Spanish Instructor and Textile Artist Reflects on Culture and History
Finding Meaning in Hispanic Heritage Month: Vizcarra Shares Her Perspective
For Susana Vizcarra, teaching Spanish at Alabama A&M University is more than grammar lessons and vocabulary drills. Since joining the faculty in 2015, she has worked to connect students with the richness of language, culture, and tradition.
Outside the classroom, Vizcarra is also a textile artist who celebrates heritage through her art. That passion shapes the way she views National Hispanic Heritage Month, obeserved nationally September 15 to October 15, as a time she says is about recognition, connection, and appreciation.
“It’s important because it shines a light on the incredible impact of the Hispanic community,” Vizcarra explained. “From culture to the economy, their stories and achievements deserve to be recognized.”
This year’s national theme, “Collective Heritage: Honoring the Past, Inspiring the Future,” resonates deeply with her. The theme highlights the importance of celebrating the cultural traditions that shape Hispanic identity while embracing the creativity and promise of generations to come.
For Vizcarra, who grew up in Uruguay and has lived in the United States since 1989, the observance serves as both a personal reminder of her roots and a national opportunity to honor the history and accomplishments of Hispanic Americans.
“We can celebrate through art, music, literature, science, and so much more,” she said. “It’s about recognizing people and the ways they strengthen our communities.”
Among those she admires are U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor for her leadership in law, novelist Isabel Allende for her literary contributions, and artist Carmen Lomas Garza for her vivid depictions of Mexican-American life. Each, Vizcarra notes, represents the creativity and determination that have shaped American culture for generations.
As she reflects on this year’s observance, Vizcarra emphasizes that Hispanic Heritage Month is not just about looking back, but also about moving forward with renewed appreciation.
“It’s an opportunity to learn, to appreciate, and to uplift stories that make our country stronger.”