by Diana Castro-Vazquez

Roberto Clemente, a famous Puerto Rican baseball player, once said, “Any time you have an opportunity to make a difference in this world and you do not, then you are wasting your time on Earth.”

From September 15 until October 15, the United States celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month. According to the Census Bureau, “September 15 is significant because it is the anniversary of independence for Latin American countries Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on September 16 and September 18, respectively.” This month is used to celebrate and acknowledge the impact of the Hispanic community in the U.S.

“Pioneers of Change: Shaping the Future Together” is this year’s Hispanic Heritage Month theme. It reminds us that Hispanics have had significant accomplishments and impacts in the U.S.

Activists have had a significant impact in the U.S. Cesar Chavez and Dolores Huerta were prominent activists for farm workers and advocated for better treatment. Eventually, they founded the National Farm Workers Association, which later merged with other unions to become the United Farm Workers of America. Another activist, Sylvia Rivera, advocated for the LGTBQ+ community from 1951 to 2002 when this community fought for their rights. Xiuhtezcatl Martínez fights for climate, racial and economic justice through his art and music.

Outstanding athletes have also uniquely impacted their respective sports. Roberto Clemente played baseball for the Pittsburgh Pirates for 18 seasons and became the first Latino American Baseball Hall of Fame inductee. He was also known for his humanitarian efforts; when he died, he was on a plane to Nicaragua, bringing them earthquake relief supplies. Oscar de la Hoya represented the U.S. in the 1992 Olympics and was nicknamed “The Golden Boy of boxing” after winning a lightweight division gold medal. Carmelo Anthony also won Olympic medals playing basketball in 2004, 2008, 2012 and 2016. Anthony Munoz is a famous football player known for having one of the greatest offensive tackles of all time, and he even got his name placed in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Musicians are some of the most recognized for their achievements. Maybe because music is more mainstream, but Hispanic musicians have made significant progress in the U.S., including Selena Quintanilla, Lin Manuel Miranda, Ricky Martin, Pitbull, Jennifer Lopez and many others. They all have their respective music genres, and they do well, from winning the Grammys to topping the Billboard 100 charts.

Hispanic Heritage Month is so much more than just words or dates; it is a time to learn about different cultures and get inspired. There are dozens, if not hundreds, of different cultures within the Hispanic ethnicity. Indigenous cultures in all the Hispanic countries are unique in their own ways, from language to food to music. Greensboro College will be doing many activities between this month and October. For September, visit the cafe for trivia games during lunch on the 25th and enjoy some Hispanic foods and drinks. Later that day, at 7 p.m., the Sankofa Center will host a movie night, Coco. There will also be two more movies, Selena on October 2 and Encanto on October 9 both at 7 p.m. Be on the lookout for any new activities that might be planned for Hispanic Heritage Month.

Although Hispanics have been a minority in the U.S. since the country’s founding, this has not stopped the community from accomplishing success in everything from music to business to sports. Realizing that our dreams are not far-fetched and that we can all reach success is truly an inspiration to everyone. Rea Ann Silva said it best, “my advice is to take one little step to your dream every day. You have to embrace — not fear — the challenges. Dream, be fearless, and follow through.”