That time has come again to celebrate the many contributions Latinos have made in this country. Hispanic Heritage Month runs from September 15 through October 15. This is because this time frame coincides with the independence of four Latin American nations: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Chile and Belize.

During this month and throughout the year, we share our history, heritage, culture and accomplishments of Hispanics and Latino Americans who have contributed in such remarkable ways. As a proud Latina, I wish I could name them all, but my list would be far too long. Here are two remarkable and lesser known heroes that brought positive change to their community.

Sylvia Mendez was born in 1936 and grew up in a time when Hispanics were sent to “Mexican Schools,” and not allowed to attend “Whites Only.” At that time, the white schools had access to better books and educational benefits. Sylvia’s family wished for her to attend a white school. Sylvia’s aunt was told that only her lighter-skinned children could attend the school, but eight-year old Sylvia could not, because her skin was darker. After Sylvia was denied enrollment to the white school, her parents sued the California Public School system. After many arduous years of litigation, Sylvia was finally allowed to attend and became the first Hispanic to enroll in a “white only,” school. What many are not aware of is, that this case, Mendez vs. Westminster, paved the way for the famous Brown vs. Board of Education, that ended segregation.  On February 15, 2011 she was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by former President Obama. This medal is the United States’ highest civilian honor. Sylvia Mendes is now a retired nurse in Fullerton, California. She travels and gives lectures to educate others on the many historic contributions made by her family.

Arturo Schomburg was an Afro-Puerto Rican writer, historian, scholar and activist. He was known for his extensive collection of works on the African Diaspora. He raised awareness of the great contributions that Afro-Latino Americans and African-Americans have made to society.  He also became involved in the Harlem Renaissance movement. Here, he advocated and fought along with other prominent African-Americans to promote and spread their claims to individual, social and political equality. In 1911, he co-founded the Negro Society for Historical Research. This institute brought together African-West Indians, Afro-American scholars, editors, activists and artists to disprove racist scholarship. Arturo-Alfonso Schomburg died on June 10, 1874 in Brooklyn, New York. After his death, the New York Public Library purchased his collections. Today, The Schomburg Center is one of the most notable research libraries on black culture. 

As we learn about the many notable Latino Americans and Hispanics that have contributed greatly to this beautiful nation, remember that we are all first and foremost, children of an amazing God, who is creative and an artist! Let’s celebrate our beautiful cultures and rich histories…together!