A month-long celebration of Hispanic culture began on Sept. 15 across the United States, including in Arkansas, where Hispanics represent roughly 10% of the state’s population, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
Hispanic Heritage Month highlights the diverse cultures and traditions within Hispanic and Latino communities. Gustavo Ambriz, development officer at El Centro Hispano in Jonesboro, emphasized the significance of the observance, noting its impact on fostering connections and mutual understanding.
“It helps because that way it challenges the community in a different way as it changes the perspectives, it changes how people think about one another, and how can we support each other at the same time,” Ambriz said.
El Centro Hispano plays a critical role in supporting Jonesboro’s growing Hispanic community. The organization focuses on reducing barriers for those navigating language challenges and unfamiliar systems in the U.S.
“All these resources are because it is important to remember that Hispanic individuals that comes to the United States have a lot of barriers, especially talking about language and also how to navigate the process. And so what we want is to be able to serve them, to help them,” Ambriz said.
Data from the Encyclopedia of Arkansas shows significant growth in the state's Hispanic population—from under 20,000 in 1990 to more than 250,000 by 2020. Nationally, Hispanics are the largest minority group, making up about 20% of the U.S. population.
Hispanic Heritage Month begins on Sept. 15 each year, coinciding with independence day celebrations in multiple Central American countries, such as Mexico, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras. The festivities run through Oct. 15.