Description

As part of their DEI Series, the HBS Club of Chicago presents: America is Made Up of Stars, Hispanics Are One of Them

Hispanic Heritage Month represents an important moment of national focus on the US Hispanic community and is aimed at celebrating the Hispanic cultural heritage and their contributions in the U.S.

Hispanic Heritage Month is a way to celebrate Hispanic’s diverse cultures. It started as a week-long celebration in 1968 under President Lyndon B. Johnson, getting extended to a month-long celebration in 1988 under President Ronald Reagan. This month of celebration coincides with the Independence days of several Latin American countries including: Chile, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico and Nicaragua. Our history in the U.S. goes back to colonial times when Spanish conquistadores first settled in parts of the United States -even before the English colonies were founded- which led to the existence of a Spanish speaking mestizo population in different regions of the country. We have been here since before there was a United States and afterwards, immigrants from all over Latin America have kept on coming to this country in hopes of finding a better future or reuniting with the relatives who immigrated first. Our stories, independently of our nationalities, share the same struggle and resilience.

Nowadays, Hispanics represent 62 million or 18.7% of the U.S. total population and we have a spending power of $1.7 trillion. We are here to stay and we feel equally American as we feel Hispanic. We have stayed close to our roots and culture, 92% of Hispanic millennials say it feels normal to preserve the culture and traditions of their country of origin while living in the U.S, and it is this what makes us stronger. As Hispanics, we share similar traditions, flavors, rhythms and experiences and we should take advantage of that and unite our efforts to make our voices louder and stronger in the U.S.

With the COVID-19 pandemic our community has been affected in countless ways and we should be more united now. The pandemic hit us hard economically and health wise. We have been disproportionately affected by this virus and we are on the frontlines fighting it too. Our small businesses, jobs and heath were hardly hit and our recovery should start with us, by joining our efforts as a community and taking action. Particularly in a year when this community is being disproportionately impacted by COVID-19 and D&I conversations nationwide are at the forefront, it is important to use this moment to bring the Hispanic community together in celebration of their contributions to this country and bring attention to the needs and opportunities to support the advancement of this fundamental American community.

Participants must register by October 5th to receive details on joining the discussion.