Category: February

Happy Valentine’s Day.  Valentine’s Day is celebrated throughout the Americas, and is known as Día del Amor y la Amistad (Day of Love and Friendship) in Central and South America.  Gentlemen and caballeros, if you have not gotten a gift or remembrance for your loved one or amante, this is a friendly reminder.  For further… Continue reading El Día del Amor y la Amistad

On February 22, 2005, California State Senator Joe Dunn introduced the “Apology Act for the 1930s Mexican Repatriation Program” (SB 670) in the California State Legislature.  The bill’s purpose was to “express the apology of the State of California to those individuals who were illegally deported and coerced into emigrating to Mexico and would require… Continue reading Apology Act for the 1930s Mexican Repatriation Program

In 2004, New York Governor George Pataki declared February as Dominican Heritage Month in the state of New York.  Dominicans celebrate their independence on February 27.  Activities include culture, music, and art shows, essay contests, sport presentations, and lots of really great food.  This Heritage Month continues to be celebrated annually.   If you’re ever in… Continue reading Celebrate Dominican Heritage Month in New York

On February 8, 2004, Christina María Aguilera won the Grammy Award for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance for her song, “Beautiful”.  In addition to her stellar contributions as a performer, Aguilera is active in humanitarian and social causes.   In late 2007 Aguilera became a spokesperson for “Rock the Vote” to encourage young people to vote… Continue reading Christina María Aguilera wins Grammy 2004

On February 2, 1999, Hugo Rafael Chávez Frías was inaugurated as President of Venezuela.  Chávez is the leader of the United Socialist Party of Venezuela, and he has implemented socialist reforms.  He continually annoys the US establishment by directing Citgo Petroleum Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of Petróleos de Venezuela (PDVSA), to donate free heating… Continue reading Venezuelans Aid the Poor of El Norte 1999

On February 20, 1991, the talented Mariah Carey  won the Grammy for “Best New Artist”, the first of many national awards that she earned.  Carey is of Afro-Venezuelan and Irish heritage, a multiracial heritage that was challenging for her.   Today, Carey is one of the world’s most successful living singers and artists, selling over 200… Continue reading Grammy for “Best New Artist” 1991

February 29, 1984, is the birthday of Nuria Martinez, a Spanish-born basketball player for the US Women’s National Basketball Association. Martinez played in the Olympics in 2004 and 2008 for Spain, and played guard for the Minnesota Lynx. In 2017, Nuria returned to Spain to play for Uni Girona Club de Basquet. El 29 de febrero… Continue reading Happy Birthday to Nuria Martinez, Basketball Star

On February 10, 1980, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva was inaugurated as Brazil’s 35th President, an office that he held through 1994.  Popularly known as Lula, he promoted programs to alleviate poverty and hunger in Brazil.  A self-made man, Lula worked as a peanut seller and shoe shine boy in his youth, and did not… Continue reading President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva

Happy Birthday to Puerto Rican American Ramón “Raymond” Luis Ayala Rodríguez, born on February 3, 1977.  His stage name is Daddy Yankee.  Rodríguez had dreamed of playing Major League Baseball, until he was permanently injured when he was caught in the crossfire of a barrio gunfight.  The unstoppable Rodríguez is one of the biggest reggaetón… Continue reading Happy Birthday to Daddy Yankee

Happy birthday to Mexican American boxer Oscar De La Hoya, born on February 4, 1973.  De la Hoya is known as “The Golden Boy” for achieving the gold medal at the Barcelona Olympic Games soon after his high school graduation.  De La Hoya has defeated 17 world champions and won ten world titles in six… Continue reading Happy Birthday to “The Golden Boy”

February 29, 1972 was the birthday of Pedro Pablo Zamora, a Cuban American AIDS activist and reality TV star.  Zamora was one of the first openly gay men with AIDS to star in mainstream media.  He brought awareness to the prejudices and issues for HIV/AIDS in international media.  He starred in The Real World, a… Continue reading Pedro Pablo Zamora, Cuban American AIDS Activist

Pedro Morales beat Ivan Koloff on February 8, 1971 at Madison Square Garden, to win the WWF World Heavyweight Championship.  Morales, a Puerto Rican, is the first man in wrestling history to win all three major men’s titles in the World Wrestling Federation: the WWF Heavyweight Championship, the Intercontinental Championship and the WWF World Tag… Continue reading WWF Heavyweight Championship 1971

