Editorial:

Celebrating Hispanic Heritage, culture, and contributions of the Hispanic communities to the United States is a month-long event. It is an opportunity to bask in the glow of the recognition, and a time show off with parades, parties, dances, and special events where exceptional individuals within our communities are celebrated.

   Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to feel good about ourselves and to wrap ourselves in our culture. While, here in San Diego, we focus on the Mexican-American culture, we also celebrate the independence day of five other Latin American countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Nicaragua, and Honduras. But for Mexicans, the highlight of the month is September 16th, Mexican Independence Day.

   While we enjoy the special attention to Hispanic culture and contributions, it is not quite the same as it used to be, nor does it carry the significant as it once did.

   In 1968, Congress proclaimed one week of the year to be dedicated to Hispanic Heritage. Yes, it was only a week back then. Hispanic Heritage Week was seen as an opportunity for education. Teachers across the country taught pupils about the contributions of Hispanics and of the Hispanic cultures, food, language, traditions, and geography.

   In 1968 Hispanics were generally marginalized and primarily limited to certain states such as California, Texas, Florida, and Arizona. But Hispanic Heritage Week was a feel good week. It was the beginning of the recognition of the importance of the Hispanic community and their contributions to American society.

   Little was known, back then, of Hispanic contributions. They were not talked about in school. Few knew of the role Hispanics such as Admiral David Farragut played in the American Revolution, contributions to the Civil War, and the countless sacrifices and Medal of Honor winners. Little was known of our heroes and leaders, our poets or writers, our scientists, and our astronauts.

   We reveled in telling the stories and history of our contributions to the United States. We educated not only other Hispanics but the public in general.

   Hispanic Heritage Week became a month-long celebration in 1988, signed into law by President Ronald Reagan. Hispanic Heritage Month continued to be celebrated in style.

   Today, Hispanics are no longer found in just select states but number well over 50 million and are spread out across the country. Our political leadership is no longer limited to a few but is now omnipresent. Hispanic Heritage Month is now largely sponsored by corporations, aiming for the Hispanic market.

   The numbers and growth of the Hispanic community is no longer surprising or for that matter, even news. The new Census figures just confirm what we see with our eyes. Hispanics and their issues are daily topics. Who goes a day without hearing about immigration? Hispanic contributions are a daily event.

   It is these numbers and the growth of the Hispanic community that have some in the country scared, which in turn drives the call for more border control. But as the numbers show there is no going back. Not only are we the largest minority group in the nation, soon we will be the largest ethnic group in California.

   Yes sir the good old days of when Hispanic Heritage Week was nothing more than an educational opportunity is long gone. Today, Hispanics are the future of this nation!