Building Upon The Past, Ready For The Future

Each year, Americans observe National Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15, by celebrating the histories, cultures and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America. 

The day of September 15 is significant because it is the anniversary of independence for Latin American countries Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on September 16 and September 18, respectively. Also, Columbus Day or Día de la Raza, which is October 12, falls within this 30-day period. 

LISC KC’s Holly Long sits down with Hispanic/Latinx KC metro community leaders, Diosselyn Tot-Velasquez and Pat Contreras, regarding Hispanic Heritage Month and being your authentic self in this world. 

The Community Wise Podcast is a conversation between LISC Greater Kansas City Development Officer Holly Long and practitioners and thought leaders from the Kansas City Metro region in the fields of community development, social enterprise and social justice.