CALÓ on the Street: What does Latino Heritage Month mean to you?

Hispanic Heritage Month is a celebration that spans across the months of September and October, from September 15 to October 15. The month recognizes the trials and tribulations of our ancestors that impact our history. Around the country, many people honor this through parades, festivals and more.

The community of East Los Angeles is known for its massive population of Latinos, along with so many murals and public art featured on the streets. East Los Angeles is also home to the Chicano movement and historic protests, including the Zoot Suit Riots that pitted innocent Latinos against mobs of U.S. serviceman in 1943. In addition, East Los Angeles is home to a wide range of Latinos, Hispanics and Chicanos alike, so CALÓ News met new people on the street, and asked East LA locals what Hispanic Heritage Month means to them and about what they love about their culture.

Yolanda Sanchez, 47, Nurse/Case Manager, Pico Rivera

WHAT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF WHEN IT COMES TO HISPANIC CULTURE?

“Hispanic culture to me is first and foremost the food, and all the diversity that we have, such as different cultures and different ways we celebrate and how countries speak the same language. If you go to a different country, they will celebrate and talk one way, and if you go to a different country, they will celebrate in so many different ways, with different atmospheres, traditions and things to learn. For example, if we speak Spanish, what something means to me, can mean something different to you. My husband is from Mexico, and I’m from El Salvador and he’ll say what something is to him and I disagree.”

WHO IS A HISPANIC/LATINO ICON/PERSON YOU LOOK UP TO?

“Recently, our President from El Salvador, Nayib Bukele, I think, because of the turnaround he did for the country. It used to be a country you wouldn’t go near and now you can visit in peace. It went from a place of crime to a peaceful place, and he’ll be the most of the impactful people as he turned it into a safe place for people to live. His turnaround has an impact and I hope others can follow his example.”

WHAT DOES BEING HISPANIC MEAN TO YOU? WHAT IS THE PASSION BEHIND IT?

“The passion is the different cultures we inherit here. Our parents come here, and we get used to something different and need to adapt. But when you go back, you see the difference in how people live in other countries. It allows you to admire the little things you enjoy and the privileges you have.” 

HOW HAVE YOU DEVELOPED AN UNDERSTANDING OF YOUR CULTURE AND APPRECIATED IT MORE?

“I go to different fairs, like fairs for El Salvador, Mexico, Puerto Rico and I take my kids so they can see the difference between them but know that we are all connected in some way. They become curious about what they see and it makes them want to visit those countries and learn more. I’ve never really met someone who is really proud of where they come from, so I have to teach myself and my kids.”

WHERE ARE YOU/YOUR FAMILY FROM?

“I was born in Cuscatla, El Salvador, but moved here when I was four years old.”

WHAT ARE SOME WAYS YOU HONOR YOUR CULTURE? (EVERYDAY ACTIONS, TRADITIONS OR MORE)

“The food, different ornaments—I have a big passion for colorful things, so I like to collect colorful keychains, kitchen magnets and ornaments from different places I’ve visited. I haven’t been to a lot of places, but I’ve collected from there.”

David Meneses, 23, Vendor/College Student, East Los Angeles

WHAT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF WHEN IT COMES TO HISPANIC CULTURE?

“My family is from Mexico and I’m proud of the community and how they help each other out. I’m also proud of graduating from high school and going to college” 

WHO IS A HISPANIC/LATINO ICON/PERSON YOU LOOK UP TO?

“I would say, Gabriel Iglesias, because of the way he came from nothing and now he’s one of the biggest comedians to represent Hispanic culture.”

WHAT DOES BEING HISPANIC MEAN TO YOU? WHAT IS THE PASSION BEHIND IT?

“It makes me feel proud because I get to experience two different cultures and you’re more open-minded to certain things. If you’re based off of one culture, you don’t know what happens outside of your community.”

IS THERE A PERSON IN YOUR LIFE WHO HAS HELPED YOU UNDERSTAND YOUR CULTURE MORE?

“My parents always tell me that I have to be better than they have, since they left their home behind to live a better life.”

WHERE ARE YOU/YOUR FAMILY FROM?

“I was born here but my family is from Puebla, Mexico”

WHAT ARE SOME WAYS YOU HONOR YOUR CULTURE? (EVERYDAY ACTIONS, TRADITIONS OR MORE)

“On Día de los Muertos, my family always has an ofrenda to celebrate, as well as the second of December, when they celebrate the Virgin Mary.”

Michelle Ruelas, 20, KIPP Sol Academy Receptionist, Boyle Heights 

WHAT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF WHEN IT COMES TO HISPANIC CULTURE?

“Something I am most proud of when it comes to my Hispanic culture is how I have seen multiple people come together as one when it comes to community issues or standing up for our Hispanic race.”

WHO IS A HISPANIC/LATINO ICON/PERSON YOU LOOK UP TO?

