Hispanic Heritage Month - Women Who Rock

Hispanic Heritage Month kicked off on September 15th! It's a great time for us to celebrate the unique contributions, culture and talents of Hispanic Americans throughout this country. 

I'm a BIG supporter of women.  So, to commemorate Hispanic Heritage Month, I'm celebrating beautiful, smart, talented Hispanic women I love and admire: 

Antonia Novella - First Hispanic American to be named surgeon general of the United States. She was born in Puerto Rico and appointed Surgeon General by president George Bush. She was also the first woman ever to hold the position. #GirlPower

Rita Moreno - The first Hispanic American (and the second person ever) to have won an Oscar, a Grammy, a Tony, and an Emmy.  "Maria" from Westside Story...  #dope

Ellen Ochoa - First female Hispanic astronaut.  Her first of four shuttle missions was in 1991.

Celia Cruz - Bolstering a 40-year singing career, she recorded 23 gold records, appeared in several movies, earned a star on Hollywood's Walk of Fame, and was awarded the American National Media of the Arts by the National Endowment of the Arts. (One of my favorite artists ever!)

Mary Joe Fernandez - Won two grand slam tennis titles for doubles & two Olympic gold medals.

Sonia Sotomayor - First Hispanic U.S. Supreme Court justice.

Rita Hayworth - She was born Margarita Carmen Cansino from Spanish parents, but was made to change her name and hair color in order to get work in Hollywood.  She made a total of 61 films and appeared on the cover of "Life" magazine six times.

Singer, Celia Cruz

Since 1968, the U.S. has honored the important role of Americans whose ancestors hailed from Spain, Mexico and the Spanish-speaking nations of Central America, South America and the Caribbean.  September 15th was chosen as the first day of the celebration because it's the anniversary of independence for Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and El Salvador.  (Mexico celebrates their independence on September 16th and Chile on September 18th.)  

 

Tie Tuesday (Frederick Douglass)

Juneteenth is tomorrow!  It marks the oldest known celebration commemorating the end of slavery in the United States. It was on June 19th (in 1865) that the Union soldiers landed at Galveston, Texas with the news that the war was a wrap and slaves were now free - a WHOLE two years after Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation. *side eye*  News traveled really slow back then. *sigh* 

Juneteenth has always represented history and freedom, but it also represents the culture and achievements of African Americans.  Tomorrow, a statue of Frederick Douglass (1818-1895) will be unveiled in the United States Capitol Visitor Center.  A formal ceremony will be held to honor this former slave turned leader of the abolitionist movement.  I SO wish I could be there!

Douglass was a firm believer in the equality of all people. He sought to embody three keys for success in life:

• Believe in yourself. 
• Take advantage of every opportunity. 
• Use the power of written language to effect positive change for yourself and society.

 When you get a chance, take a look at some of his writings.  Ahhhmaaazing! 

 

Happy Birthday Martin Luther King, Jr.! (10 Things That Might Surprise You About Him)

Martin Luther King, Jr...We celebrate his birthday on the third Monday every January, although technically he was born on January 15th.  He's a hero to so many people.  A great man.  An  inspiration to me. 

I wish I could have met him...not sure what I would have said besides "thank you."  I probably would have just listened mostly.  Anyway....today is his birthday.  As we reflect and remember him, here are some interesting facts that might surprise you: 

OK..one more.  His “traveling bible” will be used to swear in President Obama at his second inauguration.

Martin Luther King's traveling bible.

 

My Video of The Day: Colin Powell & Affirmative Action

I met Colin Powell years ago when he was contemplating a run for the U.S. presidency.  I was so intrigued with him.  After all these years, I still am.  One day....I'm gonna sit down and have a conversation with him.  Watch and see.  

Here's Mr. Powell from HBO's "The Black List", speaking about affirmative action. His words struck a chord with me.  I couldn't have said it better myself.....