In honor of Latinx Heritage Month, John Jay College—a Hispanic-Serving Institution—is proudly celebrating the many ways in which Latinx people enriched our country. As part of our “Latinx Celebration” series, we sat down with a talented group of ¡Adelante! students to learn more about their Latinx identity, what this celebration means to them, who in the Latinx community inspires them, and why they are hopeful for the future of Latinx communities.
When Dulce Vega ’24, a Criminology major from Staten Island, New York, found out one of her favorite Latinx singers was Mexican, her world changed. “Knowing that Selena [Quintanilla Perez] was from Mexico and that she made it so far gives me hope about my own future,” says Vega, who is also a proud Mexican. “Her life was cut short. But, in her 23 years she managed to leave behind a lasting legacy that has inspired and empowered Mexican girls everywhere. When she got up on that stage to perform, she was herself and the world loved her. It shows us all, especially Latinx women, that we can show up to the table as ourselves, with our Latinidad. And, being ourselves, is more than enough.” We chatted with Vega to find out how she celebrates her Latinx identity and to learn more about how Latinx women, like Selena, have inspired her throughout her life.
What does your Latinx identity mean to you?
Being Latinx means the world to me. It’s what makes me unique. My Latinx identity means I am a hard-working, smart, compassionate, driven person. Most importantly, to me, being Latinx means that I’m part of a great community that supports and encourages one another.
“I’m most proud of the women in the Latinx community. Not only the women I personally know, but also the Latinx women who have left their mark on the world stage.” —Dulce Vega
What Latinx achievements are you particularly proud of?
I’m most proud of the women in the Latinx community. Not only the women I personally know, but also the Latinx women who have left their mark on the world stage. I find women like Dolores Huerta inspiring. She helped create the United Farmers Workers organization and worked tirelessly to improve the working conditions for farm workers. By leading boycotting, picketing, and protesting efforts, she was able to let the world know about the inhumane conditions farm workers were dealing with. She fought so that their wages and living conditions could be improved. I’m also proud of the things Latinx artists have achieved in the entertainment world. The one that’s had the most impact on me is the late Tejano singer Selena. She was Mexican, grew up in Texas, and was this huge Latinx pop star in the ’90s. She began her career singing in Spanish but crossed over into the mainstream market with an English pop album shortly before her death. I always grew up admiring Selena’s drive to succeed and uplift the Mexican community—she was so proud of her roots. Most of all, her compassion for people was really touching.
“We Latinx people bring joy, love, and excitement to everything we do.” —Dulce Vega
How has the Latinx community enriched your life and our society?
The Latinx community has enriched my life and our society in so many ways. We Latinx people bring joy, love, and excitement to everything we do. From our delicious food, to our beautiful music, to our tight-knit, family-oriented communities—it’s always an experience filled with love. It feels great to be part of such a caring community.
How do you personally embrace your Latinx culture?
I embrace my Latinx culture by sharing traditions from the culture with my friends. I’m constantly teaching my friends Spanish words and inviting them to try our delicious food. I’ve introduced so many of my friends to the different varieties of our amazing music.
“I would love to meet Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. She is everything I want to be when I grow up. She’s a strong, inspiring, and fearless woman who fights for what she believes in.” —Dulce Vega
If you could meet any Latinx thought leader, artist, educator, visionary, or cultural icon who would it be and why?
This is a tough question because the Latinx community is full of so many great and inspiring people. However, right now, I would love to meet Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. She is everything I want to be when I grow up. She’s a strong, inspiring, and fearless woman who fights for what she believes in. It feels amazing to know that someone is fighting for us, and the fact that she’s Latinx, is even more inspiring.
Finish this sentence for me, I'm proud of my Latinx heritage because...
I am proud of my Latinx Heritage because it inspires me to work harder and do better each and every day.
