The SCIVC welcomes the Hispanic Alliance in Greenville, SC as our guest blog contributor. Here, they share a little history about how Hispanic Heritage Month was created and how it is celebrated. Learn more about the Hispanic Alliance, their community teams and all of the amazing work they are doing by visiting: https://www.hispanicalliancesc.com/
Hispanic Heritage Month (HHM) is a national celebration paying tribute to the generations of Hispanic Americans who have positively influenced and enriched our nation and society. The celebration began in 1968, under President Lyndon B. Johnson, and was made a month-long celebration – September 15 - October 15 – in 1988 by the U.S. Congress. The timing coincides with the independence days of Chile, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, and Belize.
The Hispanic world encompasses a total of 21 countries and territories. Within all of these nations are countless mestizo and creole cultures and indigenous peoples with their own languages and traditions – some thousands of years old. Representatives from this tapestry of humanity have made the Upstate of South Carolina their home, bringing with them their rich traditions.
As growing diversity adds to the beauty of our city, Hispanic Alliance steadily illuminates the richness of Hispanic cultures, as well as individual Hispanic contributors in science, education, the arts, business, and public service. To celebrate HHM this year, the Hispanic Alliance is highlighting events that are happening across the state. Likewise, the Hispanic Alliance spends every day of HHM taking pride in and highlighting the stories of different Hispanic-owned local businesses who make their community a better place and contribute to the economic development of South Carolina. Follow Hispanic Alliance on Facebook and Instagram to support these local businesses.
At its core, Hispanic Heritage month is about celebrating a beautiful community. This month, let’s reflect on how we can love this community together by building each other up.
About the Hispanic Alliance Community Teams
The Hispanic Alliance is a nonpartisan advocate for diversity, equality, acceptance, and understanding. They envision and work towards a vibrant and inclusive community where everyone has access to opportunities for success and prosperity.
For fifteen years, the Hispanic Alliance has led many efforts to cultivate thriving communities through its growing Network, and for more than ten years, the Community Teams that developed from that Network provide access through four pillars: Health, Education, Financial Stability and Legal Access.
The Legal Team will be facilitating their annual Citizenship Workshop on Saturday, November 13th. This workshop is to provide free legal assistance to legal permanent residents who are on the path to become citizens. The Hispanic Alliance relies on trained volunteers and immigrations attorneys who volunteer their time to provide assistance with the citizenship application form, and have a one-on-one free consultation with participants.
For more information about the Citizenship Workshop, visit https://www.facebook.com/HispanicAllianceSC/posts/4217147358334623