National Hispanic Heritage Month Q&A with Silvia Moreno-Garcia

Q: What does National Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you?

A:

"It's a time to celebrate the contributions of Hispanic people to the fabric of the United States," says Silvia Moreno-Garcia, a Mexican-Canadian author of speculative fiction. "It's also a time to reflect on the challenges that Hispanic people face, and to work towards creating a more just and equitable society for all."

Q: What are some of the challenges that Hispanic people face today?

A:

"Hispanic people face a number of challenges today, including discrimination, poverty, and lack of access to healthcare and education," says Moreno-Garcia. "These challenges are compounded by the fact that many Hispanic people are undocumented, which makes them vulnerable to exploitation and deportation."

Q: What can people do to support Hispanic people during National Hispanic Heritage Month and beyond?

A:

"There are many things that people can do to support Hispanic people," says Moreno-Garcia. "One important thing is to educate yourself about the challenges that Hispanic people face. You can also support Hispanic-owned businesses, and donate to organizations that are working to improve the lives of Hispanic people."

Q: What are some of your favorite books by Hispanic authors?

A:

"There are so many great books by Hispanic authors out there," says Moreno-Garcia. "Some of my favorites include: • The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros • One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez • The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao by Junot Diaz • The Mambo Kings Play Songs of Love by Oscar Hijuelos • Like Water for Chocolate by Laura Esquivel"