Time For TEA Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month
Hispanic Heritage Month is a month-long celebration of the contributions, influence, and culture that have impacted history. Hispanic Heritage Month originated in 1968, establishing Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson and in 1988 extended to a month-long recognition under the leadership of President Ronald Reagan.
The Hispanic culture is a diverse heritage of solid values, lifestyle, rich history, and community. As the world recognizes Hispanic Heritage Month, Time For TEA wants to highlight some of our fantastic team members that honor, celebrate, and take pride in their Hispanic heritage.
In a short Q & A, check out some of their favorite foods, memories growing up, and more.
Kevin Rodriguez, Graphic Designer
Pictured is Kevin and his sister at her quinceañera
What is your nationality?
I am Cuban American. My dad was born in Cuba and came to the US when he was just five years old. My grandparents on both my mom and dad’s side were born in Cuba and grew up there.
What is your favorite food/cuisine?
My favorite dish is Arroz Con Pollo. I remember my mom making this a lot growing up, and she even taught my sister and me how to make it. I can eat this every day, and it’s so good!
Do you speak fluent Spanish?
Yes, I speak fluent Spanish. Of course, I learned Spanish more in school since my family mostly used English, but most of my family is fluent in Spanish.
Tell us one historical fact about your heritage?
One historical fact about Cuba that relates to my family is an operation known as Operation Pedro Pan, which consisted of evacuating over 14,000 Cuban children to the US via airplane. This operation was created after rumors broke out that the Cuban communist party would terminate parental rights and take minors from their parents. The Pedro Pan operation helped bring children to Miami, FL; all enrolled in school. The fun fact is that my grandfather was one of these kids, and this is how he came to the US.
What is your favorite memory growing?
My favorite memory growing up from my Cuban heritage is celebrating my sister and cousin’s quinceañera (15th birthday), which is a tradition that is done in both Cuba and many other Latin American countries. This celebration marks the transition from childhood to young adulthood.
What makes you most proud of your Hispanic heritage?
What makes me proud to be Cuban is growing up learning about all the culture and history. I am proud of my family who took a major risk in leaving Cuba and coming to the U.S. for a better life with more opportunities. The social injustice that Cubans today and 60 years ago face makes it difficult to sometimes celebrate and be proud of being Cuban. Nonetheless, my family has always shown me parts of the culture that we should be proud of and share with others like all the delicious food, the music, and most importantly the family values that keep us all together.
Finally, if you were to visit your homeland, what is one thing on your list to do?
I have never visited Cuba, but I hope to do so one day, and I would love to go see the place where both my grandparents and father grew up.
Pablo Ortiz, Events Coordinator
Pablo was born in Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico. This photo was taken at Ciales, a very small "pueblito" on the scenic mountain route in "La Cordillera Central"
What is your nationality? Puerto Rican
What is your favorite food/cuisine?
Pollo Guisado con Arroz Mamposteao
Do you speak fluent Spanish? Claro Que si!
Tell us one historical fact about your heritage?
Bomba Plena was a music form that the Africans introduced.
What is your favorite memory growing up?
Anytime during the Holidays. We would participate in 'Parrandas' where the community would go house to house bringing food, drinks, and music. A spiced-up version of caroling!
What makes you most proud of your Hispanic heritage?
I love how culturally and racially diverse Puerto Rico is. Growing up, many people would try to lessen my ethnicity due to my light skin tone. However, I have learned to embrace it, and I know that we all come from the most beautiful island in the world, no matter the skin, hair, or eye color!
Finally, if you were to visit your homeland, what is one thing on your list to do?
As always, see my family. BUT I would love to see parts of the island I have not gotten to see, such as Culebra and Vieques.
Tracey Phipps, Founder and Executive Director
This photo is of Tracey’s grandmother pictured in the center and all of her children with their children all attached to her like roots!
What is your nationality? Dominican
What is your favorite food/cuisine? Mofongo
Do you speak fluent Spanish? Yes
Tell us one historical fact about your heritage? The Dominican Republic used to be known as Hispaniola before Haiti and DR were separated.
What is your favorite memory growing up?
I felt more like I learned to embrace my nationality as I got older, but I really enjoyed smelling all the good food my mom would cook!
What makes you most proud of your Hispanic heritage?
Knowing that I come from a country with so much diversity in skin tone, hair texture, body types, and dialects.
Finally, if you were to visit your homeland, what is one thing on your list to do? Go straight to my aunt's house for a mofongo con Camarones!
Shantell Campbell, Social Media Manager
Shantel is pictured in Casco Viejo, Panama
What is your nationality? - Panamanian
What is your favorite food/cuisine?
Hojaldres is a deliciously fluffy, crispy fried dough that pairs perfectly with virtually any breakfast item!
Do you speak fluent Spanish? Mas o menos!
Tell us one historical fact about your heritage? “Panama is the only country in the world where you can see the sunrise in the Pacific Ocean and set on the Atlantic Ocean. Also, Panama was able to become a center for international trade, and the capital city, Panama City, is currently the wealthiest city in Central America. Roughly 14,000 ships transit the Panama Canal each year!"
What is your favorite memory growing up?
My favorite memory growing up is visiting my grandma’s in the summertime! Funny story. Both of my parents grew up only 10 minutes from each other in Panama but never met until moved to the United States in their 20's. So, whenever I visit Panama, I go to one grandmother’s house and take a short taxi ride to the other. I have so many great memories of just sitting on the porch watching the sunset and chatting it up with Abuelita!
What makes you most proud of your Hispanic heritage?
What makes me proud of the Panamanian heritage is the Afro-Caribbean culture. “Between 1907 and 1914, thousands of Afro-Caribbean workers were recruited from Jamaica, Barbados, and Trinidad to build the Panama Canal. By the 1930s, this migration had changed the demographics of Panama City, and Colón City around the Canal! Because of the Caribbean influence, Panama is the inception of many Caribbean-Latino-infused things such as reggaeton. The marriage of the two cultures and what has come of it makes me so proud to be Panameña!”
Finally, if you were to visit your homeland, what is one thing on your list to do?
I would visit San Blas! San Blas is an archipelago in Panama comprised of approximately 365 islands and cays. The water is crystal clear, it has sandy white beaches and San Blas is also home to the native inhabitants called Kunas. This community of proud people has its own laws, norms. I’ve never been and would love to visit it one day!
Alayna Pagan, Social Media Coordinator
What is your nationality? Puerto Rican!
What is your favorite food/cuisine?
There are so many delicious choices to choose from! One of my favorites must be Mofongo Con Camarones.
Do you speak fluent Spanish?
Unfortunately, no, I grew up in a small town where there weren't many Hispanics, so I spoke mainly English. However, my family does speak Spanish, so I am able to understand it when spoken to!
Tell us one historical fact about your heritage?
Two-thirds of the island was a U.S. naval base 60 years. The Navy used the area for bombing and military training purposes. However, after the accidental death of a civilian, the area was abandoned as a Navy base and eventually became a wildlife reserve.
What is your favorite memory growing up?
Salsa music blasting through the house every Sunday Morning. This meant it was time to get up and do the weekly house clean.
What makes you most proud of your Hispanic heritage?
I love that we come in all different shape sizes and colors! We are so diverse, and I feel like that really makes us unique.
Finally, if you were to visit your homeland, what is one thing on your list to do?
The first thing I would do is visit Luquillo Beach. This beach is beautiful, and the waves are great if you love bodyboarding and surfing!