This year, the Hispanic Alliance of South Carolina marks 15 years since its founding with a series of cultural, educational and community events that reflect its history and recommit to a strong, inclusive future.
The celebrations begin with La Fiesta, the organization’s signature event, Sept. 12 at Hotel Hartness. The festivities will continue through Hispanic Heritage month and two full months of a public art show, culminating in the annual Homes for the Holiday tour of homes on Dec. 13.
Adela Mendoza, executive director, said that this season of joy, gratitude and cultural pride pays tribute to the vision and collaborative spirit of the founding members who first gathered in a church basement in 2005, and the volunteers, donors and community partners who continually invest in an equitable future for South Carolina.
“These individuals from vastly different backgrounds came together around a simple yet powerful idea: that by working together across cultures, we could create lasting change — not just for the Hispanic community, but for the entire Upstate,” Mendoza said. “Over the past 15 years, the Hispanic Alliance has built bridges across languages, cultures and backgrounds — creating access to education, health care, legal support, economic opportunity, the arts and most importantly, seeding a sense of belonging.”
Quinceañera chair Megan Early-Soppa said the events of Hispanic Heritage Month, Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, are intended to educate, honor and amplify the contributions of Hispanic Americans from across the globe.
“Our high-energy, family-friendly Concert and Celebration returns to downtown Greenville on Sept. 26 at Camperdown,” she said. “We invite you to experience authentic cultural performances that honor and celebrate the rich traditions of Hispanic communities.”
From Sept. 1 to Oct. 31, nonprofit art studio Good Art Co. will host Art for a Cause, a free gallery exhibition showcasing artwork exploring Hispanic heritage, identity, culture and expression.
Hispanic Heritage Month CelebrationAndrew Skinner, director of public relations and development, said the Quinceañera and the impactful work it celebrates are only possible thanks to sponsors and community partners who support the Hispanic Alliance’s mission. The nonprofit continues to provide the community with accurate information, connect families with resources and advocate for equal access to opportunities.
Since January the alliance has convened two Community Conversations and provided over 20,000 “Know Your Rights” cards for distribution by statewide partners in the Upstate, Columbia, Charleston and Beaufort. The nonprofit worked with Nelson Mullins Law Firm to offer power of attorney workshops locally and in Spartanburg, Columbia and Charleston.
“It’s ironic that the 2008 immigration raid, which affected more than 300 families, became the catalyst for activating our grassroots network,” Skinner said. “That communitywide humanitarian response laid the foundation for the work we continue today.”
The Hispanic Alliance looks to the future with its Student DREAMers Alliance, a 10-month leadership accelerator designed to cultivate young leaders who can bridge cultural gaps. Launched in 2015, the program now includes 244 fellows across South Carolina.
“Let’s continue building a South Carolina where every voice matters, every story is valued and every dream has a chance,” Skinner said.
The Community Foundation of Greenville is supporting the Hispanic Alliance through 2027 with an unrestricted, three-year grant totaling $75,000.
For more information, visit hispanicalliancesc.com.
Visit cfgreenville.org to learn more about the Community Foundation of Greenville.
