Macon Magazine

48 maconmagazine.com | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2022 Hispanic Heritage Month activities in Central Georgia have gained significant traction in recent years. This rise is due in part to the increased presence of citizens with roots in Spanish-speaking countries. Though cultural celebrations have increased, accessibility remains a challenge. As we researched the history of Hispanic Heritage Month and related the activities that have taken place locally over the past few weeks in Macon, Hispanic citizens we spoke with revealed why the celebration matters and why Hispanic culture is much more than just one month. t time of publication, Hispanic Heritage Month is winding down, but the memories made by those throughout Central Georgia who participated in the various activities celebrating Hispanic culture remain. The 30-day celebration – which starts on Sept. 15 and runs through Oct. 15 – is a big deal. It began as Hispanic Heritage Week following legislation sponsored by Representative Edward R. Roybal of Los Angeles that President Lyndon B. Johnson signed into law in 1968. In 1988, that week expanded to a month after President Ronald Reagan signed an amended bill sponsored by Esteban Edward Torres. Sept. 15 was chosen as the commemoration's start because it is the anniversary of the Cry of Dolores (September 1810), marking the beginning of the Mexican War of Independence that resulted in independence for the New Spain Colony, better known today as Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Costa Rica, Honduras, and Nicaragua. The purpose of Hispanic Heritage Month is to celebrate the histories, cultures, and contributions of American citizens who can trace their ancestors from Mexico, Spain, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. Coast to coast, annual Hispanic Heritage Month events take place, including proclamation presentations, traditional food tastings, and concerts. Activities related to the celebration in Macon included a major concert at Smiley's Flea Market on Sept. 25 and the Macon Hispanic Fest co-sponsored by the Macon- Bibb County Office of Small Business Affairs in partnership with Notivision and Mercer University. Moises Velez, founder of Que Pasa?, an all-Spanish newspaper and television show, has been providing entertainment with a Latin flair for a decade. Called The Great Celebration of Hispanics, the Hispanic Heritage celebration Velez organizes annually features dance groups from Peru and Colombia, a talent contest, and music from various Latino cultures. "It's my gift to the Hispanic community that allows them to relax and be themselves," said Velez, a native of Puerto Rico. Velez uses his event as an icebreaker between Hispanics and the rest of Central Georgia since he feels that Hispanics don't cross paths with rest of community at the rate he would like to see. Being made to feel respected, embraced, and appreciated helps Hispanics engage more easily with the community, Velez pointed out. "The invitation and acceptance of Hispanics make a difference," he said. Hispanic Heritage Month could be a bridge for non- Hispanics to better understand Hispanic ways and customs. Sparking interest through culturally appreciative events and activities could help Central Georgians discover that this family-oriented, tight-knit culture has dreams and wants to be taken seriously within our shared community, according to Velez. "Hispanic Heritage Month can be a way of better understanding and appreciating us," he said. Velez's suggestions are seconded by Nancy Abarca, a 23-year-old Mexican born here in Central Georgia. As the resource development and marketing associate for the Boys A

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