Hispanic Heritage Month is here once again, highlighting the achievements, history, and cultural diversity of the Hispanic and Latino communities. Figures such as Cesar Chavez and Dolores Huerta are remembered for their impactful strides in migrant and farmer rights. Similarly, artists such as Shakira and Gloria Estefan are recognized for bringing much-needed Latino representation in music.
Long before any of them emerged, however, a young kid’s life would spark a cultural revolution, forever changing the world of music. This is the story of La Bamba, directed by Luis Valdez and starring Lou-Diamond Phillips. Premiering in summer of 1987, the movie commemorates the life of Ritchie Valens, who broke out as a rock-and-roll pioneer in the 1950s before his life tragically ended at seventeen in a plane crash. His story and legacy is a heartfelt salute to Latino pride and a celebration of Latino culture and experience.
Set in 1958, Richard Valenzuela, son of poor Mexican immigrants living in California, longs to become a musician despite his humble beginnings. ‘Ritchie’ has a girlfriend, Donna, but her parents disapprove of their relationship due to his race. He joins a band, soon lands a record deal, and leaves high school to pursue a music career full-time. Ritchie’s breakout single, a rock-and-roll rendition of La Bamba, a Mexican folk song, made him an overnight sensation. Soon after, he goes on a tour with artists such as Buddy Holly and The Big Bopper. On a plane to one of their scheduled shows, however, they are all killed in a tragic plane crash brought about by cold and bad weather. Ritchie Valens died at seventeen years old on February 3, 1959, which became known as “The Day the Music Died.”
Valens accomplished more at seventeen than most people do at such an age. He was one of the first popular Latino artists in a predominantly white industry and especially during a time of rampant racism. His blending of traditional Mexican folk music with American rock-and-roll marked one of the first cultural fusions that would become prevalent in the decades to come. He honored his Latino heritage while mixing it with his American life and upbringing, something many Latinos here at Edison High— including myself— can relate to and experience.
Unfortunately, for many years and still to this day, Latinos have faced discrimination, prejudice, and harmful stereotypes for supposedly not being “fully American.” In the face of such hatred, Valens’ life is one of triumph over bigotry, being able to share one’s heritage and culture with the world. On a personal level, I relate to his story and legacy. Being the son of Mexican immigrants, and experiencing my own fair share of discrimination and racism, I am moved by the tale of a fellow Latino tearing down racial boundaries and achieving his dreams. His story has motivated me and countless others to do the same. Though he may be gone, the legacy of Ritchie Valens and the importance of celebrating Latino pride, heritage, and values will remain immortal.
Happy Hispanic Heritage Month!
¡Saludos a Mi Hermanos y Hermanas Latinos!
