Celebrating Our Cultural Diversity

Hispanic Heritage Month holds significant importance for the Hispanic community in the United States. It is a time to reflect on the myriad ways Latinos contribute to our society. This year, amidst political changes, there is a heightened sense of urgency. We have the opportunity to demonstrate to our future leaders the vital role Hispanics play in the United States.

The coast-to-coast celebration originated in Los Angeles and became a nationwide observance in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson. It was later 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, with the approval of Public Law 100-402.

Hispanic Heritage Month centers around the history and culture of U.S. Latinos. As a voice for American Hispanics in the Washington D.C. area, we at the Latino Cultural Center aim to promote our rich cultural history and highlight the contributions of Latinos through their work and stories. The arts tell our collective story and unite us into one vibrant community. We want this month to celebrate the magnitude and impact of the arts in our community. Increased participation at all levels will bring more attention and awareness to the Latino community. We need to make our voices heard.

For many Latino artists, their work is more than an extension of Latino culture. They incorporate their immediate surroundings and life experiences, which greatly influence their work. They are inspired by a myriad of ideas that transcend vision and culture. When asked if Latino artists feel the need to prioritize their art and talent over culture to validate their work, many agree. However, their background also lays the emotional foundation for their creations. Being Latino provides them with a unique perspective that supports their artistic expression.

As an arts organization, we are committed to doing our part. For our first exhibition celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month, we established a dialogue through an open call to Latino artists, choosing diversity as the theme. The exhibition showcases a wide range of expressions through photography and digital art. The participants communicate the concept of diversity through powerful images. We planned this exhibition to open a dialogue with Latino artists, create a space for community discussion, set priorities, understand needs, and establish clear goals to achieve a community-defined local arts network.

“Art” holds different meanings for each of us, but we can all agree on its power to connect and build understanding. Our organization plays a crucial role in promoting diversity. We are connectors and translators. By engaging in this dialogue, we can develop short-term objectives that lead to a better understanding of culture and diversity within our Latino community.