SALSA, a local non-profit organization started in 2019, will join with thousands of local community-based organizations throughout the nation to launch Hispanic Heritage Month. The launch in Brownwood will be September 17, 2022, from 5pm-11pm at the Depot Civic and Cultural Center. The event is open to the public.
The event will include music provided by DJ Tigre, plenty of food vendors, lots of arts and crafts vendors, games for children and adults, pinatas for the kids’ entertainment, and a 50-50 raffle. Guests will also be invited to play Loteria, the uniquely Mexican version of Bingo. Cash and product prizes will be awarded. SALSA will also host a contest modeled by Selena, the legendary entertainer who revived Tejano music.
A one-week observance of Hispanic Heritage was originally ordered by President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1968. President Ronald R. Reagan extended the observance to one month, September 15-October 15, under Public Law 100-402 in 1988.
President Reagan was a strong advocate for the Hispanic community, native-born and/or undocumented. As President, he worked with Congress to pass IRCA, the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, which enabled millions of undocumented Hispanic immigrants to become American citizens.
Raul Martinez, SALSA President, said “It’s important for us to celebrate the ethnic, racial, and cultural diversity of America, historically a nation of immigrants. With a population of 62 million, Hispanics are America’s largest minority. Hispanics are driving America’s economic engine. During the last decade, Hispanics created the majority of new jobs, bought more homes and cars than any other group. With a $2.7 trillion economy, Hispanics in America have the 3rd fastest growing GDP in the world, after China and India. That is who Hispanics are and that is why we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month.”