National Hispanic Heritage Month is being celebrated in South Carolina from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, honoring Latino culture, resilience, and contributions.
COLUMBIA, S.C. — National Hispanic Heritage Month kicked off this week, a time celebrated from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15 to honor Latino and Hispanic culture across the country.
For many, the month is not only about recognizing culture but also about highlighting contributions to society.
“I’m celebrating mi patria mis sangre, mi isla. I’m celebrating with my family. I’m celebrating my music, my culture, my food, my history,” University of South Carolina student Derek Diaz said.
Diaz said the celebration carries deeper meaning.
“It’s very important to highlight the unity in our community and the resilience not only for you know our generation or past generations but also for future generations, that we are together no matter what,” Diaz said.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, about 370,000 Hispanics and Latinos live in South Carolina. Residents who have lived in the state for decades say that growth is relatively new.
“When I came here, there were not as many Latinos. The population has grown in South Carolina a lot,” said Myriam Torres, assistant dean of Public Health Practice at the University of South Carolina.
Torres added that this year’s celebration feels different.
“It is a very hard year for Latino populations, I don’t think people feel like celebrating much because many of people of the people we know are living through hard times, we like many other populations in the United States,” Torres said.
Torres said despite barriers such as language, access to education and financial burdens, the Latino community remains strong.
“We are everyday people, we are no different, and we work hard, and we can be the best possible in any field,” Torres said.
For others, the month is about ensuring future generations feel proud of their heritage.
“It’s about helping the next generation know that being Latino is something to be proud of. This country is a melting pot of different places and it’s just so rich and full of different cultures,” resident Nicole Ortiz said.
National Hispanic Heritage Month runs through Oct. 15.
