September 15 to October 15 is Hispanic American Heritage Month. This month traditionally honors the cultures and contributions of both Hispanic and Latino Americans and celebrates heritage rooted in all Latin American countries. The observation began in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson and was expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to cover a 30-day period. It was enacted into law on August 17, 1988.

The theme for 2024 is “Pioneers of Change: Shaping the Future Together”. In keeping with this concept, UConn Law recognizes the impact that Hispanic American students bring as advocates for reform, to UConn Law and the legal profession.

This month we highlight Dominic Bellido, a first-year law student who joined the library this past summer. A Colby College graduate with a commitment to justice and advocacy, Dominic intends to pursue a career in human rights or immigration law.

Dominic reflects on what it means to honor his heritage and the legacies he carries forward in his pursuit of legal education.

As a first-generation Peruvian / American law student, I have often felt intimidated or anxious entering into higher levels of education. Being the first in my family to enter law school has come with not only a sense of pride but also fear for the all the unknowns ahead of me. But whenever I begin to doubt myself, I remember the way my grandparents used to sing me lullabies in Spanish whenever I had nightmares a child, soothing me with old bolero songs or nursery rhymes.

Dominic’s family’s journey ignited a desire to pursue a career in law, aiming to create positive change and advocate for those in need.

Now I draw my strength from the love my grandparents kept for me, from all the culture and pain and joy they carried on their backs, from all the hard work it took for them to help my parents build a new home in America.  And as I pursue my studies, I think to myself, if I am able to help my community and shed light onto the new paths which my generation and the next will forge—then, all credit is due to the ancestors that came before me. Only the mistakes are truly mine.

Sentiments such as Dominic’s are a powerful reminder of the importance of representation and the positive changes that emerge from embracing diverse voices.

Check out Dominic’s library display of print and digital titles highlighting Hispanic Heritage by the entrance to the law library. By celebrating all UConn Law students of Hispanic heritage and their achievements and supporting their journeys, we contribute to a more diverse and equitable legal profession.

Happy Hispanic Heritage Month!