Happy Hispanic Heritage Month!

In celebrating our Hispanic/Latino communities and residents, Mayor Brandon M. Scott, the Mayor's Office of Immigrant Affairs (MIMA), and the Baltimore City Hispanic Commission are recognizing individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the Latino community. Follow MIMA on social media to learn more about our outstanding leaders. A number of free community events will be held as part of the celebration: Feria Somos Baltimore Latino 2023 / Somos Baltimore Latino Fair 2023 Saturday, September 16th, 11 am - 6:00 pm Sacred Heart of Jesus / Sagrado Corazón de Jesús (600 S Conkling St, Baltimore, MD 21224) Somos Baltimore Latino Learn more here! TIANQUIZTLI | Latin American Market & Festival 2:00 pm Walk with Little Amal in Patterson Park 3:00 - 7:00 pm Festival outside Creative Alliance (3134 Eastern Ave, Baltimore, MD 21224) Saturday, September 16th Creative Alliance Free, learn more here! Hispanic Heritage Month Event: Latino Trivia Night! Tuesday, September 19th, 6:00 - 8:30 pm Centro SOL and the Latino Racial Justice Circle El Salvador Restaurant (207 South Broadway 2nd Floor Baltimore, MD 21231) Please RSVP Festival de Independencia Sunday, September 17th, 12:00 - 9:00 pm Joseph Lee Park (6300 E. Pratt St. Baltimore, MD 21224) Learn more here! Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration and Community Resource Fair Saturday, September 23, 2:30pm - 5pm  Faith Center (351 S. Woodyear St, Baltimore, MD 21223) Folkloric Dance Class with Artesanas Tuesday, October 3rd, 5:30-7:30 pm Enoch Pratt Free Library (400 Cathedral Street Baltimore, MD 21201) Free, please RSVP Latino Cultural Festival Saturday, October 7, 11am-7pm Patterson Park-Pulaski Monument (2900 Eastern Ave, Baltimore, MD 21224) Latin Nations of Fiesta Baltimore Parade Sunday, October 8th, 9 am  Patterson Park Pulaski Monument (parade starts at 3919 Eastern Ave, Baltimore, MD 21222. ***** Source: MIMA Monthly Newsletter, September, 2023.

May is  National Hispanic Heritage Month

Maryland Celebrates National Hispanic Heritage Month!

May is National Hispanic Heritage Month, a time to recognize and celebrate the many contributions, diverse cultures, and extensive histories of the American Hispanic and Latinx community. According to the census, 62.6 million Americans identify as Hispanic or Latinx, making them the nation’s largest racial or ethnic minority. In Maryland, Hispanic/Latinx are 12% of the Maryland population and number around 744,000. 

The Heritage Month observation started in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson and was expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to cover a 30-day period in September-October. It was enacted into law on August 17, 1988, on the approval of Public Law 100-402. 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 September18, respectively. 

During this Hispanic Heritage Month, the Maryland Commission on Civil Rights (MCCR) encourages Marylanders to learn more about the culture and contributions the Hispanic/Latinx community have made in society. 

Public Television PBS is airing a TV special:

Celebrate Asian American, Pacific Islander, and Native Hawaiian Heritage Month

Every May we take extra time to celebrate Asian American, Pacific Islander, and Native Hawaiian (AAPINH) Heritage Month by shining a light on AAPI experiences and filmmakers. Enjoy this collection of films, some premiering in May as well as some gems to revisit.

Here are some FREE activities happening in Maryland: 

• Prince Georges County Dept. of Parks and Recreation Hispanic Heritage Month Calendar of Events. 
• Montgomery College Calendar of Events. 
• Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration Kickoff (In Waldorf, MD). 
• City of Mount Rainer’s Latino Heritage Month Celebration. 
• Hispanic Business on BAM (Business, Advocacy, and Mentorship)! Showcase. 
• 14th Annual Latino Festival of Frederick, MD. 
• Annual Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration and Presentation of Community Service Awards. 
• Hispanic Heritage Month: Hispanic Leadership Awards Dinner. 
• 3rd Annual Latin Rhythms Festival. 

Here are some other FREE celebratory events in Maryland:

World Heritage Festival ~ Frederick, MD

World Heritage Festival ~ Frederick, MD

Sat, Jun 17, 11:00 AM

Silver Spring Veterans Plaza • Silver Spring, MD

Free

Silver Spring End Of Summer Celebration

Silver Spring End Of Summer Celebration

Sun, Sep 10, 2:00 PM

Silver Spring Veterans Plaza • Silver Spring, MD

Free

World Heritage Festival ~ Silver Spring, MD

World Heritage Festival ~ Silver Spring, MD

Sun, Jun 4, 1:00 PM

Silver Spring Veterans Plaza • Silver Spring, MD

Free

The MCCR and its Board of Commissioners are united in celebrating all cultures, and in resolving anti-discrimination through enforcement of the State’s anti-discrimination laws, and through public outreach and education. For information on MCCR, visit https://mccr.maryland.gov/.

*****

Sources: 

(1) https://www.eventbrite.com/e/hispanic-heritage-month-celebration-kick-off-tickets-405168107717?aff=ebdssbdestsearch.

(2) MCCR September 15, 2023 Press Release.

Maryland Commission on Civil Rights

Celebrates National Hispanic Heritage Month 2022 

The Maryland Commission on Civil Rights, (MCCR), and its Board of Commissioners regularly recognize special emphasis commemorations. From Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, the National Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to recognize and celebrate the many contributions, diverse cultures, and extensive histories of the American Hispanic and Latinx community. According to the census, 62.6 million of the United States identify as Hispanic or Latinx, making them the nation's largest racial or ethnic minority. In Maryland, Hispanic/Latinx make up 12 percent of the Maryland population and number around 744,000.

The observation started in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson and was expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to cover a 30-day period starting on September 15 and ending on October 15. It was enacted into law on August 17, 1988, on the approval of Public Law 100-402.

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 September18, respectively.

During this Hispanic Heritage Month, MCCR encourages Marylanders to learn more about the culture and contributions the Hispanic/Latinx community have made in society.  Look for your local community events. To assist you in your search, below is a brief list of activities throughout Maryland:

• Prince Georges County Dept of Parks and Recreation Hispanic Heritage Month Calendar of Events
• Montgomery College Calendar of Events
• Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration Kickoff (In Waldorf, MD)
• City of Mount Rainer's Latino Heritage Month Celebration
• Hispanic Business on BAM (Business, Advocacy and Mentorship)! Showcase
• 14thAnnual Latino Festival of Frederick, MD
• Annual Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration and Presentation of Community Service Awards
• Hispanic Heritage Month: Hispanic Leadership Awards Dinner
• 3rddAnnual Latin Rhythms Festival

The MCCR and its Board of Commissioners are united in celebrating all cultures, and in resolving anti-discrimination through enforcement of the State's anti-discrimination laws, and through public outreach and education.

For information on MCCR, visit https://mccr.maryland.gov/

Maryland Commission on Civil Rights

The Maryland Commission on Civil Rights (MCCR) represents the interest of the State to ensure equal opportunity for all through enforcement of Title 20 of the State Government Article and Title 19 of the State Finance & Procurement Article, Annotated Code of Maryland.  MCCR investigates complaints of discrimination in employment, housing, public accommodations and state contracts filed by members of protected classes under federal and state law.

U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD)

The U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) is the premier federal agency that focuses on expanding homeownership, increasing access to affordable housing, strengthening communities through economic development, fighting housing discrimination, and tackling homelessness issues.

Stay Connected with the Maryland Commission on Civil Rights