September 15 to October 15 is National Hispanic American Heritage Month. Hispanic Heritage Month brings light to the cultures, histories, and many contributions of Hispanic and Latin American Countries. This tribute began in 1968 and was originally observed as Hispanic Heritage Week but extended to Hispanic Heritage Month in 1988. Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated in many ways, some of these celebrations include festivals, community gatherings, parades, and more. Below are some influential Hispanic activists and organizations who have made a major contributions in the Hispanic and Latin communities.
1. Raffi Freedman-Gurspan
Raffi Freeman-Gurpsan is a vocal activist for the LGBTQ+ community in U.S government. She serves as the primary liaison for LGBTQ+ issues in the White House. She is an advocate for policy shifts supporting trans inclusion specifically for Latina, Ingenious, transgender women, and transgender people of color.
2. Rodolfo "Corky" Gonzales
Rodolfo "Corky" Gonzales was a boxer, poet, political organizer, and activist, who participated in organizing the Mexican-American fight for equality. As an activist, Gonzales founded the Crusade for Justice, that advocated for the civil rights of Hispanic-Americans. He is well known for his poem "Yo Soy Joaquín" which highlight the abundance of barriers and obstacles that Hispanic-Americans faced in the U.S.
3. Alianza Latina en contra la Agresión Sexual(ALAS)
Alianza Latina en contra la Agresion Sexual(ALAS) is an National Latinx Alliance Against Sexual Violence that was founded in 2004. ALAS consist of Latin-American victim advocates whose mission is to address and prevent sexual violence. There are 14 states that have representation by ALAS. By providing resources and education to Hispanic and Latin communities they can potentially help eliminate barriers for survivors and loved ones. In their attempt to end sexual violence, ALAS understands and respects the needs in their communities, in order to best serve survivors in the Hispanic and Latin-communities.
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