“A Hispanic/Latino icon that I look up to would be Dolores Huerta and how, at 93 years of age, she still stands for Hispanic and Latino labor rights.”

WHAT DOES BEING HISPANIC MEAN TO YOU? WHAT IS THE PASSION BEHIND IT?

“Being Hispanic to me means coming together and being one with more than just yourself but with a community and really looking out for one another, not just ourselves. To protect what we believe in and fight for what we see is not right.” 

IS THERE A PERSON IN YOUR LIFE WHO HAS HELPED YOU UNDERSTAND YOUR CULTURE MORE?

A person in my life who has helped me understand more of my culture has been my great-grandma. She always had me involved in Mexican traditions in my elementary school or at our local Catholic Church and she made sure I knew the language that many Hispanics and Latinos use, Spanish.”

WHERE ARE YOU/YOUR FAMILY FROM?

“I was born in Los Angeles but have Mexican blood coming from Mexicali and Sinaloa.” 

WHAT ARE SOME WAYS YOU HONOR YOUR CULTURE? (EVERYDAY ACTIONS, TRADITIONS OR MORE)

“An everyday action that I do to honor my culture is to speak Spanish. I think speaking the language every day, whether I am with my family or at work, has allowed me to remember more and more about my culture and what we are known for.” 

Maria Perulero, 32, KIPP Sol Academy Office Assistant, East Los Angeles 

WHAT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF WHEN IT COMES TO HISPANIC CULTURE?

“What I am most proud of when it comes to Hispanic culture, is that family is always important.” 

WHAT DOES BEING HISPANIC MEAN TO YOU? WHAT IS THE PASSION BEHIND IT?

“To me, being Hispanic means family, my roots, my brown skin and my culture.”  

IS THERE A PERSON IN YOUR LIFE WHO HAS HELPED YOU UNDERSTAND YOUR CULTURE MORE?

“My family and I left Mexico when I was small. But growing up, my mom would always talk about our traditions and celebrate them.” 

WHERE ARE YOU/YOUR FAMILY FROM?

“I was born in Acapulco, and my mom was born in Mexico City.” 

WHAT ARE SOME WAYS YOU HONOR YOUR CULTURE? (EVERYDAY ACTIONS, TRADITIONS OR MORE)

“I honor my culture by being proud of who I am and where I come from. By making my daughter a part of the traditions I had growing up, and telling her about where we come from.”

Geraldine Galindo, 32 years old, KIPP Sol Academy Business Operations Manager, East Los Angeles

WHAT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF WHEN IT COMES TO HISPANIC CULTURE?

“I am proud of the values we have around family and community. I grew up in Boyle Heights and I remember that even though most of us struggled in different ways, we all made an effort to feel connected and included. Schools, parks, libraries and public spaces were always filled with resources and events.”

WHO IS A HISPANIC/LATINO ICON/PERSON YOU LOOK UP TO?

“I have always been motivated by the work of César Chavez and Dolores Huerta. They have inspired me to believe in the power of community. They brought together many different leaders to create a voice for the Latino community. I also admire the work that Dolores Huerta has continued to do throughout the years with a focus on representation as a woman of color.” 

IS THERE A PERSON IN YOUR LIFE WHO HAS HELPED YOU UNDERSTAND YOUR CULTURE MORE?

“My mother was someone who helped me understand the importance of culture. She allowed me to find my identity as first generation here in the United States. I learned to be authentic and to embrace my roots from Guatemala as well. I always grew up thinking I had to be one or the other. My mother rooted me in my values but pushed me to become the best version of myself.” 

WHAT ARE SOME WAYS YOU HONOR YOUR CULTURE? (EVERYDAY ACTIONS, TRADITIONS OR MORE)

“I honor my mother and community by being in a leadership position that helps me transform and impact lives daily for our [KIPP Sol Academy] students. I embrace speaking Spanish and supporting Spanish speakers in feeling comfortable with the language. I work with many parents and I always make it a point to ensure that they feel heard and understood. I am proud to serve as a leader in the community of East Los Angeles.”

Stephanie Vargas, 41, Afterschool Advocate/Community Representative, East Los Angeles 

WHAT DOES BEING HISPANIC/HISPANIC HISTORY MONTH MEAN TO YOU? 

“We honor Hispanic Heritage Month to recognize and celebrate our rich culture and long-held traditions that have become part of the fabric of our nation, where the Hispanic community has played a vital role in American society. Our cultural contributions have been legendary, whether it be in music, the love of our family, or how we express ourselves through our food.

“It is incredibly important that we take pride in our culture and celebrate everything we have in it. Today, we continue to advance communities across the country as small business owners, veterans, teachers, and public servants, among many other professions. This resolution is an important part of that celebration because Hispanic Heritage Month allows us to recognize our achievements and contributions to our national story.”