Latina History on Palindrome Day

A night of historic significance. The first palindrome day in 909 years is obviously documented, but what will be forever imprinted in our hearts and minds is tonight's epic performance. Jennifer Lopez and Shakira took the stage and shook it for a full halftime show filled with memories, dance, sneaky politics, and the validation and inclusivity of not just being Latinx, but of being Latina.    

​As I rushed home for a quick shower and an outfit change (I mean, one must be prepared for such an event), I prepped my hair with a nice Afro-Latina hairpiece, poured myself a glass of malbec and sat down (briefly). Goosebumps. I mean... nod if you agree. The performance was magnetic. I could not figure out if my face cream was making my eyes red or what. Fine, I'll admit it... I was teary-eyed, but it's to be expected. It also shows just how much we really needed this. Not just as a Puerto Rican, considering the continuous earthquakes happening on the island just over two years after Hurricane Maria, but also as a woman. Can you believe this is the first time a Hispanic woman headlines the Super Bowl? This is according to multiple online articles. I'm too tired to go full journalist mode on this and head over to the library to search for clippings.

​Truth is, after tonight's performance, girls, young women, all women will have had the validation that yes, anything is possible. Like Jennifer Lopez mentioned at the Super Bowl LIV halftime performer press conference, 'being from the Bronx and Shakira from Barranquilla, the two of us could have never imagined' being center stage at the Super Bowl. Shakira said, "This is a palpable example of how anything is possible." Lopez added, "It's [also] about hard work." So, girls and boys, they did it and so can you.      

Excuse me now... I'm gonna go watch the halftime show on replay. I might even listen to Demi Lovato  (yes, another power Latina) singing the National Anthem again. 

Oh and word has it, Kansas City Chiefs won. 

images are screenshots, courtesy of the following video

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​By Jessica G Ferrer