With immense pride, our department highlights a landmark initiative in collaboration with the Samuel Proctor Oral History Program, an award-winning repository of lived experiences at the University of Florida. For the first time in over ten years, the “Español en la comunidad” course (SPN3948) has taken a significant turn to honor Hispanic veterans in the United States through its documentary production.
The impetus for this pivotal project was provided by the initiative and leadership of graduate student Sonia San Juan. Under the guidance of Dr. Antonio Sajid Lopez, Sonia pursued her research in Digital Humanities, coordinating the project with the active and passionate engagement of our Fall 2023 students. Together, they have conducted a series of interviews with six Hispanic veterans, whose stories will not only enrich the Samuel Proctor Oral History Program’s vast archive of over 150,000 pages of transcribed interviews but also be preserved in the Library of Congress within the Veterans History Project. This significant endeavor aims to ensure that the raw and authentic experiences of U.S. military veterans become a part of our national collective memory, accessible for future generations to learn from.
Our narrative is further enriched by the contributions of Deborah Hendrix, our dedicated editor-in-chief, and Mr. Adolfo Romero, whose guidance has been instrumental in steering our students through their research journey. Their expertise and commitment have greatly enhanced the quality and depth of our students’ work.
Sonia San Juan shares her thoughts on the project:
“I extend my heartfelt appreciation to Dr. Antonio Sajid Lopez, the Spanish and Portuguese Studies Department, the incredible team at the Samuel Proctor Oral History Project, and the dedicated students in SPN 3948. Without them, this project would not be possible. I am grateful for the invaluable opportunity they have provided me to showcase the Hispanic Military community and pay tribute to the legacy of our Hispanic Veterans.
Dr. Sajid Lopez’s guidance has played a crucial role in shaping the trajectory of this project, allowing me to explore the rich history of Hispanic veterans with depth and authenticity. The collaboration with the Samuel Proctor Oral History Program has not only been enriching but has also paved the way for preserving these narratives in the Library of Congress, ensuring that the experiences of our veterans become an integral part of the nation’s collective memory.”
As we look forward to the documentary’s unveiling, we warmly invite you to join us in witnessing the powerful stories captured by our students. This project is not merely academic work; it’s a heartfelt homage to the service and legacy of our Hispanic veterans. Their stories of courage, service, and resilience are an integral part of the American narrative.