Happy Birthday to Benicio Monserrate Rafael del Toro Sánchez, known as Benicio del Toro, born on February 19, 1967.  Toro is of Puerto Rican and Spanish heritage.  He won an Academy Award, a Golden Globe Award, a Screen Actors Guild Award, and a BAFTA Award for his role as Javier Rodríguez in Traffic (2000). He… Continue reading Benicio del Toro, Award-winning Actor

On February 5, 1967, Anastasio Somoza Debayle won the presidential election in Nicaragua.  Somoza’s family had been in power since 1936.  Somoza was a graduate of the US Military Academy at West Point.  Human rights groups protested his administration for human rights abuses.  He was overthrown by the Sandinistas (Frente Sandinista de Liberación Nacional, or… Continue reading CIA interferes in Central American elections, again in 1967

On February 16, 1959 Fidel Castro (1926-2016) became the Premier of Cuba after the dictator Fulgenicio Batista was overthrown on January 1.  The CIA and US government attempted to overthrow and undermine Castro for decades through blockades, trade embargoes, and invasion, but Castro and his family ruled Cuba through April 2018. El 16 de febrero… Continue reading Fidel Castro, Premier of Cuba 1959

Happy Birthday to Gilberto Hernandez, a Hispanic American graphic novelist, comic book writer and illustrator, born on February 1, 1957.  His work includes “Palomar”, set in a fictional Central American town, and “Love and Rockets”, an exploration of contemporary Latino culture in the US.  Hernandez is a USA Rasmussen Fellow.  Hernandez and his brother were… Continue reading Gilberto Hernandez, Latino Graphic Novelist, Comic Book Writer

Happy birthday to Puerto Rican writer Judith Ortiz Cofer, born on February 24, 1952 (1952-2016). Cofer’s writing focuses on the experience of Latinas in the US.  She writes poetry, short stories, autobiography, essays, and young-adult fiction.  One of her books, The Meaning of Consuelo, won the 2003 Americas Award.  She was awarded a PEN/Martha Albrand… Continue reading Judith Ortiz Cofer, Award-winning writer

The first Pan American Games were held on February 25, 1951 in Buenos Aires, Argentina.  To the cheers of tens of thousands of spectators, thousands of athletes throughout the Americas participate in the Pan Am Games in diverse sports that include archery, basketball, water polo, volleyball, and triathlons. The games are held every four years. … Continue reading The First Pan American Games 1951

Benigno Ayala Felix, known as Benny Ayala to Major League Baseball fans, was born on February 7, 1951 in Puerto Rico.  Ayala’s 10 season career ran from 1974 to 1985.  He played outfield, first base, and designated hitter for the New York Mets, St. Louis Cardinals, Baltimore Orioles and Cleveland Indians.  Ayala played in the… Continue reading Benny Ayala, Major League Baseball Star 1951

On February 16, 1949, Mexican American soldier and World War II hero Felix Longoria was finally laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery.  Felix Longoria was killed in action in the Philippines.   According to his widow, Beatrice, the local funeral home director in Texas refused to allow services for Longoria on his premises, because “the… Continue reading Felix Longoria, World War II Hero

Happy birthday to Mercedes Ruehl, a Cuban-American theater, television and film actress born on February 28, 1948.  Ruehl won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress in 1991 for her memorable role as the buoyant, witty businesswoman in “The Fisher King”.  She has also won the American Comedy Award, a Boston Society of Film Critics… Continue reading Mercedes Ruehl, Award-winning Actress

Happy birthday to Edward James Olmos, a Mexican-American actor and director born on February 24, 1947.  Olmos’ work includes Battlestar Galactica, Miami Vice, Stand and Deliver, Selena, and Blade Runner.  He was a key actor in the series American Family Journey of Dreams.  In an interview with PBS, Olmos characterized his role as Jess as… Continue reading Happy Birthday to Edward James Olmos 1947

On February 19, 1946, Giants outfielder Danny Gardella (1920- 2005) was the first major league player to announce that he was joining the Mexican League, a professional baseball league based in Mexico.  The Mexican League offered substantially better wages of $10,000 / year versus the $4,500 / year that Gardella was offered from the New… Continue reading Danny Gardella, the Mexican Baseball League

Today is the birthday of Brazilian bossa nova composer and musician, Sergio Mendes (1941 – 2024), born on February 11, 1941 in Niterói, Brazil (1941 – 2024). He immigrated to New York City in 1964, and soon created the group, Brasil 66, signing with A&M records.  Their first A&M release, “Sérgio Mendes and Brasil ’66”… Continue reading Sérgio Mendes and Brasil ’66

Happy Birthday to distinguished scientist George Castro, born on February 23, 1939 in Los Angeles, California.  Both of Castro’s parents were of Mexican descent.  Castro’s research in photoconductors and superconductors has inspired new and improved electro photographic copying machines as well as digital information storage systems. Castro has worked for over 25 years in civic… Continue reading ” … and you will never know until you try.”

