Today we continue our newest series: Knights Sound Off, and we do so in hopes of lifting the voices of our brothers, the Honorable Knights of Omega Delta Phi in regards to current events, fraternal news, as well as other on-goings. From September 15th to October 15th, Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated in the United States. The month long celebration commemorates the contributions and the legacies of those with Hispanic/Latin roots and who’ve played a pivotal role in the shaping of America and her culture.
According to the United States Census Bureau website, “The observance was born in 1968 when Congress authorized the president to issue an annual proclamation designating National Hispanic Heritage Week. Just two decades later, lawmakers expanded it to a monthlong celebration, stretching from September 15 to October 15.
The timing is key. Hispanic Heritage Month — like its shorter precursor — always starts on September 15, a historically significant day that marks the anniversary of independence of five Latin American countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. The designated period is also a nod to those from Mexico and Chile, which celebrate their independence on Sept. 16 and Sept. 18, respectively”
The following Honorable Knights shared their thoughts on Hispanic Heritage Month and what their favorite tradition or custom of their respective culture or community is and why.
Daniel Campos
Alpha Lambda
Stephen F Austin State University
Spring 2020
Background: Baja California, Mexico
“Hispanic Heritage Month gives us a chance to celebrate a lot of the Southern commonalities and the diversity that they bring”
“My favorite aspects of my culture is how close my family stays. Typically you have weekly conversations with your cousins, uncles, aunts, and grandparents. The best part is coming together on Christmas for tamales”
Fernando X Labastida
Alpha Omicron Chapter Alumnus
University of Texas at Dallas
Spring 2011
Background: My mother is from Leon, Nicaragua, my father is from the U.S. and his father (my grandfather) is from Mexico City. As a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer from Ecuador, I had two host families in my service and I consider them family as well.
“Hispanic Heritage Month to me, is not only recognizing the independence of Latin American countries. But also a celebration of the diversity that comes from being Hispanic or Latinx. Identifying the layers of what that means and how we impacted history. Including the impact we make in our communities.
Having a diverse background, my favorite aspects of my culture is universal in the Hispanic community, which is the value of family. My favorite tradition/custom from my Mexican side of the family is Dia de los Muertos. From my Nicaraguan side, its La Griteria and from my Ecuadorian experience, I would have to say Carnaval”
Miguel Angel Rodriguez
Delta Chapter, transfer to Pi Chapter (alumnus)
Texas A&M University, University of Houston
Spring 2016
Background: Mexico through my father, Panama through my mother.
“Hispanic Heritage Month is a special time for me because I get to see how other nationalities celebrate their culture, but as a Panamanian, I feel left out because that timeframe does not include Panama’s Day of Independence which falls on November 3rd.
“One of my favorite things about my culture is that it’s a blend of African, American Indian, North American, and Spanish influences, which are expressed in its traditional arts and crafts, music, religion, sports, and cuisine. I mean we kind of discovered Salsa and that’s still really popular all over Latin America. One of my favorite traditions is Los Carnivales which I have never been to but maybe next year I’ll be able to go to. It happens the weekend right after Ash Wednesday. Arroz con pollo and sancocho are my favorite Panamanian dishes. So to sum it up I love being a Mexican Panamanian American because I’m really the definition of multiethnic diversity and I love a part of Omega Delta Phi because this brotherhood is all about being inclusive to all races and ethnicities”
As we bring Hispanic Heritage Month to a close, the Knights of Omega Delta Phi take time to pay tribute to our roots, our colorful and enduring traditions and customs, our love for our patria and the history that precedes us. Hispanic Heritage Month might end today but the contributions of our people and our place in history is undeniable. Our identities are important and we should be able to take the utmost pride in celebrating who we are and the melting pot that this country and the countries we hail from represent.