National Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated annually from September 15 – October 15. Latin America comprises many countries and traditions from the Caribbean to Central and South America as well as Mexico. Latinos have made and continue to make significant contributions to music, art, leadership, sports, and more in the United States. The Michigan eLibrary (MeL) offers myriad resources to celebrate and explore Latino culture.
Music
Bad Bunny dominates today’s music charts, however, many artists influence sounds on our current playlists. Tito Puente, the “King of Mambo” was a prolific musician and bandleader. The Library of Congress selected his 1958 album Dance Mania for its National Recording Registry. Tejano superstar Selena Quintanilla Perez was on the cusp of mainstream success when her life tragically ended at the age of 23, but her influence continues today. Guitar legend Carlos Santana has been leaving audiences in awe since Woodstock. American Sabor: Latinos and Latinas in US Popular Music spotlights Latino musical influence in five American cities throughout the years.
Art
From photography in Elizabeth Ferrer’s Latinx Photography in the United States: A History to Moctezuma's Table: Rolando Briseños Mexican and Chicano Tablescapes there is an artistic feast to explore. The Library of Congress’ 2020 blog post depicts works of Latino artists throughout the United States . Get insights shared by contemporary artists like Gabriella Sanchez and Ramiro Gomez in We Are Here: Visionaries of Color Transforming the Art World. Finally, delve into the life of culinary artist and chef Aarón Sánchez in Where I Come From: Life Lessons from a Latino Chef.
Leadership
Novelist Plus is a helpful tool in one’s quest to study Latino leaders in literature and beyond. The book Nuestra America: 30 Inspiring Latinas/Latinos Who Have Shaped the United States features influential people like labor leader Dolores Huerta, librarian Pura Belpré, engineer Sylvia Acevedo, and US Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor. Another compilation of influential leaders listed is Latinitas: celebrating 40 big dreamers! Both of these titles are available through MeLCat if your home library doesn’t have a copy. Latino Leaders Speak Personal Stories of Struggle and Triumph is available 24/7 through MeL’s eBook Public Library Collection and offers wisdom from individuals who are leaders in government, NASA, media, film, and advertising.
May this month be filled with opportunities to recognize the many contributions Latinos have made to the rich history of the United States.
If you have any MeL eResources questions or issues, contact melerhelp@mcls.org for help.
Brought to you by Heather Wood-Gramza from the MeL Team.
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This project was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services through the Library of Michigan.
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