On February 21, 1934, Nicaraguan freedom fighter Augusto Cesar Sandino was assassinated by the Nicaraguan National Guard. Sandino led the resistance against the US military occupation of Nicaragua between 1927 and 1933, waging a sustained and difficult campaign of guerilla warfare against the US Marines.  Unsurprisingly he was vilified as a bandit by the US… Continue reading Assassination of Augusto Cesar Sandino 1934

February 11, 1934 is the birthday of Manuel Noriega, the Panamanian general and dictator who was “removed” from office during the 1990 US invasion of Panama.  Noriega was recruited as an informant by the CIA when he was studying at a military academy in Peru.  Noriega received training at the controversial US Army School of… Continue reading Manuel Noriega, Graduate of the US Army School of the Americas

February 4, 1931 was the birthday of María Estela Martínez Cartas, known as Isabel Peron.   Peron was the third wife of Argentinian general and president, Juan Peron.  Her husband began his third term of office in 1972, and after his sudden death, Isabel was sworn in as Argentina’s first woman President on July 1, 1973. … Continue reading Birthday of Argentina’s First Woman President

February 14, 1929 is the birthday of Matthew G. Martinez.  Martinez served in Congress from 1982 to 2001, representing California’s 30th and 31st districts.  He served as a Democrat during his early terms, then switched to the Republican party after his defeat in a 2000 primary.  During the 1980’s Martínez opposed the Reagan administration’s interventionist… Continue reading Matthew G. Martinez, US Congressman

February 13, 1929 is the birthday of Omar Torrijos Herrera, Commander of the Panamanian and National Guard, and the unelected leader of Panama from 1968 to 1981.  Torrijos attended a cadet course at the US Army School of the Americas in 1965.  Torrijos is best known for negotiating the 1977 Torrijos–Carter Treaties that gave Panama… Continue reading Omar Torrijos Herrera, Panama 1929

On February 28, 1924, US troops invaded Honduras, without proper documents or visas.  A dispute over the country’s presidential elections had finally culminated in the Battle at Le Ceiba between government forces and rebels.  General Tiburcio Carías Andino led the rebels.  Andino had reportedly received the most votes and was supported by the infamous United… Continue reading Invading Central America, again in 1924

On February 5, 1917, the current Mexican constitution was formally adopted by the Mexican Constitutional Congress.   The Articles of the Constitution outlined progressive provisions for mandatory elementary education, the establishment of freedom of speech and expression, equality between men and women under the law, and prohibiting the use of military court martial to judge civilians.… Continue reading The Mexican Constitutional Congress, 1917

On February 19, 1913, General Victoriana Huerta took power in Mexico through a military coup plotted with the US Ambassador to Mexico, Henry Lane Wilson.  Wilson was convinced that a military dictatorship was needed in Mexico, and did not approve of the democratically elected president.  Known in Mexico as the Decena Tragica (Tragic Ten Days),… Continue reading General Victoriana Huerta takes power in 1913

February 17, 1906 is the birthday of Galo Plaza Lasso, the Ecuadorian politician and statesman who served as President of Ecuador (1948- 1952), Secretary General of the Organization of American States, and Ambassador to the US.  Lasso was a native New Yorker, born in the US while his father served as a diplomat. He was… Continue reading Galo Plaza Lasso, President of Ecuador

February 6, 1899 is the birthday of Ramon Novarro, a Mexican-American leading male actor in early 20th century Hollywood.  He appeared in swashbuckling classics such as the 1925 silent film, Ben Hur, and in Mata Hari with Greta Garbo.  Living in the era of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” Novarro was a gay man who stayed… Continue reading Ramon Novarro, Latino Hollywood Leading Man 1899

On February 6, 1899, the Spanish-American War formally ended when the Treaty of Paris was ratified by the US Senate.   Spain turned over almost all of its colonies to the US in the peace treaty, including the Philippines, Guam and Puerto Rico.  The US established a perpetual lease at Guantanamo Bay on the island of… Continue reading The Treaty of Paris 1899

