In recognition of Latino Heritage Month

Posted by Buffalo Latino Village
Alberto O. Cappas

LATINO HERITAGE MONTH
(Officially known as Hispanic Heritage Month; the writer prefers “Latino”—a topic deserving its own discussion.)
-a subject always in progress-

Introduction:
Latino Heritage Month is a United States observance honoring the histories, cultures, and contributions of Americans whose ancestors hail from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, Central, and South America. The terms “Hispanic” and “Latino” are often used interchangeably, but “Latino” emphasizes ancestry from Latin American countries, including non-Spanish-speaking backgrounds, whereas “Hispanic” refers specifically to Spanish-speaking heritage.
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Origins and Historical Background: Latino Heritage Month was first established as a week-long observance in 1968 under President Lyndon Johnson, thanks to the advocacy of Latino members of Congress. In 1988, President Ronald Reagan signed a law expanding the observance to a full month, from September 15 to October 15. The starting date is historically significant: September 15 marks the independence anniversaries for Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. Mexico celebrates its independence on September 16, and Chile on September 18, all within this period. The purpose of Latino Heritage Month is to acknowledge and celebrate the diverse influence of Latino Americans in shaping U.S. society, from the arts and sciences to sports, politics, and beyond. The observance also encourages reflection on Latino history, advocacy, traditions, and achievements, highlighting both visible contributions and the “quiet strength” of Latino families and communities. With over 60-plus million Latinos in the United States today, this month serves as a powerful reminder of their growing presence and the enrichment they bring to American life. For example, Trump’s victory is attributed to the high number of Latinos that voted for the Republican candidate, a decision that now many regrets due to the president’s horror of his immigration policy.

How Latino Heritage Month Is Celebrated: The month is marked by festivals, educational events, cultural programs, and special proclamations by local elected officials and community leaders. It is a time for teaching and learning about Latino heritage, exploring vibrant cultural expressions—from food and music to art and historical narratives—and inspiring younger generations. In Buffalo, like many other communities, the political history is omitted, emphasizing more on Arts and Culture contribution, and leaving out the struggles of the Latino heroes that made independence possible.

Latino American Independence and Omitted Histories: Most Latino American countries won independence from Spain in the early 19th century, though a few remain non-sovereign territories today. Latino Heritage Month aims to honor the uniqueness of each nation’s fight for freedom, but many leading organizations neglect the historical legacy of struggle and heroism.

Countries That Won Independence:

Mexico: Mexico’s fight for independence began in 1810 and culminated in 1821, marked by mass uprisings led by national figures like Miguel Hidalgo and Agustín de Iturbide. It was the emergence of a new Mexican identity and a rejection of foreign royalist control that shaped its future as a sovereign nation. Heroes: Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla (initiated the independence movement in 1810), José María Morelos (continued the fight), and Agustín de Iturbide (who finalized independence in 1821).

Colombia: Colombia declared independence from Spain in 1810. With the leadership of revolutionary figures such as Simón Bolívar, it became the first South American state to win its freedom, influencing neighboring countries’ liberation movements. Heroes: Simón Bolívar (the Liberator, led the northern territories to independence), Francisco de Paula Santander (Bolívar’s lieutenant and political leader).

Venezuela: Venezuela officially broke from Spain in 1811, experiencing a turbulent civil war between royalists and independence seekers. Manuel Francisco de Miranda and later Simón Bolívar were key figures in the fight that would inspire further revolutions across the continent. Heroes: Simón Bolívar (central figure and military leader), Francisco de Miranda (early revolutionary leader).

Argentina: Argentina gained independence in 1816 after a series of regional revolts and the formation of local governments. The movement was strengthened by dynamics in Europe and the leadership of José de San Martín, sparking broader South American liberation efforts. Heroes: José de San Martín (main military leader), Manuel Belgrano (key revolutionary figure).

Chile: Chile achieved freedom after a long process, with a declaration in 1818 following years of local conflict and civil war. Bernardo O’Higgins and San Martín were essential leaders in the final push for sovereignty. Heroes: Bernardo O’Higgins (leader and first head of state), José de San Martín (helped liberate Chile and then led further campaigns).

Peru: Peru was one of the last regions to break away, declaring independence in 1821, with final Spanish defeat occurring in 1824 after military intervention by Bolívar and San Martín. For years, Lima remained a royalist stronghold until the combined efforts of South American allies prevailed. Heroes: José de San Martín (initial liberation campaign), Simón Bolívar (finished the fight), Antonio José de Sucre (victorious general in battles).

