In honor of Latinx Heritage Month, John Jay College—a Hispanic-Serving Institution—is proudly celebrating the many ways in which Latinx people have 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.
Giovanna Martinez ’24, a Criminology major from Brooklyn, New York, has fully immersed herself in the Latinx art world. She’s reading books by Latinx authors, watching groundbreaking TV shows and films by Latinx pioneers like María Elena Velasco (La India María), studying the works of the great Frida Kahlo, and she’s even creating her own art work. “I absolutely love art and how it can be used as a way to express yourself, celebrate your roots, and make a statement,” says Martinez, who recently had her work on display in an art exhibition. “I’ve connected to my Latin American roots through the creative arts. One of my favorite things to do is sit down with my mom and watch La India María comedy specials. The time we sit there talking and laughing together, deepens our relationship and my ties to Latinx culture. I love my Nicaraguan roots. I’m proud to be a creative and powerful Latina.”
“I love my Nicaraguan roots. I’m proud to be a creative and powerful Latina.” —Giovanna Martinez
Why is it important to celebrate Latinx Heritage Month?
It’s important to celebrate Latinx Heritage Month because it shows that we are here, that we are appreciated, and that we are accepted as a community. The recognition of our diverse Latinx community creates greater confidence in who we are and who we represent.
Why is it important to you for Latinx people to vote?
Latinx people need to vote because we’re not just voting for ourselves, we’re voting on behalf of all the people in the Latinx community who cannot vote. We’re standing up for our community and letting our voices be heard. I voted for the first time this summer, and felt so empowered by voting. My mom told me afterward, “You should be proud of yourself for voting. You’re a powerful Latina.”
“Latinx people need to vote because we’re not just voting for ourselves, we’re voting on behalf of all the people in the Latinx community who cannot vote. We’re standing up for our community and letting our voices be heard.” —Giovanna Martinez
What does it mean to you to go to a Hispanic-Serving Institution? How does going to a Hispanic-Serving Institution make you feel?
John Jay’s diversity is what made me want to come to the College, and I’m happy to be here. Coming to a Hispanic-Serving Institution like John Jay makes me feel connected to others. What I mean by that is that I feel I can be myself around these people that look like me because they understand and value me and my experience. I went to a high school where there weren’t many Hispanics, and because of that we didn’t learn a lot about Latinx culture or history. That can make you feel like an outsider, and that outsider message is enforced when you look at the current administration and what’s happening at the borders, and the discrimination taking place across the U.S. It shouldn’t be that way. At John Jay, the environment is welcoming. As a Latinx student at John Jay, you know you’re supported by the entire College community.
“As a Latinx student at John Jay, you know you’re supported by the entire College community.” —Giovanna Martinez
How do you personally embrace your Latinx culture?
I embrace my Latinx culture by listening to my parents’ stories about their upbringing in Nicaragua. I watch old Spanish comedy movies with my mom. I speak Spanish with my friends and family. I eat home cooked Spanish meals and I’m studying Latinx history here at John Jay.
“What I love most about Frida Kahlo’s paintings is that they detail and display her pain and passion so valiantly.” —Giovanna Martinez
If you could meet any Latinx thought leader, visionary artist, educator, politician, cultural icon, or any person in history, who would it be and why?
I would love to meet Frida Kahlo. What I love most about Frida Kahlo’s paintings is that they detail and display her pain and passion so valiantly. She was a true feminist who valued and celebrated characteristics that the patriarchal society had labeled unfeminine and ugly. I consider myself an artist. I love art and recently had my artwork on display in an art exhibition. Kahlo is definitely an inspiration.
Finish this sentence: I’m proud of my Latinx heritage because…
I’m proud of my Latinx heritage because I’m able to show my vibrant and powerful Nicaraguan culture and background.
