The DCBS Office of Equity honors
Hispanic Heritage Month, which
runs from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15.
Almost 14 percent of Oregonians
– and nearly 9 percent of DCBS
employees – are Hispanic or Latino
and represent a diverse array of
cultures across North, Central, and
South America.
Hispanic Heritage Month was
first federally recognized as
Hispanic Heritage Week in 1968 by
President Lyndon Johnson before
it was expanded to a monthlong
celebration in 1988 under
President Ronald Reagan. The
mid-September to mid-October
time frame of Hispanic Heritage
Month is significant because
many Central American countries
celebrate their independence days
in those months. Hispanic Heritage
Month honors the resilience,
determination, and incredible
impact Hispanic and Latinos have
had in America over centuries.
On Sept. 13, PODER, Oregon’s
Latino leadership network, kicked
off statewide Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations by hosting
its 15th annual Hispanic Month
Breakfast and Summit at the Salem
Convention Center. I was honored
to have represented DCBS at this
grand community celebration.
The Office of Equity is also excited
to shine a spotlight on the unique
voices and experiences of Hispanic
and Latino cultural traditions,
achievements, art, food, and
advocacy. Below are some events
happening across Oregon to honor
Hispanic Heritage Month in the
next few weeks:
- The Portland Latin American Film Festival will run now
until Nov 24. The film festival
showcases perspectives on Latin American culture through an
exploration of Latin film at the Hollywood
Theater, 4122 NE Sandy Blvd., Portland.
- ¡Viva Salem! Hispanic Festival, Saturday,
Sept. 28, from noon to 6 p.m. at Riverfront
Park, 200 Water St. NE, Salem
- El Tigre Fest 2024, Saturday, Oct. 5, from
noon to 9 p.m. at Cook Family Park, 17005
SW 92nd Ave., Tigard.
- The Portland Trail Blazers’ Celebration of Hispanic & Latinx Heritage Night,
Sunday, Oct. 27, at 3 p.m. at the Moda
Center, 1 N. Center Court St., Portland. The
event will include Hispanic and Latino food
and information about Hispanic heritage in
Oregon while the Blazers play the Pelicans.
The Office of Equity and DCBS are proud to
support Hispanic and Latino communities and
businesses across Oregon and are striving to
uplift Hispanic voices in our agency and state.
DCBS employees work to include and educate
the Hispanic communities across Oregon by
attending community events, partnering with
the Mexican Consulate, and translating DCBS
documents and websites into Spanish.
Thank you to all Hispanic and Latino employees
at DCBS for bringing your unique experiences
and voices to our agency as we work to make
Oregon a better place for all.