These famous Hispanic Americans deserve all the credit
The beauty and strength of America lie in its diversity. But while this melting pot results from the blending of many cultures, some of those cultures tend to get left out of the national discussion. Case in point: famous Hispanic Americans who have made significant contributions to the country and the world.
Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15–October 15) is one of the best times to read books by Hispanic authors and learn more about Hispanic Americans and their contributions to the world— from literature and film to politics and music. But remember, you don’t have to wait until Hispanic Heritage Month to learn about the impressive, famous Hispanic people. Every day is a chance to give them credit where credit is due.
So keep reading to honor, celebrate and learn about some of the famous Hispanic Americans of the past and present.
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Selena Quintanilla
Selena Quintanilla, the “Queen of Tejano Music,” was a famous Hispanic American superstar with deep Mexican roots. Born in Lake Jackson, Texas, she dazzled audiences with her incredible voice and stylish flair. Quintanilla sang in both Spanish and English, which helped to bring Tejano music into the mainstream and led to her becoming a cultural icon. With hits like “Como la Flor” and “Bidi Bidi Bom Bom,” she skyrocketed to fame, earning a Grammy for her album Live! in 1994. She was gearing up for an English crossover album that would have made her even more popular than she already was, when, tragically, her life was cut short at 23 when she was murdered. Despite her passing, her music and journey continues to be a symbol of pride for Hispanic Americans everywhere.
Jenna Ortega
Famous Hispanic American actress Jenna Ortega was born and raised in Coachella Valley, Calif. With Mexican and Puerto Rican roots, she’s become a trailblazer for Latina representation on screen. Ortega first caught our attention as young Jane in the TV show Jane the Virgin, and quickly became Disney Channel’s favorite middle child in Stuck in the Middle. But she didn’t stop there! You’ll see her standout performances in Netflix’s You and the Scream franchise, which show just how versatile she is. Plus, her portrayal of Wednesday Addams in Netflix’s Wednesday took her career to the next level, earning her praise for her perfectly deadpan take on the iconic character. She’s currently thrilling fans in Beetlejuice Beetlejuice.