Manchester Celebrates National Hispanic Heritage Month
National
Hispanic Heritage Month offers the opportunity to celebrate the presence of Hispanic
and Latino communities in the United States, and their extensive contributions
to the arts, cuisine, advocacy work, literature, politics, sports, and much
more. This includes the recognition of those with ancestry from Spain, Mexico,
the Caribbean, Central America and South America. With its first celebration having
occurred in 1968, Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated annually from September
15th, through October 15th. This time span is especially
significant because September 15th marks the commemoration of
independence for El Salvadore, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. In
addition, Mexico celebrates their independence on September 16th,
Chile on September 18th, and Belize on September 21st.
Pioneers
of Change: Shaping the Future Together
The
National Hispanic Heritage Month theme for 2024 is “Pioneers of Change: Shaping
the Future Together,” which is certainly fitting as we acknowledge the various
significant roles that this community has held in our nation’s history, dating
all the way back to the American Revolution. Though their rich history, contributions
to society, and culture should be continuously celebrated, these 30 days provide
a wonderful opportunity to recognize Hispanic Americans around us, as well as highlight
the local groups, businesses, and restaurants to support in your own community.
The
Town of Manchester honors, celebrates, and raises awareness for the Hispanic American
community and the celebrations surrounding them this month. On October 6th,
2020, Mayor Jay Moran expressed the value of National Hispanic Heritage Month
through the Manchester
Official proclamation:
WHEREAS,
Manchester is a town in which our diversity is shown and celebrated. We recognize and honor the contributions of
all members of our community; and
WHEREAS, September 15 is the anniversary of
independence for five Latin American countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador,
Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua.
Mexico achieved independence on September 16 and Chile achieved independence
on September 18; and
WHEREAS, In 1968,
President Lyndon Johnson observed National Hispanic Heritage Week. This was expanded by President Ronald Reagan
in 1988 to cover a 30-day period starting on September 15 and ending on October
15. It was enacted into law on August
17, 1988, on the approval of Public Law 100-402; and
WHEREAS, Each year,
Americans observe National Hispanic Heritage Month by celebrating the
histories, cultures and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came
from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America; and
WHEREAS, During National Hispanic Heritage
Month, we celebrate the countless contributions of more than 60 million
Hispanic Americans to our culture and society.
Hispanic Americans are the largest minority group in the United States
today, and generations of Hispanic Americans have consistently helped make our
country strong and prosperous; and
WHEREAS, Manchester invites all members of the
community to learn more about the rich Hispanic culture, traditions and
history, and celebrate the contributions that have been made to our country and
our community by Hispanic Americans.
THEREFORE, I, Jay Moran, Mayor of the Town of
Manchester, on behalf of the Board of Directors, the Town Administration, and
the citizens of Manchester, do hereby proclaim September 15 – October 15, 2020 as HISPANIC
HERITAGE MONTH
Jay Moran, Mayor
With
the themes of unity and representation being prominent this month, it is
important to support the various community groups and businesses pioneered by
our Hispanic residents here in Manchester. Below is a list of local restaurants
run by families of Hispanic Heritage, local events, and further resources to
support this vibrant community.
Local
Restaurants:
–
Moran
Restaurant, 534 Middle Tpke E # D,
Manchester, CT 06040
–
Three
Amigos Mexican Taqueria, 298
Middle Turnpike W, Manchester, CT 06040
–
La
Plazita Del Mofongo, 415A
Broad St, Manchester, CT 06040
–
El
Sol Deli, 631
Main St, Manchester, CT 06040
–
La
Toquilla,
21 Oak St, Manchester, CT 06040
–
Rosita’s Latin Cuisine, 534
Middle Turnpike E, Manchester, CT 06040
Events
in Manchester, CT:
–
Catering Management- Hispanic Heritage Buffet Dinner:
Wednesday, September 25th, (7:00-8:30 PM). Celebrate the rich and
diverse cuisine of Latin America and Spain with a Hispanic Heritage Dinner.
–
Social Mixer Honoring Hispanic Heritage:
Friday, September 27th (1:00-2:30). This event is held by UR
Community Cares to give people the opportunity to get acquainted and share
their cultural traditions.
Links
to Further Resources:
–
The
National Museum of The American Latino:
The National Museum of The American Latino offer virtual exhibits, and
bilingual resources including at-home activities for families to engage in this
Month.
–
Flipster:
Flipster is a digital library that offers 24/7 access to popular magazines
translated to Spanish. The website includes an edition of Hola for
Hispanic Heritage Month.
–
Hispanic
Health Council: The Hispanic Health Council offers
various culturally relevant and competent services for Hispanic Families. This
includes financial, occupational, spiritual, social services, and much more.
–
Hispanic
Federation CREAR Futuros: CREAR Futuros is ran by the Hispanic
Federation and offers Latino college students a mentoring and college success
program. This includes leadership development, career mentorship, internship
opportunities, and connection to social services.
–
Latino Community
Services: Latino Community Services is a nonprofit
based in Hartford, CT. Their mission is to eliminate health disparities,
confront stigma, and raise awareness. This organization offers various
resources for the Latino community including HIV/Aids services, prevention
services, and community services.
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About Author
McKenna Cheverier is the Neighborhoods and Families Coordinator for the Department of Leisure, Family, and Recreation. She began working with the town as an intern during her senior year at UConn. McKenna completed her bachelor’s degree in Human Development and Family Sciences with a minor in Urban and Community Studies.