Urban Latinos are Making History

In the 60’s Latinos were influenced by the community to expand Academic History, labor, connections, gender and perspectives. Latinos in 1970-80’s struggled for Academic civil rights with a broadened generation.

Latinos quest began when settlement, exploration took place in 1942.The 19th century is earliest report documented. Genaro M Padilla began the conquest after a war, and years of struggles.

In 1492 Christopher Columbus visited Cuba on his journey, two years later he attempted his second voyage on his way to Jamaica. In 1493 Columbus and Juan Ponce De Leon arrived in Puerto Rico, they were extremely attracted to the Island due to their gold.

At the time Puerto Rico defended the Spanish Empire from any attacks from the French, English, and Dutch invaders, the island is the main manufacturer for electrical, clothes, electronics, chemicals, equipment, agricultural activities, music and more.

Rock and Salsa derived in the 19th century as Puerto Rican music. Some instruments used; guitar, tiple, tres, quintilla, guira, maracas, tambourine and drums to provide rhythm. One verse “la-le-lo-lai” and musical genre the Bomba is sung for continuous search of Puerto Rican identity. La Bomba was derived from the few African’s in Puerto Rico sung by chorus followed by drums Bomba was inspired by a large wooden drum covered with goatskin called “LA BOMBA”.

Merengue was traditional for Dominicans played by three man group called (perico ripiao or pri-pri) some instruments used; tambora which is a small drum, guira, accordion, and percussion instrument which is scraped by a metal rod with a fork stick.

What became the expression for all was three forms of Rumba featuring lead singer with chorus, Guarango a couples dance accompanied by three conga drums; claves, guagua and bamboo piece with two stick. Yambo also a couples dance. Cuba became popular for Salsa in 1920’s, Guajira- Tumba, Francesca drumming, dancing and Afro-Cuban jazz.

European and black African music was intertwined with Spanish; music from the island was combined of African rhythm instruments consist of Spanish guitar, beta drums, congas, claves, and maracas. (Four component styles Rumba, Drums, original black dance, and singing). Expression of music was used to end the struggle in slavery and gain independence from Spain.

With the strong leadership of Celia Cruz, Larry Harlow and Eddie Palmieri, Caribbean music has been influenced and distributed in Latino recording companies in N.Y. By the 70’s Salsa became a big hit, in the 80’s Merengue became popular and by the 90’s traditional Salsa has been emphasizing Cuban sounds, Rock and Rap. Now with the configuration of prominent element in the music of such stars like Marc Anthony, India, Shakira and Ricky Martin Latinos are persevering. We by true fact are the oldest and the newest unity of American immigrants and are quite unique from one another despite common heritage, language, visual arts, cultural habits, food, education, food, and economic.

What does it mean to be Latino in American with an American society in the millennium? Latinos are making History and it’s vital, we are rapidly growing and changing America. Spanish language programs are English with the population of Latinos mostly born in the United States. With time we have persevered and creatively struggled and dealt with diversity and we have proudly come to shape America. We are gradually emphasizing our culture in the U.S. Urban Latinos are expanding their creative talents throughout the nation. Minorities have excelled beyond belief worldwide. The term Latino, Spanish American embraces the U.S. regardless of race, color, class or differences a society that once was hostile now is a symbol of cultural delighted approval.

This is written in memory of Latinos who have made History in the United States just for us Latinos.