It's #HispanicHeritageMonth! I figured I'd share a little bit about what my heritage means to me. I'm genuine when I say that being Puerto Rican is the absolute greatest joy in my life. Let me tell you why.

Strap in, we're about to get ~cultural~

(1/9)

Being Puerto Rican means the being the product of African, Spanish, and Taíno people. Three cords of ancestry marked by struggle and pain, but tied tightly together by the celebration of our culture and identities.

"Nacimos de muchas madres pero aquí sólo hay hermanos"

(2/9)

Being Puerto Rican means recognizing and embracing struggle. Through hurricanes, corrupt politics, economic abuse and *much* more, Puerto Rico se levanta and we will aaaalways get back up.

"Por lo que venga y por este instante
Levanta el vaso y a brindar por el aguante"

(3/9)

Being Puerto Rican means getting angry and making change. The lives of Marcos Xiorro, Pedro Albizu Campos, Arturo Alfonso Schomburg and countless others taught us not to throw our arms up in defeat, but to scream in the face of injustice and break the systems that oppress.

(4/9)

Being Puerto Rican means standing on the shoulders of INCREDIBLE women. Sylvia del Villard, Ana Roque de Duprey, Lolita Lebrón, Carmen Yulín Cruz are the icons that fought/fight for La Isla.

My abuela didn't sell pots and pans out of her car for 20+ years for nothing.

(5/9)

Being Puerto Rican means *always* seeking joy. A good bistec encebollado, a few minutes of dancing Salsa in the kitchen while the food simmers, the sound of Plena being played on street corners. These are our celebrations, and the joys that keep us moving.

(6/9)

Being Puerto Rican means lifting each other waaaay up. Recognizing the work and success of our people is what strengthens our ties, and keeps us moving together.

Shoutout to the amazing Puerto Ricans in the video games industry WEPAAAAAA ;)

(7/9)

Being Puerto Rican means preserving who we are. My culture is the ONLY constant in my life, and I hold it tightly. Carrying our history forward is SO important for us, and I feel so damn lucky to have that responsibility.

"No sé pa' dónde voy, pero sé de dónde vengo"

(8/9)

I could go on, but I'll leave it at that! Talk to your Hispanic friends and family today, ask them what their culture means to them.

Hey also BRING HISPANIC PEOPLE INTO YOUR COMMUNITIES/BOARD ROOMS/COMPANIES/SHOWS/GAMES/MOVIES/BOOKS/PODCASTS/ETC.

Like, today. Do it. <3