It is once again that time of the year: an occasion to celebrate and highlight the contributions of Hispanic Americans to history and culture within the United States. For this week’s Student Movement, we wanted to highlight the artists that you, the student body, enjoy and look up to, giving our readers the opportunity to celebrate Hispanic culture through the art you appreciate and love. Throughout this article, you have the occasion to meet someone who loves your favorite artist as much as you do, or maybe you can discover a completely new artist who you will absolutely adore!
Yulian A. Tinoco (graduate, clinical mental health counseling) talks here about an influential artist whose work he enjoys, saying:
“He is an actor that passed away almost ten years ago: Roberto Gómez Bolaños (better known as Chespirito [Little Shakespeare] or ‘El Chavó del 8’). What inspires me about him is that he always brought joy to people’s lives and had that as his motivator, which in a way, is what I look up to; just being a person who cares for other people, and he always just kept his community in mind.”
Bolaños was a Mexican actor in the 1960s who wrote and starred in children’s comedy shows. His most famous shows were “El Chavo del Ocho,” in which he played an 8-year-old boy who often took refuge inside a wooden rain barrel in a Mexican neighborhood, and “El Chapulín Colorado,” in which he played a good-hearted superhero who gets involved in humorous situations. He has been celebrated in Latin America for his creative writing and colorful characters, and continues after his death to inspire people to make those around them smile.
Abraham Bravo (senior, political science) speaks out about the impact that Julio Jaramillo had on his childhood:
“When I was younger, my grandfather and father used to play songs from an artist from the 1950s named Julio Jaramillo. His songs always consisted of themes of love, heartbreak, and a nostalgia for the past–all in Spanish. Old romantics, the patriarchs of my family are, and artists like Jaramillo remind me of those values that our culture long has forgotten. While I do this often, during Hispanic Heritage Month, I take time to reflect on the family histories and values that I've inherited. I scrutinize and take pride in my family; always looking back, learning to be better to bring them forward. For I haven't forgotten my culture and nor shall my future children when it becomes their time. So I guess like my father and grandfather I'm still, in a way, a romantic.”
Julio Jaramillo was an Ecuadorian singer who, as Abraham Bravo mentioned, wrote and performed songs with his trustworthy guitar which related to the romantic aspects of life. During his childhood, he discovered his beloved instrument through the means of a neighbor, and he went on to make his own guitar out of bamboo before the age of 17. Of his 2,200 songs, his most famous one is “Nuestro Juramento” (Our Oath).
Brandon Alvarez (junior, biochemistry and business administration) discusses his passion for Juan Luis Guerra, saying :
“A Hispanic artist that inspires me is honestly Juan Luis Guerra. He’s an artist that gets you on your feet, all the while producing music that is so wholesome. I literally listen to him when getting ready or when the sun is out and I’m feeling my best self. I celebrate him during this month by blasting his music in my car or singing it in my head when brushing my teeth. So yeah, I love that guy!”
Juan Luis Guerra is a Dominican artist still active today who specializes in musica tropicale (tropical music) and a pop style of Merengue and Bolero and Afro-pop/Latin fusion. He is one of the most popular latin artists today, having sold over 30 million records worldwide. His most notable works include “Ojalá Que Llueva” (I Wish It Would Rain) and “Mi Bendición” (My Blessing).
Lastly, Nick Bishop (psychology: brain and cognition) talks about his personal experience with his younger brother, offering a moving personal story on how artists close to us can inspire us, saying :
“A Hispanic artist who has inspired me is my brother, Nolan. He is an Argentinian-American glassblower in a field where he is an underrepresented minority, but still manages to succeed at a high level. My brother is a dreamer and has inspired me to dream big my entire life, which is so important to the Hispanic community. I celebrate him by sharing his story to others, in hopes to light the fire inside of others like his story has lit the fire inside of me. Te Quiero Noli [I love you, Noli]!”
Nick’s story and admiration of his brother reminds us that all of us are artists who are going through the canvas of life painting our own personal stories with a unique brush. We can inspire others through our own actions as well as be inspired by those around us, may they be celebrities or loved ones.
Events such as Hispanic Heritage Month are always a wonderful time to immerse oneself in a new culture and to learn about the achievements, difficulties, and lifestyle of the highlighted people. We are reminded of and learn to understand the human experience through the eyes of those around us, and it can be an illuminating time for everyone involved. This momentous occasion is not only for those of Hispanic heritage, but is a celebration for everyone to grow together and to discover something new. Take the time during this year’s Hispanic Heritage Month to communicate with your Hispanic friends and loved ones and discover these wonderful artists who have changed the course of history. Watch one of Chespirito’s shows, listen to Jaramillo’s beautiful music, or watch the movie adaptation of “In The Heights” (2021)!
Happy Hispanic Heritage Month!
The Student Movement is the official student newspaper of Andrews University. Opinions expressed in the Student Movement are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors, Andrews University or the Seventh-day Adventist church.