From September 15 to October 15, the United States celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month, a time to honor the rich history, diverse cultures, and significant achievements of Hispanic and Latino/a Americans.
Image From Wisconsin Women Making History
This month offers an opportunity to acknowledge and recognize Hispanic and Latino/a individuals who have accomplished extraordinary things. One of those people is Ramona Villarreal. Ramona Villarreal is a Mexican American activist whose efforts significantly impacted the recognition and rights of the Latinx community in Wisconsin. Her family came to Wisconsin as migrant workers, and she grew up participating in activism with her father, advocating for equal pay and fair working conditions for Latinx workers. Taking those experiences from her childhood, she attended UW-Madison, where she helped start La Raza Unida—an organization that pressured the university to have Chicana/o and Latina/o studies. Villareal was also a leader of the Brown Berets in the 1970s.
Upon graduating from college, Ramona Villarreal applied to become a teacher in Madison; however, she was not hired even though she was qualified. Villarreal decided to sue the district for discrimination and eventually won. This lawsuit helped pave the way for hiring other Latinx educators. Ramona Villarreal went on to teach in another district for 23 years. Her perseverance and dedication to activism to support Wisconsin’s Latinx population deserve recognition.
For this year’s Hispanic Heritage Month, take some time to learn more by attending events near you.
- Madison: Madison Public Library will be hosting a variety of events.
- Milwaukee: Hispanic Heritage Month Calendar of Events
- Green Bay: UW Green Bay is hosting a festival called “Estamos Aqui”
Recommended Resources
Tip Sheet
Additional WiFCC Resources*
- Información Sobre Cuidado De Crianza (Foster Care Information E-Packet)
- Adopción Del Sistema De Cuidado De Crianza (Adopción Pública) (Public Adoption Information E-Packet)
Additional Resources
- Hispanic Heritage Month Resources – National Museum of the American Latino
- Hispanic Heritage Month – PBS KIDS for Parents
*We’ve started translating some of our core materials into Spanish. Look for more resources to be added in the future!