February 18, 1898 is the birthday of the first democratically elected Governor of Puerto Rico, José Luis Alberto Muñoz Marín.  Marin was a poet, journalist, and politician, and is regarded as the “father of modern Puerto Rico”.  For his long career in public service, Marin was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1962 by… Continue reading José Luis Alberto Muñoz Marín, Governor of Puerto Rico

After the Cuban revolution broke out in January 1898, the battleship USS Maine sailed into Spanish waters. On February 15, 1898, the Maine exploded and sank in the Havana harbor in Cuba, killing more than 260 US servicemen.  The explosion was of unknown origin, but Congress and the public were quick to blame the Spanish… Continue reading Fake News in the Spanish-American War 1898

Under the leadership of Calixto Garcia, a Cuban freedom fighter, the Spanish forces were defeated on February 1, 1898, at Rejondon de Baguanos, Cuba.   Garcia fought in three wars in Cuba to free the country from Spanish rule.  Garcia joined with US forces when they landed in Cuba at the start of the Spanish-American War. … Continue reading “Message to Garcia” 1898

On February 7, 1868, US forces invaded Uruguay during an insurrection in the capital city of Montevideo.  Their stated mission was to “protect foreign residents and the customs house”. The US forces arrived as undocumented aliens, without proper paperwork. El 7 de febrero de 1868, las fuerzas estadounidenses invadieron Uruguay durante una insurrección en la ciudad… Continue reading Another day, another US invasion in South America 1868

February 20, 1862 marked the start of the Battle of Valverde during the American Civil War.  Union officer and Latinx Miguel E. Pino commanded the 2nd Regiment of New Mexico in the fight against the Confederate Army.  The Confederates claimed victory but suffered heavy casualties.  Pino and his men fought the Confederates the next month… Continue reading Union Officer Miguel E. Pino 1862

On February 18, 1856, the American Party, also known as the “Know Nothing Party”, convened in Philadelphia to nominate its first presidential candidate.  The goals of the Know-Nothings were to combat “foreign” influences in American society, particularly immigrants from Ireland and Italy.  Party membership was limited to Protestant males of British-American lineage.  The Know-Nothings also… Continue reading The Know-Nothings: Immigration Debate 1856

On February 3, 1852, undocumented US Marines landed in Buenos Aries and invaded Argentina to “protect American interests” during one of the Argentine civil wars.  The Battle of Caseros was fought between Argentine forces on this date.  The Marines remained through February 12, 1852.  They returned later that year, apparently, uninvited and undocumented, on September… Continue reading Battle of Caseros 1852, Invasion of South America

On February 2, 1848, the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo was signed, ending the Mexican-American War.  The treaty was essentially dictated by the US armed forces occupying Mexico City, specifically by Nicholas Trist, chief clerk of the State Department.  Trist had accompanied General Winfield Scott as a diplomat and President Polk’s representative.  Under this Treaty, the… Continue reading Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo 1848

On February 27, 1844, the Dominican Republic declared its independence from Haiti.  The two countries share the same island in the Caribbean.  The Tainos people settled the island in the 7th century.  Columbus landed in 1492, and there went the neighborhood.  Santo Domingo, its capital, is the first permanent European settlement in the Americas.  The… Continue reading Dominican Republic declares Independence 1844

“What is poetry? you ask, while fixing your blue pupil on mine.  What is poetry! And you’re asking me’? Poetry… is you.” These are lines from one of the many Spanish poems written by Gustavo Adolfo Domínguez Bastida, known as Gustavo Adolfo Bécquer, whose birthday was February 17, 1836.  Bastida is regarded as a great… Continue reading “What is poetry? … Poetry is you.” 1836

February 7, 1833 is the birthday of the prolific Peruvian writer, historian and politician, Manuel Ricardo Palma Soriano (1833 – 1919).  One of his most famous works is Tradiciones Peruanas, written in the  tradiciones literary genre.  Tradiciones are short stories that combine history and fiction, similar to the English-language historical fiction genre, and are written… Continue reading Manuel Ricardo Palma Soriano, 1833 – 1919

February 14, 1831 marked the death of one of the leading revolutionary generals in the Mexican War of Independence, Vicente Ramón Guerrero Saldaña.  Guerrero served briefly as the second president of Mexico and was the country’s first multiracial president with European, Native American and African heritages.  Guerrero distinguished himself in February 1812 at the Battle… Continue reading Vicente Ramón Guerrero Saldaña in the Mexican War of Independence 1831

