Latin and Hispanic Heritage Month (LHHM) is noticed from September 15 to October 15, and is a time to have a good time the wealthy historical past, traditions, and contributions of Latin communities worldwide. It’s a chance to replicate 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 by way of 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 convey 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} improvement, by way of native networking, inspirational management, and quite a few alternatives to provide 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 have a good time our wealthy tradition, rejoice in group, and unapologetically take up and/or create area. My mother and father immigrated from Mexico, and rising up Fresno, CA gave me the boldness to embrace my tradition. I fondly bear in mind going to flea markets on weekends, listening to bandas play “El Sonidito”, and having a quinceañera stuffed with prolonged household. Nonetheless, once I moved to Michigan for faculty, I used to be typically one in every of only some 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 targets had been aligned to scholar excellence, empowerment of the common lady, and political and cultural consciousness by way of activism. By means of my expertise, I discovered the significance of making alternatives in areas that always don’t cater to folks like me.
I typically replicate on my era’s openness to unlearn the trauma and survival instincts handed down by way of the years whereas fostering new, wholesome generational patterns. I really feel immense delight once I see others embracing the range inside our group, recognizing that there’s no must show one’s Latino/a/e identification however quite to permit everybody to precise their tradition in a productive and inclusive means. Trying 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 reside life to its fullest potential, free from immigration and monetary obstacles. 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 a substitute channel our internal “chingona” (badass) – standing proud and talking, “Con la cabeza en alto” (head up excessive), wanting forward whereas embracing our previous.
Sebastian Gilardi
For me, LHHM is about wanting again. It’s additionally a time to indicate respect and understanding for our cultures, customs, and methods of residing. Personally, having lately moved to the U.S. from Argentina, this celebration seems like one thing I used to be searching for, 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 additionally reinforces my identification. It jogs my memory that whereas I’m navigating new experiences, my heritage is at all times 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 have a good time 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.
How one can assist
Latin folks signify one of many fastest-growing populations in America, notably amongst youth. Regardless of this progress, Latin and Hispanic people proceed to face racism and discrimination and are underrepresented in fields equivalent to science, know-how, engineering, and math (STEM).
Your allyship could make a major distinction for Latin and Hispanic communities, whether or not they’re associates, household, or colleagues. Listed here are 4 methods to begin:
- Educate Your self: Be taught in regards to the challenges confronted by Latin and Hispanic communities by way of books, podcasts, or documentaries. Gaining information on these subjects will help you higher perceive the lived experiences of individuals from totally 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. Repeatedly hearken to, have a good time, 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 world occasion on October tenth, 10AM PT/ 1PM ET on Cisco TV.
As a Latina, I’m excited that we get to have a good time 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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