1PM ET on Cisco TV.

As a Latina, I’m excited that we get to rejoice our heritage at work. These moments have enabled me to carry my true self to work – a Latina that’s happy with her accent, heritage, and values – as Cisco is dedicated to turning into extra inclusive for all.

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