As Hispanic Heritage Month draws to a close, it is important to reflect on the accomplishments and contributions that Hispanics are making within the philanthropic space. The month of celebration runs from September 15 – the anniversary of independence for several Latin American countries, including Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua – to October 15.
“The Latina in me is an ember that burns forever,” said Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor in a speech to law students in 1996.
I am a second-generation Hispanic American of Colombian and Dominican descent who, like Sotomayor, is extremely proud of her heritage and background. As we pay tribute to Hispanic-Americans who have impacted our nation in a myriad of ways, I’d like to offer some thoughts on why this month is meaningful—and how members of the Hispanic-American community are contributing to our country’s thriving tradition. of private philanthropy.
Hispanics are currently the largest ethnic minority in the United States, making up approximately 18% of our nation’s total population, according to the 2020 census. The term “Hispanic” describes individuals who speak the Spanish language or are descended from Spanish-speaking populations.
Many Hispanic American organizations across the country seek to improve their surrounding communities by fostering access to opportunity and creating programs tailored to help succeed future generations. Here are some:
Garcia Family Foundation
“To whom much is given, much is expected, and to whom much is trusted, much is expected.”
This is the motto of the Garcia Family Foundation, a private philanthropic foundation located in Tampa, Florida. The foundation is dedicated to serving humanity and leaving “our communities in a better state than we found them.” To do this, the Garcia Family Foundation promotes strong leadership and funds programs that support “at-risk youth, military families, and public policies that promote free markets and individual freedoms.” Their generosity is guided by their personal beliefs and their website states: “We believe there is a direct relationship between leading successful lives and upholding certain values (eg, strong work ethic, honor, selflessness, courage, thrift, generosity, intellectual curiosity and humility). Therefore, we support organizations that instill, promote and attribute these values.”
Brilla Public Charter School Network
The Brilla Network of Schools, managed by Seton Education Partners, is another exemplary group that helps strengthen communities. Leaders at these public charter schools strive to help students “grow intellectually, socially and physically into young men and women of good character and spirit and prepare for excellence in high school, college and beyond.” This network of schools, ranging in grades K-8 and based in the Bronx, New York, sets high standards and promotes a research-based curriculum, ongoing professional development for teachers, and “outstanding” student achievement. Through its classical approach and “rigorous, evidence-based” instruction for students, Brilla School leaders work to “ensure that every student achieves.”
Open Door NJNY
The Open Door, recently profiled in an interview with Round Table, is a charitable organization committed to serving immigrant families in the greater New York and New Jersey areas by offering ESL, computer literacy and GED prep classes . Its mission is to “help immigrants become part of mainstream society” and the results speak for themselves. According to Luis Iza, executive director and co-founder of The Open Door, in 2021, 100% of the organization’s students reported improvements in computer literacy and 75% said they felt more confident speaking English. Open Door’s offerings allow these students, who are primarily of Latino descent, to become strong and contributing members of society. The organization currently serves 450 people.
While I have experienced prejudice throughout my life, I believe that being a member of a thriving Hispanic American community is a strength that allows many of us to feel empowered. There is great strength in numbers; after all, if one voice is heard as a whisper, then a group of voices in unison will be heard as a bell, forcing others to listen. We are a force that continues to create unprecedented opportunities and contribute to the vision of freedom and equality for all.
As a Latina who is proud of her roots, I urge you to enjoy our traditional foods, dance to our lively music, and help other members of our community share the incredible culture that has been passed down from many generations before us. . Embrace the common Spanish saying, “Mi casa es su casa,” which translates to, “My house is your house.” Our culture only adds to the melting pot—and limitless possibilities—that come with the nation we call home.
