CELEBRANDO NUESTRA MAGIA: THE MAGIC OF THE HISPANIC AND LATINX COMMUNITIES (National Hispanic Heritage Month 2022)

Every year, Americans observe National Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15 by celebrating the histories, cultures, and contributions of Americans whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America.

The holiday was created to recognize the positive impact and contributions that Hispanic Americans have left on the country. 

This month is especially significant because it contains the Independence Days of seven Latin American countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua on September 15 (the first day of National Hispanic Heritage Month), Mexico on September 16, and Chile on September 18th. 

While only about 15% of Oregonians identify as Hispanic, our culture in the state is rich and significant, and our communities have long-standing and deep roots. Hispanic and Latinx communities make up over 5% of the population in every county in Oregon except three, showing how widespread and vital we are to the state and exposing nearly every Oregonian to at least some aspect of our varied and numerous cultures.

Here are a few ways you can celebrate and support the Hispanic community this month: 

1. Support local nonprofits prioritizing the success of the Latinx and Hispanic communities here in Oregon, such as: 

   • Adelante Mujeres

   • Centro

   • Edúcate Ya

   • Hacienda

   • Oregon Latino Health Coalition

   • PCUN

   • Verde

   • Voz

   • And (of course!) Latino Network

2. Support Hispanic-owned businesses! Investing your time and money into these hard-working businesses is a great way to celebrate the hard work and value this community brings to our country. Here are some local companies to support this month and beyond: 

   • Orox Leather

   • Ice Queen PDX

   • Tropicale

   • Design Salt Creative

3. Attend local Hispanic Heritage Month events, including Latino Network’s annual Noche Bella! 

4. Reflect on the contributions Hispanic Americans have made and continue to make to your community.Above all, it is essential to continue the celebration of Hispanic-Americans well past September and October. The Hispanic and Latinx communities in Oregon–as well as throughout the country–are thriving and contributing majorly to the success of this country. 

Hispanic-Americans and Latinx-Americans are your coworkers, neighbors, friends, and community members.  

For more inspiration, check out the federal government’s National Hispanic Heritage Month website.