Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Heroes

Every year across America communities gather together to celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month, which is observed September 15 to October 15. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, there are more than 56.6 million Hispanics in the United States, and 1 in four children are Hispanic. Hispanic Americans play a part in every aspect of society and have made important contributions to our country. Here are a few of our Hispanic Heritage Heroes:

Sylvia Méndez:

Sylvia Méndez was a key figure in the fight for desegregation in schools. In 1947, she and her family successfully challenged the segregation of Mexican-American students in California schools, leading to the landmark case Mendez v. Westminster. This case laid the groundwork for later desegregation cases, including Brown v. Board of Education.

Dr. Antonia Novello:

Dr. Antonia Novello became the first female and first Hispanic to serve as the United States Surgeon General. She held this position from 1990 to 1993 and focused on public health issues, including advocating for women’s health and addressing substance abuse.

Rodolfo “Corky” Gonzales:

Corky Gonzales was a Chicano activist, boxer, and poet. He was a leading figure in the Chicano Civil Rights Movement and wrote the influential poem “I Am Joaquín,” which expressed the struggles and aspirations of Mexican-Americans.

Héctor P. García:

Dr. Héctor P. García was a physician, veteran, and civil rights advocate. He co-founded the American G.I. Forum, an organization that advocated for the rights of Hispanic veterans, and played a significant role in addressing issues like education, healthcare, and civil rights for Hispanic Americans.

Ellen Ochoa:

Ellen Ochoa is a former astronaut and engineer who became the first Hispanic woman to go to space in 1993 aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery. She later became the director of NASA’s Johnson Space Center, making her the first Hispanic and second female director of the center.

Dolores Huerta:

Dolores Huerta is a labor leader and civil rights activist who co-founded the National Farm Workers Association (later the United Farm Workers) alongside Cesar Chavez. She fought for labor rights and social justice for farmworkers and other marginalized communities.

Pedro Albizu Campos:

Pedro Albizu Campos was a Puerto Rican nationalist leader and lawyer who advocated for Puerto Rico’s independence from the United States. He played a pivotal role in the nationalist movement and was known for his strong stance on Puerto Rican self-determination.

These individuals, among many others, have left a lasting impact on their communities and the United States as a whole. Their stories highlight the diverse and impactful contributions of Hispanic-Americans to various aspects of American society and history.

Clean Advantage is grateful for the Hispanic American contributions to our country and our business.