Hispanic Heritage Month (HHM), September 15 – October 15 each year, encourages Hispanic people and non-Hispanic people alike to reflect and celebrate the rich diversity of the ancestry, traditions, music, food, and languages of all Hispanic cultures and their contributions to the United States.
Here in Philadelphia, about 14 percent of the city’s population identifies as Hispanic or Latino.
Growing up in Philadelphia, I identified as mixed race, both Black and Puerto Rican. Similar to Christina, who you will read about further in this piece, I had some difficulty expressing this dual identity and mixture of culture to others who wanted to box me in to one identity. Thankfully, I lived in different neighborhoods throughout our city that were racially and culturally diverse.
This celebration of diversity gives us all the opportunity to learn about each other.
We asked a few City workers who identify as Hispanic what Hispanic Heritage Month (HHM) means to them, too.
Catalina works in the Office of Adult Education. She’s originally from Colombia.
Hispanic Heritage Month is “an opportunity to recognize our personal stories and our collective history as living testaments to the complexity and diversity of our own community, our city, and our nation.”
She says that she’s lived in many different cities across the U.S. but loves living and working in Philadelphia.
“Philly has a diverse community with neighborhoods that each have their own identity. It’s a city where you can work or bike to work — and run along a river on the weekend!”
Diego works in the Commerce Department and traces his roots to Colombia, Peru, and the United States. He says HHM is “a time to reflect on where we came from and to look ahead to how Hispanics from different origins are building new idiosyncrasies, new languages, and new styles that are unique to the United States.”
Reflecting on Philadelphia as a city, Diego says he’s grateful for the “sense of duty we have as neighbors to each other and to those that are not as fortunate.”
Jessica works in Procurement. She’s from Puerto Rico and grew up here in Philadelphia.
“Growing up a Latina, I would always walk down ‘el bloque de oro’ — 5th and Somerset streets. I felt right at home,” she says. “The shops all sold products found in the ‘barrios’ of Puerto Rico. Restaurants sold arroz con gandules, tostones, alcapurrias, pastelillos, and even café con leche! Every year, the last Sunday in September we celebrated after the parade with large flags hanging from our cars. Our parents played dominoes on the sidewalk with the neighbors while we rode our bikes around the block. It wasn’t until I reached adolescence that I realized that the city I resided in expanded farther than 6th and Lehigh!”
Jessica adds that when she visited Center City as a teenager, she “loved the buildings and saw myself working there when I grew up!” Today, she works in the Municipal Services Building, a local landmark across from City Hall. “Hispanic Heritage Month fills me with pride knowing the possibilities are endless. This is an opportunity for us to stand out. Whenever I see another Hispanic person succeeding, I am intrigued — and want to know their story!”
Daniel works in the Law Department. He and his wife created a family that blended multiple cultures.
“Our children were the only ones in their school class whose ancestors came to the United States by walking here, in 1918, or through annexation, in 1848 — in both cases, from Mexico.”
He says Philadelphia works every day to be more inclusive and fight poverty. “It has both a good and a troubling history, but it has a lot that can inspire. It’s affordable compared to other cities, too!”
To Daniel, HHM present an opportunity “to learn and celebrate diverse contemporary experiences and appreciate the experience of those who came before us.”
Christina works in the Mayor’s Office. “As a Black Puerto Rican woman, it is often difficult to find an avenue to share stories about my own personal journey. To many people, I fit into one category or the other, so it’s at times hard to emphasize the duality of my identity.”
She explains that she grew up in the Poconos “which is a wonderful place to live but can seem homogeneous. Being able to explore so many different cultures in Philadelphia has been wonderful! It means a lot to me to be able to contribute to this incredibly diverse community by working for the Mayor. I get to be part of governing this amazing city, and that is an incredible honor!”
Christina thinks Hispanic Heritage Month is “a time when we celebrate all that makes us unique. It’s wonderful to be celebrated for what brings us together — and for what makes us so special!”
Theresa is Mexican-American and works in the Commerce Department.
“I’ve always been proud of my heritage,” she says, “and shout it out whenever I can!”
Theresa explains that HHM “means a lot. I post about Hispanics daily on Facebook to increase awareness. My posts include entrepreneurs, singers, actors, politicians, athletes, authors, and artists. By doing this, I learn every day how much we’ve done and continue to do in this country!” She says that HHM is the perfect time for everyone to reflect on such contributions.
“I love the diverse culture Philadelphia offers,” she adds. “Not only do you learn about other countries and their cultures, but you also get to experience the food and entertainment!”
Manuel works in the Managing Director’s Office. He’s originally from Chile.
He says some of the best parts of Philadelphia are “its people, food, and history! Working here allows me to give residents a sense of how things are done. We as City employees can make a difference! We can make a difference both in local City government and in the quality of life of our neighbors.”
Manual says HHM shows that “all races and cultures can contribute to our great nation. It helps make sure we keep the United States the best country to build dreams and lives.” HHM isn’t just a month to him, though.
“It’s a commitment all year long to me, my family, and everyone I meet to say: ‘I’m Latin and proud!’”
Joanna is the Deputy Managing Director for Community Services. She traces her background to Costa Rica, Puerto Rico, and the United States.
“Latinos and Hispanics are made up of extremely diverse backgrounds! For me, HHM means a celebration of our history — a celebration of our ancestry, customs, traditions, religious and cultural artifacts, music, food, language(s), and our contributions to this great city and great country.”
She says Philadelphia’s history and diversity are its strengths — but its people are its greatest asset.
“Philly residents are resilient,” Joanna explains, “and I enjoy working with such a diverse population!”
She adds, “I take great pride in my background, being of both Costa Rican heritage and the Puerto Rican diaspora. I embrace the fact that my family history is a mosaic of both. Taino, Spaniard, Afro Latino, Mayan — I am proud to be Latina!”