Honoring Hispanic Heritage: A Personal Reflection

Words by DFSA Board President, Paula Harmon:

As we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, I find myself reflecting on the deep roots and meaningful traditions that have shaped my life. This month is a time to honor the generations who came before me, those whose journeys and sacrifices paved the way for my existence. My heritage comes from Spanish, Portuguese, and Native American cultures, and knowing how many people survived for me to be here today amazes me.

My father made a profound impact on my life. Though he passed away three years ago, his presence is still felt, especially in the kitchen. He was a talented cook who thought of himself as the "candy man." He perfected the art of making pecan pralines, reminiscent of the ones you could find in Tex-Mex restaurants back in the 1980’s. He also nurtured my own culinary interests. After my mother shared her homemade flour tortilla recipe with me, he crafted a special rolling pin just for me to use. He took immense pride in the achievements of his daughters and granddaughters, and it brought him great joy to see the kids of a poor boy, who lost his parents before the age of ten, achieve great things.

Beyond my family, I am inspired by figures like Eva Longoria. She is a wonderful role model who embraces her Hispanic heritage through a variety of platforms. Her dedication and accomplishments resonate deeply, serving as an inspiration for Hispanic women of all ages.

While some family traditions have unfortunately faded, others have been passed down and continue to be cherished. My father's menudo recipe, a staple of cool fall and winter Sunday mornings, was never written down and has become a lost tradition. However, he did share his praline recipe with me. I've been working on perfecting it, and like him, I love to give them as gifts. Though I still have a long way to go to make them as perfect as his were, the act of making them keeps his memory alive.

For anyone looking to connect with Hispanic literature, I recommend the book Paula by Isabel Allende. While it's not the most uplifting read, it is a powerful and memorable work that showcases the talent of a remarkable author.