Hispanic Heritage Month: is it Necessary?

Is there a need for a Hispanic Heritage Month? Do we really need a whole month set aside to recognize the accomplishments of Hispanics? I never thought so. But after reading about Ken Burns much vaunted documentary about World War II, I am beginning to change my mind just a little. Hispanics in general, and Mexican Americans in particular have served in every American war with distinction and honor, surpassing every other ethnic group in the country in garnering medals of honor, yet Burns chose to ignore this not so trivial fact. It’s not that he did not do his homework, because Burns is known for his attention to detail in everything he does. I don’t like using the term minority, but if we are to believe the numbers, then Hispanics are, at least numerically, minorities, and again, if we are to believe the facts and numbers regarding Hispanics in wartime, in terms of courage, bravery, loyalty and patriotism, they are the majority. A pretty hard fact for Ken Burns to ignore.

Not until Mexican American groups threatened to boycott both the documentary and the advertisers did Burns agree to add to his film. Considering the buying power of Hispanics in this country, you know he had no other choice. Under pressure he added 24 minutes of extra footage. Now I really do not have a problem with anyone telling a story from their own perspective. His film, his prerogative , however, just don’t call it a historical documentary, because that is deception, that is half truths and not factual, and I have a problem with anyone passing off lies and half truths as historical fact.

So do we need a Hispanic Heritage Month? I really don’t know. What I do know is that many people have never heard of Cesar Chavez, especially young people, and some of those think he was a boxing champion. I know that most Americans have never heard of Juan Seguin, a Texas patriot of Mexican heritage that fought at the Alamo along with Davy Crockett and Jim Bowie, commanding a fighting force made up of Mexicans fighting for a free Texas. What I do know is that most Americans have no clue that Mexican Americans have been in this land for centuries. Hispanics, and again, Mexican Americans in particular have earned their place in America. They have made contributions in every field and will continue to do so. From the food industry, to entertainment , to law enforcement, to politics, and sports, Hispanics have made their mark. Every American, whether they are African American, Asian, Irish, Italian, Native American or Hispanic, should be able to wake up every day ready to face the day with confidence, knowing that they are a viable, contributing part of this country. We should settle for nothing less.

Cesar Chavez 1927-1993

By Randy De La O

After my own father, there are few men in this world, that I have personally met, that I truly look up to as heroic. Cesar Chavez was such a man. I remember listening to the evening news during the 1960's and listening to the struggles of Chavez and the United Farm Workers. I remember wondering what could drive a man to hurt himself, damage his body for a cause, as he did during his long fast, in his attempt to bring the struggles of the farm workers into the American consciousness. To this day it is still hard to fathom. Even as a young teen, I was aware that Cesar Chavez was someone special, someone deserving of our respect. Whether or not you agreed with his views, whether you are liberal of conservative, you would be hard pressed not to respect his dedication to his own beliefs. He never left the struggle. He remained living in the same small home with his wife, that he had lived in for years. He never commercialized his life, he never sold out to those that believed in him. It is important to me that Chavez is recognized as an American first and foremost, and this was how he presented the farm workers, as Americans deserving of better, deserving of respect.

My son Andrew and I were fortunate enough to meet this great man in 1992, about a year before his death in April of 1993. My friend Tim Rodriguez was the manager of Valdez bookstore in Uptown Whittier and gave me a heads up on Chavez' book signing, knowing how I felt about Chavez. It remains a moment in my life that I will never forget. Andrew and I had a chance to have a personal conversation with him, as he told us about the problems facing the farm workers. He was such a humble man, it belied his accomplishments, and he was surprised at the importance that Andrew and I put in meeting him and shaking his hand. He gave me a UFW flag that he personally signed for me, as well as a video that showed the results of harmful pesticides in vegetables grown in central California.

"I come here today to honor you for the long and patient commitment you have made to this struggle for justice. And, I come here to say that we will fight together to achieve for you the aspirations of every American: decent wages, decent housing, decent schooling, a chance for yourselves and your children. You stand for justice and I am proud to stand with you. Viva la causa!"-- Robert F. Kennedy, 1968