The Forces Derived from Being a Latina: A Latina Power Reading List

On July 22, Smithsonian museum director Anthea M. Hartig appeared before two separate House committees in what Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett called a “white pride rally disguised as a Congressional hearing.” During the two-hour proceedings, Hartig was questioned about the perceived racism, diminishing patriotism, and woke ideology “infecting” the museum, including this inquiry from Representative Brandon Gill: “What is Latina power?” Armed with purpose, pearls, and a power bob, Hartig hit him with a “be serious” glare before calmly answering: “Latina power would be the forces derived from being a Latina.” Gill responded by asking if it was appropriate for the National Museum of American History to sell “Latina Power paraphernalia,” holding up an image of zippered pouches, hats, tumblers, and other merch in delightful shades of pink—all of which have been sold at the museum for years. This stunt is the latest example in our government’s long history of being weird about Latine cultural expression, and of our current administration’s continued targeting of the Latine community. Read more about the hearing and that history, then add these brilliant, award-winning authors and poets to...