Why does Hispanic Heritage Month start on September 15th?
Typically when a month is dedicated to a cause or to celebrate a specific culture, it would start on the first of the month. Not Hispanic Heritage Month (HHM)! Do you know why this is? It begins on September 15th because it is the anniversary of the Independence of Latin American countries of Costa Rica, El Salvador, Honduras, Guatemala, and Nicaragua. Mexico also celebrates it's Independence day on September 16th and Chile celebrates on the 18th. In August of 1988 the Hispanic Heritage celebration was expanded from 1 week to the duration of 30 days.
Local Community Members Making an Impact
Terri Cruz | 1927 - 2017
Terri Cruz was a prominent Mexican-American community leader and a founding member of Chicanos por la Causa (CPLC)- the largest Hispanic Nonprofit in the country. She helped found CPLC in 1969 and worked for the agency for more than four decades as a social services counselor.
Ivan Jacobo
Ivan is an EMCC Alumni that is part of the Hispanic community and is making a huge impact! Not only did he fulfill his dream of opening a restaurant - Anhelo - he created a scholarship fund for current culinary students and offers internships at his restaurant.
Anna Tovar
Anna Tovar is a current member of the Arizona Corporation Commission and she is an EMCC Alumna. She previously served as the first female mayor of Tolleson and has served as a state representative and Senator.