A Women’s History Month Tribute
One of the greatest gifts that I have received during my time serving as the bishop of the Philadelphia Area has been my exposure to the profound giftedness of our diversity. My personal background never exposed me to African American, Latinx, Native American, Korean, Indian and African cultures. It will be my life’s journey to continue to explore the cultures, languages and perspectives of my many sisters and brothers with humble appreciation.
While
attending the “Dismantling Racism II” training on February 27, 2021, I learned
a great deal about the world of peoples of the Latinx communities, both in this
country and in other parts of Central and South America. The name Ruth Fernandez was mentioned, and
her fame as a singer and a politician caught my attention.
It is my
honor to lift up her life and legacy during “Women’s History Month.” I give
thanks for “Gracias Mundo,” the world that she loved and beautified. I give
thanks to God for her witness and her heart.
Her signature song was titled “Gracias Mundo,” and there is much to
celebrate.
Ruth Noemi
Fernandez Cortada was born in 1919 in the Belgica community of barrio Cuarto in
Ponce, Puerto Rico. She and her four siblings were raised by her grandmother,
after her mother died when Ruth was only 6 years old. As a child, she had a strong interest in
music, and at the age of 14 she was singing for local radio stations.
It wasn’t
long before popular bands were hiring her to perform in nightclubs, at dances
and casinos. From there she had a series
of successes as a popular singer with a recording contract. She was known as “El alma de Puerto Rico hecha
cancion” which means, “The soul of Puerto Rico turned song.” Her voice interpreted the longings and hearts
of her people.
Ruth Fernandez
was also known to be the “Rosa Parks” of Puerto Rico. When preparing to enter the Vanderbilt Hotel
in San Juan she was informed that Afro-Puerto Ricans needed to enter by the
kitchen door. Instead, she entered the
front door, “dressed to the nines,” and after that event, the discriminatory
practice was stopped. She was proud of her racial heritage and her home city.
She called herself “La Negra de Ponce” (“The Black Woman from Ponce”). How encouraging and life-giving was her
witness and example.
The musical
career of Ruth Fernandez continued for decades, and she performed all over the
world. She was the first Latina to perform at the Metropolitan Opera House in
New York City. She sang for soldiers during
World War II and the Korean War, especially to encourage troops of Hispanic
descent.
She
continued to break barriers and was the “first” to do many things as a woman
and as a woman of color. Throughout her life, Ruth Fernandez received numerous
awards and declarations, all befitting of her trailblazing persona.
It is
important to note that she was not only known for her famous contralto voice.
Ruth Fernandez also had a heart for justice. From 1973 until 1980, she served in the Senate
of Puerto Rico, representing the district of Ponce as a member of the Partido
Popular Democratico de Puerto Rico. During
her tenure she worked for reforms for the poor, including those living in the
United States. She advocated for better working conditions for the artist
community and supported the development of young musicians and artists.
One of her mottos
for life was “Arriba, Corazones” (“Lift up your hearts”). It is clear that her life was a beacon of
light that gave inspiration, hope and justice to millions. Her trailblazing
shoulders have been the encouraging elevation for many who have come after her.
The worth of
one’s life surely depends on how one’s legacy continues through lives that are touched
and that prosper as a result. Thus is
the life and legacy of Ruth Fernandez: singer, justice trailblazer, confident
woman, and soul of Puerto Rico.
Resources:
- “Ruth Fernandez” https://enwikipedia.org/wiki/Ruth_Fermandez
- “Boricua Pionera: Racial Trailblazer Ruth Fernandez” by Tomas Pena, July 24, 2020 https://jazzdelapena.com
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