When Ruth Orellana is asked her ethnicity, she says either “Guatemalteca” \u2014 Spanish for “Guatemalan” \u2014 or “Latina.” Never “Hispanic,” she said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Like many others from Latin America or the Caribbean, she feels the term \u201cHispanic\u201d centers the people, culture and language of Spain. It’s important to Orellana to use terms that include her Guatemalan and Mayan roots.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“I am from Latin America and Spain is in Europe,” Orellana, 58, said. “I am 100% more Latina than Hispanic.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Each year, National Hispanic Heritage Month resurfaces a complicated conversation about what being “Hispanic” means and whether people identify with it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Keep reading the report by Gina Lee Castro, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel…<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Cover Photo: Sandra Hernandez helps 7-year old Elizabeth Espinoza ride a pony on West Oklahoma Avenue during the 50th Mexican Independence Day Parade hosted by UMOS Inc. on September 15, 2024 in Milwaukee. Jovanny Hernandez, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Part of Wisconsin Latino News’ mission is to amplify the work of others in providing greater visibility and voice to Hispanic, Latino communities.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
When Ruth Orellana is asked her ethnicity, she says either “Guatemalteca” \u2014 Spanish for “Guatemalan” \u2014 or “Latina.” Never “Hispanic,” she 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