Latines Heritage Month is Sept. 15 – Oct. 15th. Latines/Hispanic Heritage Month is an opportunity to explore the many cultures of communities coming from Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America – including indigenous, Brazilian, and other non-Spanish speaking nations. At JCHS we’ll honor this time by celebrating members of the JCHS community of Latin descent and offering a variety of ways to learn more about the history, contributions, and influences of people from Latin American countries. Look out for updates each week!
On September 8, in honor of Latinx Heritage Month, we were thrilled to host Calixto Robles in both AP Spanish and Materials & Methods art classes!
Born in Oaxaca, Mexico, Robles is a painter, printmaker and ceramic sculptor who lives and works in San Francisco’s Mission District. His artwork is inspired by the ancestral myths and symbols of the Indigenous traditions of Mesoamerica.
JCHS Guest Speakers:
- Calixto Robles spoke to AP Spanish and Materials & Methods about his artwork and significant life experiences. Born in Oaxaca, Mexico, Robles is a painter and printmaker whose artwork is inspired by the ancestral myths and symbols of the Indigenous traditions. You can check out his prints online or at his studio on 20th & Castro.
- In early November we are hosting Dr. Analucía Lopezrevoredo, founder of Jewtina y Co., a global community where Latin Jews can explore and celebrate the rich mosaic of Latin-Jewish peoplehood.
(Some) Bay Area Events
- In honor of Mexican Independence, you can celebrate outside the San Francisco Civic Center Monday (9/15) @ 4 – 9 pm.
- King of the Streets Lowrider Parade And Festival (Sept. 20, 1–8 p.m.) will include a parade along Mission Street, car show, and many musical performances.
Hispanic and Latines Jewry
- Diasporic Kitchens: Jewish-Mexican Recipes and Stories, a conversation, cooking demo, and tasting in Berkeley on Sept. 20th.
- Check out this guide to a Latin-inspired Rosh Hashana Seder!
In addition, whether you have Latin American roots or just want to find ways to engage and learn, check out the links below!
Recipes, Reflection Practices, and Festival-Inspired Activities
Check out these Latin-infused Jewish holiday recipes, reflection practices, and festival-inspired activities (provided by Jewtina y Co.)
- Rosh HaShanah Seder Guide – Bilingual English y Español
- Yom Kippur Resource Guide – Bilingual English y Español
- Sukkot Celebration Guide – Bilingual English y Español
- Simchat Torah Wellness Activity Book – Bilingual English y Español
Mi Gente (My People)
Visit the Contemporary Jewish Museum to catch the screening of “Mi Gente, My People,” a short film exploring and celebrating the intersections of Latin-Jewish heritage, and provide supplies to create your own Remembrance Stone—a project inspired by calaveritas (sugar skulls) and the Jewish tradition of leaving a stone behind at a gravesite to mark your visit, that invites you to reflect on family, heritage, and interconnectedness.
Voices/Voces
The Voces Project brings us stories from people who identify as Latin and Jewish…check out these two-minute videos (and others on their website!)
Hannah Chonkan-Urow
Hannah Chonkan-Urow is a Chinese, Costa Rican, Ashkenazi Jew of color. She was raised in the northern suburbs of Chicago, and after 4 years in Minnesota, she returned to Chicago to begin her career as a math teacher. Hannah attributes her love for the radical Jewish community to Habonim Dror Camp Tavor- the progressive Jewish summer camp that shaped much of her childhood and young adulthood. Hannah is passionate about collective living, liberatory education, and youth empowerment.
Imani Romney-Rosa Chapman
Imani Romney-Rosa Chapman is the founder of imani strategies, llc, and has more than 25 years of experience developing curriculum, organizing, and educating for social justice. Whatever the modality, Imani co-creates brave and inclusive environments for learning, growth and justice. Meet this nurturing powerhouse today!
Calle 24 Latino Cultural District
Calle 24 is in the center of San Francisco’s Historic Mission District. It runs along a tree-lined street known as “El Corazón de la Misión”, or “The Heart of the Mission.” Visit this stretch of 24th Street to experience and support its unique specialty stores, restaurants, taquerias, Mexican bakeries, cafes, and art galleries, as well as experience the greatest concentration of murals and Latino Businesses in the city.
