Las Jefas
What it Means to Be
Hispanic American
Today, there are over 57 million
Hispanics/Latinos living in the U.S.,
making up 18 percent of the population,
with over one trillion dollars in purchasing
power. Hispanic Americans are the
largest minority group and the fastest
growing small business segment in
America today.
Hispanics have always played a
major role in the growth, development
and success of this country. The
political, economic, social and cultural
implications of this population
strength are mind-boggling. For
starters, in addition to growing at a rate
four times faster than the general
population, Latinos are creating new
businesses at a rate three times
greater than the general population.
Latinos are also registering to vote
at a rate five times greater than the
general population.
It is our time to continue building a
strong America with our cross-cultural
assets, multi-lingual and multi-ethnic
backgrounds as we grow in the world
markets. We must play an active role
in the nation’s future, economically,
politically and socially, as we grow in
numbers and influence.
At the end of the day - We are ALL
Americanos. We are Americans of
Hispanic descent! Let’s celebrate that!
We are a diverse group. Many tracing
their roots to the cultures of the
indigenous peoples of the Americas,
including the Arawak’s, the Aztecs, the
Incas, the Mayans, and the Tainos. Many
others trace their roots to the Spanish
Conquistadores, or Africans who were
brought as slaves to the New World.
The truth of the matter is that Hispanics
on this continent and in this country,
pre-dates the founding of our nation in
1776 by nearly 300 years.
The Spanish colony of St. Augustine
was established in 1563, El Paso was
founded in 1598, and Santa Fe was
established in 1609. The first permanent
English colony, Jamestown, was not
founded until 1607. Hispanics have
been in this country for over 500 years,
long before there were any Englishmen.
LS
Just think about the many Spanish
names of our states and cities, like;
California, La Florida, San Antonio,
Santa Fe, Los Angeles, San Francisco,
Las Cruces-Las Vegas! ALL are
Spanish names! Want to comment or have any questions on this
Marisa Rivera is president of Mpowerment
Works, a motivational speaker, executive
coach and leadership and empowerment
consultant. Marisa@MpowermentWorks.com.
By Marisa Rivera
This year’s theme for Hispanic Heritage Month is, “Hispanics:
One Endless Voice to Enhance our Traditions.” When I reflect on
the Hispanic American traditions, history and culture, a great sense
of pride comes over me. I was born and raised in San Juan,
Puerto Rico, a United States Commonwealth. My mother was from
Madrid, Spain and my father was from Vieques, Puerto Rico. I
grew up reciting both, the American Pledge of Allegiance and “La
Borrinqueña” (national anthem of P.R.) every morning before we
started classes. I was never asked to choose between my American,
Spanish, Puerto Rican or African roots. Those roots made me who
I am today. I am an American of Hispanic descent. I always have felt
that being multi-cultural, multi-ethnic, multi-lingual has been
an incredible asset.
I look forward to Hispanic Heritage
month every year, because it gives us
the opportunity to showcase the
beauty, the richness, the traditions, the
legacy and the accomplishments of our
Hispanic brothers and sisters. It is that
time of year that we pause to celebrate
and honor and highlight the major
contributions of Hispanic Americans in
this country. It is a time to celebrate our
U.S. Hispanic armed forces soldiers
and veterans who have so bravely fought
for freedom and democracy since the
1800s. A time to celebrate our Hispanic
American sports celebrities, entertainers,
scientists, doctors, researchers, artists,
construction workers, field workers,
health care providers, teachers, and all
who have been part of forming the
backbone of this great nation.
Hispanic Americans and their
descendants have had a profound
and lasting influence on American
history, values, and culture. They have
enhanced and shaped our national
character with century-old traditions
that reflect a history that ties us all together.
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36 www.latinastyle.com LATINAStyle Vol. 24, No. 5, 2018
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