Ecuador, Paraguay, Bolivia, and Central America: Ecuador won freedom in 1822, Paraguay in 1811, and Bolivia in 1825 after epic struggles spearheaded by regional leaders like Sucre and Bolívar. The nations of Central America—Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua—proclaimed independence collectively in 1821, breaking from Spanish colonial governance.
Heroes:
Ecuador: Simón Bolívar and Antonio José de Sucre (led liberation campaigns).
Paraguay: José Gaspar Rodríguez de Francia (led early independence movement).
Bolivia: Antonio José de Sucre (key military leader and first president).
Central America (Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua): Collective declaration with regional leaders like José Cecilio del Valle (Honduras), Manuel José Arce (El Salvador).

Uruguay: Uruguay gained independence in 1825, following conflicts involving Spain, Brazil, and Argentina, with local leader José Artigas playing a central role. Heroes: José Gervasio Artigas (leader of independence movement), with others like Fructuoso Rivera.

Panama: Panama achieved self-rule in 1821, initially joining Gran Colombia and later asserting its own national identity. Heroes: Initially part of Gran Colombia under Bolívar’s leadership.

Cuba: Cuba endured a protracted struggle, gaining formal independence in 1898 though remaining under U.S. influence until 1902. Heroes: José Martí (intellectual and leader), Máximo Gómez (general), Antonio Maceo (commander), Calixto García (leader).

Dominican Republic: The Dominican Republic declared independence several times; its final liberation from Spain came in 1865 after multiple occupations and wars. Heroes: Juan Pablo Duarte, Francisco del Rosario Sánchez, Matías Ramón Mella (the Founding Fathers).

Colonies That Did Not Win Independence:

Puerto Rico: Puerto Rico remains an unincorporated territory of the United States and never attained complete independence from Spain via revolution. “To the victor belongs the spoil.” Puerto Rico transitioned to U.S. administration after the Spanish-American War, and its sovereignty status remains debated, remaining a colony of the US. (see “A Special Case – The Oldest Colony).

Remaining Caribbean Colonies: Other former Spanish Caribbean holdings, like Guam and some islands, remain territories or dependencies, administered by foreign powers. Unlike their mainland counterparts, these lands have not achieved independent national status.

French Guiana: Although not Spanish but important in the context of non-sovereign Latino territories, French Guiana is governed by France and does not have unmediated self-governance.

Note: Most Latino American countries successfully emerged from Spanish rule, inspiring subsequent generations. However, a few territories, notably Puerto Rico, have not achieved their independence—a reminder of ongoing debates about sovereignty and heritage on Latino Heritage Month.

Special Case – The Oldest Colony in the World:

Puerto Rico is often cited as the world’s oldest colony, still facing uncertainty about its status—statehood, commonwealth, or independence—amid U.S. political manipulation and debate. This unresolved colonial situation illustrates the complex realities underlying Latino Heritage Month and serves as a reminder that not all Latino communities have secured freedom and self-determination. Puerto Rico has not achieved full independence, but its history is marked by notable advocates. Here are Puerto Rican Independence and Resistance Figures, unfortunately, not mentioned when celebrating Latino Heritage Month by Puerto Ricans:

• Eugenio María de Hostos: Puerto Rican nationalist, educator, and independence advocate.
• Ramón Emeterio Betances: “Father of the Puerto Rican nation,” fought for abolition and independence; key leader of the 1868 Grito de Lares uprising.
• Segundo Ruiz Belvis: Abolitionist and independence leader, central to the 19th-century resistance.
• These figures symbolize the courage, vision, and unyielding hope that shaped the destinies of their countries and inspired future generations across the Americas.
• Pedro Albizu Campos was the most prominent Puerto Rican nationalist leader of the 20th century, president of the Nationalist Party from 1930 until his death in 1965. Known as “El Maestro” (The Teacher), he led political organizing and armed uprisings against U.S. colonial rule, enduring repeated imprisonment for his activism. Albizu Campos advocated Puerto Rican self-determination and remains a symbol of national pride and resistance.
• Lolita Lebrón was a Puerto Rican nationalist and activist who became internationally known for leading the 1954-armed attack on the U.S. House of Representatives to draw attention to Puerto Rico’s fight for independence. Like Albizu Campos, she faced imprisonment and is remembered as a courageous fighter for Puerto Rican sovereignty and justice.

Note: Places like Puerto Rico, New York City, and Chicano are an exception where these heroes are highly celebrated and remembered and held in high esteem.

We welcome our Facebook friends to comment and add to this topic, especially adding to any misrepresentation or factual information. Let us inform and educate each other. ADD INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR COUNTRY.

Photo: The Buffalo that speaks Spanish, by La Fortaleza Project.