The towns of Chapel Hill and Carrboro are both celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month this year.

National Hispanic Heritage Month is observed each year 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.

September 15 was chosen as the starting date for Hispanic Heritage Month because of its significance in Latin American history. It is the date that five Latin American countries – Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua – declared their independence, while Mexico declared its independence on September 16 and Chile on September 18.

Throughout the month, the Town of Chapel Hill will highlight a variety of local groups, artists and past programs on social media to honor the contributions of Hispanic cultures in the community.

“Chapel Hill is extremely fortunate to be home to a strong and creative Hispanic population,” said Chapel Hill Mayor Pam Hemminger. “Our Hispanic neighbors add so much to our community and I encourage everyone to join us in recognizing their contributions to our Town through these celebrations of Hispanic history and culture.”

In addition to the local observances of Hispanic Heritage Month, the Town of Chapel Hill has outlined a few ongoing initiatives aimed at strengthening the support of Hispanic and Latinx residents. A few of these initiatives include:

  • Building Integrated Communities – a partnership with UNC aimed at developing strategies to make the town more welcoming and inclusive of immigrant and refugee residents
  • Language Access Services – providing interpretation and translation services for Spanish-speakers for public meetings, emergency communications, etc.
  • DACA Renewal Assistance Program – providing financial assistance to community members who have received deferred action under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program
  • Police outreach to Hispanic/Latinx communities

While the Town of Carrboro does not have any in-person events scheduled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Carrboro Mayor Lydia Lavelle issued a proclamation encouraging residents to join in on the month-long celebration.

“I encourage all residents to join in this celebration of Hispanic history and culture, and recognize the many contributions made by Hispanic Americans that have had such a deep and lasting influence on our nation, our state and our community,” Mayor Lavelle said.

To learn more about Hispanic Heritage Month, click here.

Lead image via the Town of Carrboro. 

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