Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15th – October 15th) is a time to celebrate the cultural contributions and history of Hispanic and Latinx Americans.

As we prepare to honor their legacy, we’ve gathered a collection of quotes from influential Hispanic and Latinx figures. Let their voices inspire and empower you to leave a lasting impact on the world.

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Empowering Quotes

“You are not lucky to be here. The world needs your perspective. They are lucky to have you.” – Antonio Tijerino

“I tell students that the opportunities I had were a result of having a good educational background. Education is what allows you to stand out.” – Ellen Ochoa

“Widen the path of opportunities and continue to leave a powerful and positive legacy in this world.” – Luis Fonsi

“If you have a dream, don’t let anybody take it away.” — Selena Quintanilla

“It is important for all of us to appreciate where we come from and how that history has really shaped us in ways that we might not understand.”— Sonia Sotomayor

“We have to defend democracy, but remember that not everything is politics. Without science, industry, and technology, no progress is possible, and without music and art, there’s no soul.“ – Isabel Allende

You cannot uneducate the person who has learned to read. You cannot humiliate the person who feels pride. You cannot oppress the people who are not afraid anymore.” — Cesar Chavez

“We must use our lives to make the world a better place to live, not just to acquire things. That is what we are put on the earth for.” — Dolores Huerta

“If you have an opportunity to make things better and you don’t, then you are wasting your time on Earth.” – Roberto Clemente

“One of the greatest things you have in life is that no one has the authority to tell you what you want to be. You’re the one who’ll decide what you want to be. Respect yourself and respect the integrity of others as well. The greatest thing you have is your self-image, a positive opinion of yourself. You must never let anyone take it from you.” – Jaime Escalante