Latine Activists You Should Follow During Hispanic Heritage Month and Beyond

20 Sep Latine Activists You Should Follow During Hispanic Heritage Month and Beyond

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What is Hispanic Heritage Month?

Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated annually from September 15 to October 15 and is a time to recognize and honor the contributions of Hispanic and Latinx communities in the United States. This month highlights the profound impact of Hispanic culture on American society, from art and music to food, politics, and social justice movements. 

Hispanic Heritage Month began as a week-long celebration in 1968, and in 1988 it was expanded to a full month. The dates were chosen to coincide with the independence days of several Latin American countries. In recent years, the celebration has expanded to include the voices of Latinx 2SLGBTQ+ individuals, Afro-Latinx communities, and other identities within the Latine diaspora, reflecting the broad spectrum of experiences that make up the Latine identity.

Hispanic Heritage Month lettering surrounded by pink flowers

Which word to use? Latinx vs. Hispanic vs. Latine:

You may have noticed the use of Hispanic and Lantinx/e and wondered which is the correct term. Generally speaking, Latine may be the most inclusive. Latine refers to people from Latin America, and Hispanic refers to those who speak Spanish therefore the words are not interchangeable. 

  • Hispanic refers to people from Spanish-speaking countries, including Spain and Latin American countries that speak Spanish. It excludes Brazil, where Portuguese is spoken. 
  • Latino/Latina: People from Latin America which consists of Mexico, the Caribbean and Central/South America. Latina and Latino are gendered terms for female and male. Someone who is Mexican American may refer to themselves as Chicano/a or the gender-neutral Chicanx.
  • Latinx (pronounced Latin – ex) is a gender-neutral term used to describe people of Latin American descent, aiming to include non-binary and gender-nonconforming individuals. It has gained popularity in the U.S. as an inclusive alternative to “Latino” or “Latina.”
  • Latine (pronounced Latin – ay) is another gender-neutral term that is gaining traction, especially among Spanish speakers, as it is seen as more natural to pronounce than “Latinx” which is noted to be an Anglicized word. 

When Hispanic Heritage Month was first introduced, the word Hispanic was a term used to celebrate a group of millions of Americans and made no distinctions between those whose heritage came from Spain or Latin America whose primary language is Spanish. 

While the purpose behind a month of honoring such rich and incredibly impactful heritages was well-intentioned, the reality of such a large population with many differing and complex identities being housed under one label can make authentic and thoughtful celebrations challenging without an awareness of the important nuances and distinctions. 

 

Hispanic Heritage Month in a Climate of Anti-Immigration

In an atmosphere of open anti-immigrant sentiments and policy change from figures like Former President Trump, it is essential to remind ourselves of the importance of embracing and celebrating Hispanic communities and supporting their continued fight for social justice, inclusion, and equity as well as recognizing the numerous accomplishments from everyday Latine people that have made the US a better country. 

Hispanic and Latine individuals make up nearly 19% of the U.S. population, and their contributions to the country’s economic, social, and political fabric cannot be overstated. From César Chávez’s leadership in the farmworkers’ movement to the cultural and political movements led by contemporary Latine figures who are listed below, these efforts have shaped the social justice landscape in profound ways.

 

Latine Activists You Need to Know

Black and white image of of Dolores Huetra. She smiles, looking at the camera

Dolores Huerta:

 

Co-founder of the United Farm Workers alongside César Chávez, Dolores Huerta has been a lifelong advocate for the rights of farmworkers, immigrants, and women. Her work has paved the way for modern labor movements and continues to inspire activists fighting for equity across the country. The Dolores Huerta Foundation remains active in civic engagement and community organizing.

 

Black and white image of Cristina Jimenez. She smiles.

Cristina Jiménez:

  • An activist and co-founder of United We Dream, the largest immigrant youth-led organization in the U.S. Jiménez has been a leading voice for Dreamers, advocating for immigration reform and protection for undocumented youth. Her work has shaped the national conversation around DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) and continues to be a driving force in the immigrant rights movement.

 

Black and white image of Jose Antonio Vargas. He is talking into a microphone

José Antonio Vargas:

A Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and founder of Define American, Vargas is one of the most prominent voices in the fight for immigrant rights. As an undocumented Asian-Latino Filipino-American, his advocacy centers on challenging the media narrative around immigration and promoting humanized portrayals of undocumented immigrants.

 

Black and white image of Carmen Perez. She looks at the camera with her fist in the air.

Carmen Perez:

As the Executive Director of The Gathering for Justice and a co-founder of the Women’s March, Carmen Perez has been a leader in advocating for civil rights and social justice. Her work emphasizes the importance of building coalitions across communities to fight systemic racism and inequality.

 

The Hispanic Federation:

A non-profit organization focused on uplifting Latinx communities through education, advocacy, and empowerment. The Hispanic Federation has been a leader in advocating for policies that address the needs of Latinx individuals, including immigration reform, access to healthcare, and disaster relief for Puerto Rico.

 

Mijente:

A digital and grassroots organizing hub for Latinx and Chicanx (Mexican heritage) communities that centers on social justice movements. Mijente focuses on addressing issues such as immigration, police violence, and economic justice through a lens of intersectionality, recognizing the diversity within Latinx communities.

 

These activists and organizations exemplify the resilience and passion of Latine communities in the U.S. Their work is a reminder of the ongoing struggle for equity, even in the face of immense political and social challenges.

 

Moving Forward

Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to celebrate the richness of Hispanic and Latine cultures, but it is also a call to action. As we honor the contributions of these communities, we must also acknowledge the systemic challenges they continue to face, particularly around immigration and representation.

For DEI professionals and advocates, this month offers a platform to amplify Latine voices, support policies that foster inclusion, and challenge the structures that perpetuate inequality. The work of activists and organizations leading the fight for justice should be recognized, supported, and integrated into broader conversations about equity and social change.

By celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month with intention and awareness, we take one step closer to creating a more just and inclusive society for all.

 

Did you know?

President of EDS, Elmer Dixon’s book title (“Die Standing”), is a quote from Mexican revolutionary Emiliano Zapata.

Emiliano Zapata was a leading figure in the Mexican Revolution in 1910- 1920 that prioritized social justice and the rights of those in lower classes, particularly on land reform and equitable wealth distribution. Dixon shares “When I think about Emiliano Zapata and his quote that it is ‘Better to die standing than to live on your knees’- that’s the call for justice!” The fight for human rights, which was the central point of the Black Panther Party, was to empower people not to succumb to the injustices that continue to happen in America and later became the reason for it being the title of my memoir, Dixon adds. 

It is a recognition of those people who would rather fight for their freedom rather than give in. The publication of his memoir Die Standing is a call for action that aims to inspire and inform a new generation of revolutionaries by retelling his own powerful story and lived experiences as a member of the Black Panther Party and his transition into becoming a global diversity consultant. This memoir also seeks to interrupt the false and often negative narrative that is associated with the purpose and intent of the Black Panther Party. Dixon’s story is one of many within the party that tirelessly work to support human rights rooted in Black liberation and justice.

You can buy Elmer’s book here: https://twosisterswriting.com/book/die-standing-by-elmer-dixon/

Die Standing Book Cover - by Elmer Dixon

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