Celebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month

Salma Hayek

Magy Perez, Staff Writer

During National Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15 to October 15) we recognize the contributions made and the important presence of Hispanic and Latino Americans to the United States and celebrate their heritage and culture.

Salma Hayek is a Hispanic actress and producer. She is one of the first latina actresses to build a successful acting career for herself. She was born in Coatzacoalcos, Veracruz, México in 1966. She attended school in the U.S. when she was twelve and soon moved back to Mexico. When she moved back to Mexico, she attended Mexico City’s Universidad Iberoamericana, that’s when she was determined to pursue an acting career. Therefore, Salma moved to LA in 1991 and soon became a Hollywood actress. However, Salma already had the star status in her native Mexico due to a soap opera she landed called Teresa. Salma has acted in several movies and films and was nominated for a Best Actress Oscar for her role as Frida Kahlo. She was also instrumental in bringing Ugly Betty (based on the international hit Betty La Fea) to American television.

Salma Hayek isn’t just an actor, she is also an advocate for social justice and change. Salma has her own foundation that focuses on raising awareness towards domestic violence. Her foundation was influenced by her past experiences, due to being in a toxic relationship. She had kept quiet about the situation until many accusations were made against him. She wrote an op-ed for The New York Times exposing his true identity. Salma has also funded foundations that support immigrants, women, children, people with disabilities, human rights, poverty, cancer, and many more.

Salma’s main focus is battered women and disadvantaged children. These are her main causes because she is a women herself and a mother as well. She does this to aid children, and young adults with enough resources to find a successful path to adulthood. She is also involved with a non-profit organization called Stand Up to Cancer. This organization raises money to help scientist and researchers find a cure for cancer. Salma Hayek has contributed to this country not only by entertainment but by funding and supporting organizations that benefit us all.