This year’s halftime show was not just entertaining. It was a historic moment that sparked a wave of pride for those who are Hispanic and Latino, featuring the first ever Puerto Rican music artist to perform on such a huge stage – Bad Bunny. As a Puerto Rican myself, I felt excitement and hope seeing someone who comes from the same island I was born on get that sort of recognition.

In my opinion, the performance was a beautiful and powerful reminder of how far the community has come, but to also continue to keep pushing to be heard in more media. While many viewers cheered and felt pride watching Bad Bunny and other featured artists like Ricky Martin and Lady Gaga, I do believe that the message of the show truly didn’t reach everyone. The message of this whole show was about community and how we’re stronger as a whole instead of separated. At the end of the iconic performance, Bad Bunny held up a football that said in big, bold letters “TOGETHER, WE ARE AMERICA.” He also shouted the names of many Latinx countries, highlighting them all as part of the North American continent.

Honestly, I want to believe that this performance should be a starting point, not just an end of moment. A sign of progress for Hispanic and Latino communities. It’s important that we continue to give recognition to the many cultures represented in America, and to give them the opportunity to perform on these big stages. To me, this moment was a reminder that our voices matter, and that this can perhaps lead to real change, not just for Puerto Ricans, but for all Hispanics and Latinos who have been historically underrepresented.