Hispanic Heritage Month
Last October, I had the amazing opportunity to attend a retreat in Puerto Rico with Cooperative Baptist Fellowship women ministers. Carefully planned by leaders from Florida, Alabama, and Virginia, and a team of proud Puerto Rican hosts, the retreat was a gift of rest, relationship, respect, and renewal.
We were treated to such a warm welcome and given opportunity throughout the week to feel the ways in which family and attention to the soul mattered to our host sisters who were so eager to share their beautiful island and people. I left at week’s end with a greater awareness of the resilience and joy of the people of Puerto Rico and a greater and deeper appreciation for people of Hispanic origin.
The History of Hispanic Heritage Month
This week our country began its annual recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month, a celebration of Hispanic and Latino culture that runs from September 15 to October 15. The unusual time frame for the celebration is to honor many Central American Independence days, including Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua on September 15; Mexico on September 16; Chile on September 18; and Belize on September 21. Twelve other Latin Independence Days fall outside this month, giving us yet other occasions to be mindful of our brothers and sisters of Hispanic origin and to celebrate them.
Hispanic Heritage Month encompasses Día de la Raza, observed in many Spanish-speaking countries in the Americas on October 12. This day honors the Indigenous peoples of Latin America and the rich cultures that have developed over centuries through the blending of Indigenous heritage with that of the Spanish explorers.
Hispanic Heritage Month began as a week-long celebration in 1968 under President Johnson. Twenty years later, it was expanded to a month-long recognition by President Reagan. Because the Latino presence predates Spain’s colonization of what is now part of the United States, their role is integral and significant in the forming of our nation and our culture.
Upcoming Events in Tallahassee, FL
The Tallahassee Main Library, at 200 West Park Avenue, is offering a celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month with an art exhibit. You can attend the free opening, which follows the national theme for this year’s celebration, “Together, We Are More,” on Saturday, September 19 from 1:00-2:00, The community art exhibition honoring Hispanic culture, heritage, and history will be on display all month, but you can meet participating artists, explore original artwork by local creators, and enjoy light refreshments at the opening.
The main library is also offering, “Cuba: A Journey Through History and Culture,” on Monday evening, September 21, from 6-7:30 to honor Hispanic Heritage Month. FSU Professor,Dr. Anasa Hicks, will introduce key moments in Cuban history while highlighting the country's rich music, dance, art, food, and religious traditions. Dr. Hicks is a brilliant researcher and engaging speaker. The library also has several virtual events scheduled for the month-long celebration.
Videos/Resources about Hispanic Heritage Month
In my research this week, I found a Disney-commissioned short film about Hispanic heritage that is both easily accessible and beautiful. It introduces us to four different storytellers recalling their heritage and why it matters to them. The less than five-minute film left me with a sense of deep connection that perhaps you might feel as well.
Children might enjoy WFSU’s curated list of programs about Hispanic Heritage month at https://pbskids.org/videos/playlist/hispanic-latino-heritage-month/1762185
Jesus Loves The Little Children
I have been thinking recently of a song that I learned as a child. “Jesus Loves the Little Children.” It was written by a most unusual Baptist minister in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Rev. Clarence Herbert Woolston, who attracted children to worship with his sleight-of-hand magic and cadre of zoo animals that he used for object lessons during his sermons.
Twelve years after the Civil War, Philadelphia experienced a large influx of freed slaves from the South, and Irish immigrants from the Potato Famine, along with Italian, German and other European immigrants. Reverend Woolston was grieving the disunity he saw among the adults in his church as he watched prejudice and bigotry grow right before his eyes in his own congregation. According to storyteller musician, Sean Dietrich of the South, he went home after worship one Sunday night and penned the song. He later told his congregation the song was not for the children, but for the adults.
Beyond the chorus that many of us might know, telling of Jesus’ love of children of all colors, it has three little-known stanzas that speak to grace and inclusion. “Every color, every race, all are covered by his grace,” is a later addition to reinforce the intent of kindness and love toward all people which the song teaches.
Resilience, Beauty and Joy
As I think of our own nation’s recent racial profiling of people who appear to be of Hispanic origin, my heart breaks. I know of those who have proper documentation to be in our country but still fear leaving their own homes, as well as many in our state whose protective status reversal has put them in jeopardy.
I wish I knew some magic like Rev. Woolston, to make it not so. What I believe will help, is our own resolve to get to know those in our community who are Hispanic or Latino, and to learn more about our Hispanic Heritage as a nation during and beyond this designated month.
According to the Census Bureau’s latest statistics from July 1, 2025, 18,236 people or - 8.9% of the residents in Tallahassee - self-identify as Hispanic or Latino. And according to DATA USA, Hispanic and Latino individuals comprise about 20.3% of recent university and college graduates in the city. There are Hispanic and Latino people in our community to engage, learn from, and perhaps stand with.
We have Spanish historical sites to explore, including Mission San Luis and Hernando De Soto State Archaeological Site. We are fortunate to have many restaurants and food trucks in our community that offer authentic Spanish food for our enjoyment.
We have a Tallahassee Hispanic Theater, which is soon celebrating its tenth anniversary! Their mission is to present contemporary Hispanic theater productions for the cultural education and enrichment of the of the community, while building cross-cultural awareness. You might attend their fund-raising event, ¡Vivan las artes!, at the Goodwood Museum and Gardens Jubilee Cottage on October 9 at 7:30. It promises to be an unforgettable evening where theater, live music, poetry, delicious food, drinks, and community come together in celebration.
International Peace Day falls within Hispanic Heritage Month, on September 21. It is my prayer that we all feel more peace in our hearts and community as we honor the resilience, beauty and joy of our Hispanic friends, family and neighbors.
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