Everyone knows that girls rule and boys drool. Or something to that effect. And there’s a month that embodies this astute theory. March is Women’s History Month, so it’s time to cast a spotlight on some noteworthy Latinas who have inspired us and revolutionized history. The Frida Kahlo types have already been renowned and praised worldwide, and rightfully so, her brutally honest and reflective work has transformed both the Mexican and international art scene.
Now, we are going to draw attention to other historically important women who paved other significant paths for us and contemporary women who continue their legacy. So take notes, because you’re about to get a little bit of a herstory lesson.
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WOMEN OF WORDS
This passion for literature has been echoed by the likes of hugely successful Latin American writers Isabel Allende and Julia Alvarez. Chilean journalist and novelist, Isabel Allende, has sold over 56 million copies of her novels, making her one of the most successful Latin American writers ever. Her father was the cousin of Chilean President Salvador Allende, famous for being the first democratically elected Marxist president. She was forced to flee Chile when dictator Augusto Pinochet overthrew him. Allende was hired to translate romance novels from English to Spanish. Instead she would spice things up and alter the dialogue to make the heroines sound more intelligent and independent. When this was discovered she was fired. She went on to write various novels, including the tremendously successful La Casa de los Espíritus. Allende is famous for incorporating historical events and personal details into her writing, The genre she is often lumped with, magical realism (originally linked to Gabriel García Marquez), allows her female protagonists to use unusual means to overcome turbulent situations.
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REVOLUCIONARIAS
Another one of the original female badasses of Latin America was Policarpa Salavarrieta, and she did much more than just have a really long name. Salavarrieta was a spy for the revolutionary forces in Colombia as they were revolting against Spain during the early 1800s. She was born in Guaduas and eventually moved to Bogota, where she became politically active in the struggle against Spain. Posing as an ordinary seamstress, La Pola, as she is now known, gained access inside the homes of the Spanish Royalists. Once inside, she would eavesdrop on conversations, collect intelligence and information to give to the revolutionary forces. She did this until the capture of her lover, Alejo Sabarain, lead to hers. She was sentenced to die as a traitor, death by firing squad, with Sabarain and five other prisoners. Being a woman, La Pola was spared the humiliation of having her dead body paraded on the streets of Bogota as a warning to other revolutionaries. Today, La Pola is praised as the heroine of Colombia.
Using music as her weapon, Mercedes Sosa brought social issues to everyone’s attention. She was one of the main faces of the nueva canción movement in Argentina, tackling music about the oppressed, a means to bring awareness to their struggles. Sosa brought la nueva canción to Europe and the U.S., achieving great success. She won a total of six Latin Grammys. In New York she sold out Carnegie Hall and played Lincoln Center. Her message lives on through her music.
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ARTSY CHICKS
Continuing in the field of arts, Cuban Prima Ballerina Assoluta, Alicia Alonso, gained worldwide fame during the 1950s for her dancing, especially her portrayals in “Carmen” and “Giselle.” Although she is largely forgotten in U.S. ballet circles after returning to Cuba under Castro’s rule to operate her own ballet company, she continued to be influential in Canada and other parts of the world. When she was 19 she suffered a detached retina, which somehow never impaired her dancing. She compensated for her partial blindness by using stage lights to guide her movements and her partners.
Another Latin actress, María Félix (pictured on the left), remains an icon in Mexico. It is rumored she never gained commercial success in the U.S. because she refused small parts that were offered to her. In her later years, she would become known as La Dona. She was the go-to for a talented and beautiful female lead during the golden years of Mexican cinema.
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POLITICAS
Continuing to prove that Latinos are a force to be reckoned with, Sonia Sotomayor has been the first Latina to be appointed to the Supreme Court of the United States, and only the third woman in history. Growing up in the Bronx and raised by her Puerto Rican mother, Sotomayor has come a long way from humble beginnings. Her nomination to the Supreme Court caused uproar among conservative Republicans that opposed her. Aside from this, her nomination was a welcome and forward-thinking choice. She continues to work from the highest bench in U.S. law, inspiring Latin women everywhere.
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HONORARY MENTIONS
And while we’re enlightening ourselves, get out some more flash cards and do some extra reading, you nerds. These are the honorary mentions, more women whose spirits are akin to those mentioned in detail above.
Dolores Huerta: Cofounder of United Farm Workers of America (with César Chavez), she has worked tirelessly her whole life to ensure rights for farm workers and has been extremely successful in organizing communities.
Rigoberta Menchú: From Guatemala and most well known for her plight to preserve indigenous rights in Guatemala during their Civil War. In 1992 she received the Nobel Peace Prize for her efforts.
Omara Portuondo: A Cuban singer and dancer, she has had enormous success and a career spanning half a decade, best known for her work with the Buena Vista Social Club. She is still a staple in the Cuban music scene.
Carolina Herrera: Venezuelan fashion designer, she has become a household name and her designs have been worn by countless celebrities. She is also involved in human rights work, campaigning to end hunger in developing and less-developing countries.
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Regardless of what background and obstacles we face, we have these examples to show us that hard work will get us anywhere we want. Just because it’s a tired cliché doesn’t mean it ain’t true.
*Cue Spice Girl’s “Girl Power”*