COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) – As of 2022, Hispanics make up 63.7 million of the population in the United States, according to the U.S. Census.
This population is the nation’s largest racial or ethnic minority group.
In the Capital City, Hispanics make up 5.94% of the population as of 2022.
Every day this minority group shares their culture through local business, education and more.
The celebration expands even more during Hispanic Heritage Month which falls from Sept. 15 until Oct. 15 every year. The dates mark many Latin American countries’ Independence Day.
In the Midlands, it all begins with many events, one being the Main Street Latin Festival where many gather in Downtown Columbia a few weeks before the month begins to welcome the national celebration.
Each year, the national month has a theme. This year, the theme is “Pioneers of Change: Shaping the Future Together.”
When we think of pioneers of change within the Hispanic community, big names may come to mind, but locally, we see them everywhere.
To celebrate this occasion, WIS News 10 spoke with some of those pioneers who showcased what the Hispanic culture is all about.
Hispanic Presence in Columbia
When we think of the population in Southern states such as South Carolina, we often forget about the Hispanic population.
However, many of them were either born to migrant families or have immigrated here themselves in search of better opportunities.
Colombian native, Mercedes Lopez Rodriguez, Pd.D., came to the U.S. more than a decade ago.
In 2013, she joined the Department of Languages, Literatures, and Cultures as an Assistant Professor of Colonial Spanish American Literature at the University of South Carolina.
Aside from teaching her students about her culture, she is also an accomplished author currently working on a book titled: “Feeling the Other: Hearing, Smelling, Tasting, and Touching Emotions in Colombia 1850-1970.”
According to her biography, she is currently working on a new research project that combines her experience in cultural anthropology with her formation in Latin American literary and cultural studies.
Her colleague, Andres Felipe Arroyave is an instructor of Spanish at the University. Arroyave is the son of Colombian immigrants and was born in Oklahoma.
He spoke to WIS News 10 about his fascination for southern-born Hispanics.
Both educators also shared their experiences balancing their culture while living in America and provided a view of other Hispanic Americans who live in Columbia.
Education
Caughman Elementary is part of Richland School District One and earlier in the month, teacher Lina Zapata taught her students street games native to Latin American countries.
Not only have they been learning about the Hispanic culture, but they have also been teaching them other languages such as Spanish, showcasing the wonders of other cultures.
Miles away, Richland County School District Two has also partaken in the celebration.
For example, the district has done several events to showcase the Hispanic culture.
One of these celebrations is a “Parade of Nations,” a parade outside of the district that showcases different flags from many Spanish-speaking countries followed by music, food and dancing.
Food
The Hispanic culture has many components and one of those is food. Food is often used to connect with others and showcase the beauty of different cultures.
Puerto Rican restaurant A Fuego 787 represents the beautiful culture of Puerto Rico.
Puerto Rico is a small island and a U.S. territory. Many born on the island, often migrate to the Mainland for different reasons as they are considered American citizens.
Jessica Pagan was born in New York but spent most of her life in the island.
When Pagan isn’t in the kitchen, she is protecting our community as a Richland County deputy.
She told WIS News 10 that food is an important part of our culture and ensures it is showcased every day with a good dish…often filled in a pot with some arroz con gandules (rice with pigeon peas).
Arts
Arts and crafts are often proof of the Hispanic culture. This is often found in clothing and handmade pieces.
Luz Moody is the owner of Luzma Mexican Apparel. Moody is a Mexico City native, who was raised in Cancun.
With her apparel business, she sells handmade earrings, clothing, and other items made in Mexico.
To sell her merchandise, she goes around different pop-up shops. She said her crash represents the rich culture of Mexico.
Dancing
Music and dancing are huge in the Hispanic community. There is salsa, merengue, Reggaeton and more.
However, in some Hispanic cultures, there are some genres exclusive to that country. Many of those have native dances that go along with those.
Culturas Sin Fronteras Universal (Cultures without Borders Universal) is a local dancing group led by Jessica Torres.
The group dances folkloric dances native to Mexico and they perform all over the Midlands.
It was formed six years ago to promote Hispanic Culture, according to Torres.
Though many Latin American countries and the Caribbean seem to have similar customs, their culture is different.
The way they prepare food and live their lives is different. One thing they do have in common is the umbrella of being Hispanic and the pride they have in their culture.
In the Midlands, the Hispanic population is present and they represent their culture every day of the year and continue to invite others to learn and partake.
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