The Adams Onis Treaty was signed in Washington, DC, on February 22, 1819 by John Quincy Adams, US Secretary of State, and Luis de Onis, the Spanish minister.  This treaty between the US and Spain gave Florida to the US and set out a boundary between the US and New Spain (now Mexico).  This territory… Continue reading The Adams Onis Treaty: Florida becomes part of the USA

On February 12, 1818, the nation of Chile formally declared its independence from Spain after a struggle of almost 8 years, and promulgated its Declaration of the Independence of Chile.  Today, Chile is one of South America’s most stable and prosperous nations, and is one of the leading nations on the continent in per capita… Continue reading Chilean Independence from Spain1818

On February 8, 1817, Jose de San Martin, Bernardo O’Higgins, and their army completed their heroic twenty-one day journey across the Andes Mountains from Argentina to Chile.  The freedom-fighters were determined to liberate Chile from royalist Spanish rule.  Casualties were terribly high; one-third of the 4,000 men that Martin commanded perished during the journey. El… Continue reading Bernardo O’Higgins, Freedom Fighter 1817

Remember the Alamo?  Or perhaps like a number of people, you’d rather not.  February 21, 1794 is the birthday of Antonio de Padua María Severino López de Santa Anna y Pérez de Lebrón, or Santa Anna, the controversial Mexican general and dictator who fought against Mexicans and Texans at the Battle of the Alamo in… Continue reading Remember the Alamo?

February 25, 1778 is the birthday of Jose Francisco de San Martin, one of the most important freedom fighters in South America during the 19th century.   Martin was born in Argentina.  He was one of the leaders of the daring march across the Andes Mountains to liberate Chile from the Spanish, and was the first… Continue reading Jose Francisco de San Martin, Freedom Fighter and Revolutionary

On February 9, 1775, the British Parliament declared the state of Massachusetts formally in rebellion.  Jeremiah Lee, a rebel on the Massachusetts Committee of Safety wrote to the Spanish merchant, Diego Maria de Gardoqui, asking him to help with procuring military supplies.  That same month, Gardoqui managed to smuggle gunpowder and weapons into Massachusetts.  In… Continue reading Spanish Military Aid to North American Rebels 1775

On February 10, 1763, Spain, Britain and other nations signed the Treaty of Paris that ended the Seven Years War.  As part of this Treaty, Spain was forced to concede Florida to the British.  Spain had explored Florida in 1513 and established Saint Augustine in 1565 as the first continually occupied European settlement in North… Continue reading The Spanish in Florida 1763

February 9, 1737 is the birthday of Thomas Paine, one of the most influential people in the American Revolution.  Relationships between the Americas were close during the 18th century.  Paine was a friend of Venezuelan Francisco de Miranda, whom Paine greatly admired.  Paine wrote that, “He is a man of talents and enterprise, and the… Continue reading Thomas Paine and Francisco de Miranda, American Revolutionaries

On February 26, 1733, the first Catholic Mass was celebrated at the first Catholic Church in the 13 North American colonies. Saint Joseph’s Church was founded by the Jesuits in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.  The church was a short walk from the home of Juan de Miralles, the Spanish diplomat and merchant who resided in Philadelphia to… Continue reading The First Catholic Mass en el Norte 1733

February 12, 1541 is the founding date of Santiago, the capital of Chile, by Pedro de Valdivia.  Valdivia was the first royal Spanish governor of Chile.  Santiago is now one of Latin America’s most modern metropolitan areas, with a population of 7.2 million.  Geographically, the city is in the center of the Santiago Basin, a… Continue reading Founding of Santiago, Chile 1541

Francisco Vásquez de Coronado and his entourage departed from Compostela, Mexico on February 23, 1540.  During his two-year expedition, Coronado and his men traveled through Arizona, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas, and Kansas, in search of the fabled Seven Cities of Gold.  Members of this expedition reached the Grand Canyon and the Colorado River, and were… Continue reading The Grand Canyon’s First European Tourist 1540

On February 15, 1519, Hernan Cortes de Monroy y Pizarro departed from Cuba to invade Mexico.  Unfortunately for the Mexicans, his invasion led to the downfall of the Aztec empire.  The Spanish expedition carried diseases along with their weapons, particularly smallpox, which decimated the population.  Cortes landed in Veracruz, Mexico, where he allied himself with… Continue reading Hernan Cortes and the Aztec Empire, 1519