HISPANIC PERSPECTIVE-Hispanic Heritage Month, whose roots go back to 1968, begins each year on September 15, the anniversary of independence of five Latin American countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. Mexico, Chile and Belize also celebrate their independence days during this period and Columbus Day (Día de la Raza) is October 12.
The term Hispanic or Latino, refers to Puerto Rican, South or Central American, or other Spanish culture or origin regardless of race. On the 2010 Census form, people of Spanish, Hispanic and/or Latino origin could identify themselves as Mexican, Mexican American, Chicano, Puerto Rican, Cuban, or "another Hispanic, Latino, or Spanish origin."
During National Hispanic Heritage Month(September 15 to October 15) we recognize the contributions made and the important presence of Hispanic and Latino Americans to the United States and celebrate their heritage and culture.
But for Los Angeles this is a very important month, because we do not highlight the contributions made by the Latino community to our country as a whole, but more specifically, to our city. We connect the multicultural communities of Los Angeles, one of the most ethnically diverse cities in our country and the world.
It’s true that Hispanics have had a profound and positive influence on our country through their strong commitment to family, faith, hard work, and service. They have enhanced and shaped our national character with centuries-old traditions that reflect the multiethnic and multicultural customs of their communities.
The Latino Heritage Los Angeles website shows that Latino Heritage Month LA festivities will range from sophisticated art exhibits to family friendly festivals to live concerts. This variety of events will attract Latinos from all walks-of-life – everyone from the social media/tech savvy millennial to middle income families to top of their career professionals.
On that website, we can read a message from Mayor Eric Garcetti and Councilwoman Nury Martinez that says, “We are honored to invite you to join our city as we celebrate the many contributions Latinos have made to our nation, from lead roles in the silent film era, to leadership roles in education, business and innovation.”
As we already know, 48.5 percent of the residents of LA are Latino and of those, 65 percent are US born. There are 450,108 businesses own or run by Latinos.
I invite all of you, at least for the reminder of the celebrations, to reflect on the contributions made by our community. Latinos in Los Angeles have given a great deal to this city and continue to contribute in a positive way. Let’s hope this trend continues for generations to come. Arriba y adelante!
(Fred Mariscal came to Los Angeles from Mexico City in 1992 to study at the University of Southern California and has been in LA ever since. He is a community leader who serves as Vice Chair of the Los Angeles Neighborhood Council Coalition and sits on the board of the Greater Wilshire Neighborhood Council representing Larchmont Village. He was a candidate for Los Angeles City Council in District 4. Fred writes Latino Perspective for CityWatch and can be reached at: [email protected]) Edited for CityWatch by Linda Abrams.
-cw
CityWatch
Vol 13 Issue 79
Pub: Sep 29, 2015
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