Each year, Americans observe National Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15 by celebrating the histories, cultures, and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America.
We are pleased to share a few resources, including books, movies, and podcasts, to help you get started in your Hispanic Heritage Month celebration!
Books
1) The Undocumented Americans by Kayla Cornejo Villaviencio (2020)
One of the first undocumented immigrants to graduate from Harvard reveals the hidden lives of her fellow undocumented Americans in this deeply personal and groundbreaking portrait of a nation.
2) The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo (2018)
Elizabeth Acevedo writes of an Afro-Latina heroine who tells her story with blazing words and powerful truth.
3) Unforgetting: A Memoir of Family, Migration, Gangs, and Revolution in the Americas by Roberto Lovato (2020)
A timely and no-holds-barred tale of gang life, guerilla warfare, immigration, and intergenerational trauma, Robert Lovato’s memoir reflects on his life and examines many of the self-serving myths underlying modern American culture.
4) Las Biuty Queens by Ivan Monalisa Ojeda, translated by Hannah Kauders (2021)
Drawing from his/her own experience as a trans performer, sex worker, and undocumented immigrant, Iván Monalisa Ojeda chronicles the lives of Latinx queer and trans immigrants in New York City.
5) Gordo by Jamie Cortez (2021)
The first ever collection of short stories by Jaime Cortez, Gordo is set in a migrant workers camp near Watsonville, California in the 1970s.
Movies
1) Roma directed by Alfonso Cuaron (2018)
A year in the life of a middle-class family’s maid in Mexico City in the early 1970’s.
2) Coco directed by Adrian Molina and Lee Unkrich (2017)
Aspiring musician Miguel, confronted with his family’s ancestral ban on music, enters the Land of the Dead to find his great-great-grandfather, a legendary singer.
3) I’m No Longer Here directed by Fernando Frias (2020)
In Monterrey, Mexico, a young street gang spends their days dancing to slowed-down cumbia and attending parties. After a mix-up with a local cartel, their leader is forced to migrate to the U.S. but quickly longs to return home.
4) Bad Hair directed by Mariana Rondon (2014)
A nine-year-old boy’s preening obsession with straightening his hair elicits a tidal wave of homophobic panic in his hard-working mother.
5) Y Tu Mamá También directed by Alfonso Cuaron (2002)
In Mexico, two teenage boys and an older women embark on a road trip and learn a thing or two about life, friendship, sex, and each other.
Podcasts
1) Latina to Latina
In this interview series, host Alicia Menendez talks to remarkable Latinas about making it, faking it, and everything in between.
2) Latinx On The Rise
Latinx On The Rise focuses on conversations with high-achieving Latinx movers and shakers.
3) La Brega
A seven-part podcast series that uses narrative storytelling and investigative journalism to reflect and reveal how la brega has defined so many aspects of life in Puerto Rico. Available in English and Spanish.
4) Barrio Chef
Mike Gonzalez explores Hispanic food, culture, history, recipes and everything that makes this food so special
5) Tamarindo Podcast
Hosted by Brenda Gonzalez and Ana Sheila Victorino discuss Latinx politics, culture, and how to keep your calm with well-being practices and self-love.
