Google Doodle celebrates Luisa Moreno, a trailblazing Hispanic activist

In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, Google Doodle featured Luisa Moreno, a remarkable activist, journalist, and labor organizer of Guatemalan-American descent. The artwork, created by Guatemala City-based artist Juliet Mendez, depicted Moreno standing in solidarity with the communities she tirelessly advocated for. With 32% of Arizona’s population identifying as Latino or Hispanic, this recognition serves as a reminder of the significant contributions made by these communities. Hispanic Heritage Month, a national celebration from September 15th to October 15th, is an opportunity to honor and appreciate the rich history and achievements of Americans of Hispanic descent.

Luisa Moreno was born on August 30, 1907, in Guatemala City, and passed away on November 4, 1992, in Guatemala. When she was a child, her family immigrated to Oakland, California, but she returned to Guatemala as a teenager. At that time, women in Guatemala were prohibited from attending universities. In response, Moreno organized a group to advocate for women’s right to higher education. She later worked as a journalist in Mexico City and published a book of poetry, “El Vendedor de Cocuyos (The Seller of Fireflies),” in 1927. In 1928, she moved to New York City.

During the Great Depression, Moreno worked as a seamstress to support her family and witnessed the need for labor reform due to low wages, long hours, and hazardous working conditions. In 1935, she joined the American Federation of Labor as a professional organizer. Her dedication and impact within the organization led to her election as vice president of the United Cannery, Agricultural, Packing and Allied Workers of America in 1941.

In 1938, Moreno founded the National Congress of Spanish-Speaking Peoples, which became the first national Latino civil rights assembly. Her fight for social justice did not go unnoticed, and she faced threats of deportation from the Immigration and Naturalization Services, now the United States Immigration and Naturalization Service, unless she testified against fellow union leaders. Refusing to comply, she had to return to Latin America. Nevertheless, this setback did not deter Moreno, as she continued to organize workers in Mexico, Cuba, and Guatemala.

According to the Brooklyn Museum, Moreno was born with the name Blanca Rosa López Rodríguez into a prominent Guatemalan family. She eventually changed her name to Luisa Moreno to spare her family from potential embarrassment.

Luisa Moreno’s legacy lives on through various acknowledgments of her contributions to the United States. She is featured in the National Museum of American History and the Brooklyn Museum, where her impact on labor activism and civil rights is recognized.

The observation of Hispanic Heritage Month dates back to 1968 when President Lyndon Johnson signed a bill designating the week of September 15th as National Hispanic Heritage Week. This event aimed to spotlight the significant contributions made by Hispanic Americans to the United States. The bill was a response to the growing civil rights movement led by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and other Black leaders, which inspired Latinos to organize for equality and fairness.

President Ronald Reagan later expanded the week-long celebration to a month, starting in 1988. The selection of September 15th as the starting date holds significance as several Latin American countries celebrate their independence from Spain around this time. Countries such as Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua declared their independence on September 15th, 1821, while Mexico celebrates its independence on September 16th, followed by Chile on September 18th. Additionally, the 30-day period incorporates October 12th, the date Christopher Columbus arrived in the Americas, marking the beginning of European colonization.

The theme for this year’s Hispanic Heritage Month is “Latinos: Driving Prosperity, Power, and Progress in America.” It is a testament to the ongoing impact and influence of the Latino community on the nation’s growth and development.

Luisa Moreno’s story is an inspiring example of resilience, determination, and a commitment to social justice. Her tireless efforts as an activist, journalist, and labor organizer have left a lasting impact on the rights and well-being of workers, particularly within the Latino community. As we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, it is crucial to recognize and honor the diverse contributions made by Hispanic Americans throughout history. Their stories, like that of Luisa Moreno, remind us of the importance of equality, inclusion, and progress for all.