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Hispanic Heritage Month starts in September and is the perfect opportunity to introduce and study Latino individuals who have made significant contributions across various fields, from science to civil rights to the arts. Here are just a few important Latino figures from the past and the present who you can teach about not only during this month, but throughout the year. By weaving these individuals’ stories into the curriculum, educators can foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of the impact Latino individuals have made on our world.
4 Historical Hispanic Leaders and Their Impact
Luis Álvarez (1911-1988)
Luis W. Álvarez was an experimental physicist and inventor who worked on the Manhattan Project. After World War II, he went on to win the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1968 for his significant contributions to particle physics, particularly for his work in developing the bubble chamber, which advanced the study of subatomic particles. Later in his career, in collaboration with his son, Álvarez proposed the theory that a massive asteroid impact caused the extinction of the dinosaurs, a hypothesis that has greatly influenced the field of paleontology.
Dolores Huerta (b. 1930)
Dolores Huerta is a prominent labor leader and civil rights activist who co-founded the United Farm Workers (UFW) alongside Cesar Chavez. Huerta played a crucial role in improving working conditions for farmers, and coined the phrase “Sí, se puede” (Yes, we can), which became a rallying cry for the movement. She has remained an active advocate for social justice, women’s rights, and workers’ rights.
Roberto Clemente (1934-1972)
Roberto Clemente was a professional baseball player who became one of the most revered figures in Major League Baseball history. He played 18 seasons as a right fielder for the Pittsburgh Pirates, where he was a 15-time All-Star, won 12 Gold Glove Awards, and was the National League MVP in 1966. Off the field, Clemente was deeply committed to humanitarian work, often using his platform to advocate for racial equality and support for underserved communities. He died in a plane crash while delivering aid to earthquake victims in Nicaragua, cementing his legacy as a humanitarian.
Sylvia Mendez: (b. 1936)
Nine-year-old Sylvia Mendez etched her name in history in 1946 when she became one of the first people to integrate the all-white 17th Street Elementary School in Santa Ana, California. The landmark case of Mendez vs. Westminster paved the way for Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka, which outlawed school segregation in the United States. Mendez, who grew up to become a nurse, received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2011.
4 Present-Day Hispanic Figures to Teach About
Sonia Marzano (b. 1950)
Sonia Manzano is a first-generation American actress, screenwriter, and author. For over 40 years, she entertained and educated millions of children through her portrayal of Maria on Sesame Street. She joined the production of Sesame Street in 1971, and eventually began writing scripts for the series. Her contributions to the show as a writer awarded her 15 Emmy Awards, along with a Lifetime Achievement Emmy Award.
Ellen Ochoa (b. 1958)
Ellen Ochoa is an American engineer and astronaut, known for being the first Hispanic woman to travel to space. Born in Los Angeles, California, Ochoa earned a Ph.D. in electrical engineering from Stanford University, where she conducted pioneering research on optical systems for space exploration. In 1993, she made history aboard the space shuttle Discovery, where she served as a mission specialist. Over her NASA career, Ochoa logged nearly 1,000 hours in space across four missions. She later became the 11th Director of NASA’s Johnson Space Center, the first Hispanic and second female director in its history. Ochoa is also a passionate advocate for STEM education and has received numerous awards for her contributions to science and space exploration.
Lin-Manuel Miranda (b. 1980)
Lin-Manuel Miranda is a composer, actor, and playwright, who is best known for creating and starring in the Broadway musicals Hamilton and In the Heights. Born in New York City, Miranda has revolutionized musical theater with his unique blend of hip-hop, R&B, and traditional musical theater styles. His work has received numerous accolades including a Pulitzer Prize, three Tony Awards, two Emmy Awards, and five Grammy Awards, along with nominations for two Academy Awards. In addition to his work on stage, Miranda has contributed to film, including composing music for Disney’s Encanto. He is a passionate advocate for arts education and Puerto Rican cultural preservation.
Xiuhtezcatl Martínez (b. 2000)
Xiuhtezcatl Martínez is an environmental activist, hip-hop artist, and youth leader of Indigenous and Mexican heritage. He gained prominence as a young advocate for climate action, starting his activism at just six years old, and is currently the youth director of Earth Guardians, a global organization focused on environmental justice. Through his music and activism, he advocates for Indigenous rights, environmental sustainability, and youth empowerment, blending art with activism to inspire global changes.
For classroom resources for teaching Hispanic heritages, cultures, and histories, head over to TPT to find what you need or check out this blog post with resources from Latino educators. For tips on how to teach about Hispanic Heritage Month respectfully, check out this quick guide from a Latina Teacher-Author in the TPT community.
