Hispanic Heritage Month is more than just a calendar event- it's a time to recognize and celebrate the vibrant cultures, histories, and contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities. Originating from the need to recognize the importance of Latin American independence days and contributions, this month-long observance was officially established in 1988. Spanning from September 15 to October 15, this observance isn't just about acknowledging the past; it's about actively celebrating the present and shaping the future with pride and unity.
This year, we are celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month by uplifting the work and leadership of individuals and organizations that are shaping a future free of systemic barriers and centering community voice and experiences to advance an equitable region. Imagine this month as a vibrant quilt, with each square representing a unique story, tradition, and contribution.
At United Way, we’re thrilled to highlight how some of our Hispanic New Way Forward partners contribute their own unique squares to this expansive quilt. This blog spotlights three such impact partners– La Colaborativa, Inquilinos Boricuas en Accion, and Sociedad Latina and how their leaders exemplify how their own lived experiences profoundly influence their approach to leadership. These changemakers are celebrating their heritage while creating spaces where everyone, regardless of background, can rise to positions of influence and make a meaningful impact.
Inquilinos Boricuas en Acción (IBA): IBA is a powerful example of how Latino culture and heritage drives community empowerment. Founded by Puerto Rican activists, IBA provides affordable housing while supporting socio-economic mobility through evidence-based education, arts, and financial empowerment. Serving the Puerto Rican and broader Hispanic communities in Boston, IBA fosters inclusive, vibrant neighborhoods that reflect the values of solidarity and family that are central to Hispanic heritage. As Executive Director Vanessa Calderón-Rosado explains, “From our beginning in 1968, our founders understood the power of the arts not only to celebrate our history, our heritage, and our roots but also to build strong, vibrant communities. We continue that tradition and celebrate Latino culture all year-round. But, during Latino-Hispanic Heritage Month, it is even more important.”
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With housing at its core, IBA helps individuals and families break the cycle of poverty through five core programs: a bilingual early education program for children ages four months to five and-a-half years; a youth development program that prepares underserved high school students for college and careers; financial empowerment coaching and workshops promoting stability; resident services focused on health, wellness, and self-sufficiency; and arts programs celebrating Latinx culture through performances and exhibits. Through its real estate development and seamless integration of housing, education, and the arts, IBA has become a national leader in combining affordable housing with comprehensive community programs.
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Looking ahead, IBA is poised to achieve exciting milestones with projects that will empower their community while preserving and celebrating their heritage. These include economic mobility initiatives through their homeownership program, enabling affordable housing residents to achieve the American Dream. Additionally, they are converting an office building into affordable housing units in Boston and advancing the fundraising campaign for La CASA – The Center for Arts, Self-Determination, and Activism.
Calderón-Rosado emphasizes the importance of collaboration in IBA’s success: “No one can do this work alone. It takes a villa! It’s important to create collaborative spaces for our team to work together, thrive, and be more effective, which allows us to succeed in accomplishing our mission and deepening our impact.”
Vanessa Calderon-Rosado and IBA's team at the kickoff ceremony for the construction of La CASA – The Center for Arts, Self-Determination, and Activism. It will be Boston's home for Latinx Arts, Culture and Community Empowerment. June 2024.
Sociedad Latina: Founded in 1968, Sociedad Latina empowers Boston’s young Latinos and Latinas to become confident, self-sustaining leaders proud of their cultural heritage. Through its Pathways to Success model, the organization promotes academic achievement with programs in education, civic engagement, arts, culture, and workforce development.
By fostering positive cultural identities, Sociedad Latina helps youth build a sense of belonging and mental well-being. Programs like “¿Quién Soy Yo?” highlight the contributions of Latines and Afro-Latines, integrating civic education with the arts to help youth articulate their identities and celebrate their heritage.
Alexandra Oliver-Dávila, Executive Director of Sociedad Latina Inc.
“Our community is rich in Latine culture, and while we celebrate Latine culture and contributions all year long, we elevate them during Hispanic Heritage Month. We host our ¡Viva Nuestra Cultura! Latine Heritage Month Kick-Off event in September and other subsequent events throughout the month,” said Alex Davila, Executive Director at Sociedad Latina. “It’s also a time to learn more about our assets as Latine individuals. Our history and contributions are important to know, as well as the negative impacts of colonialism on Latin America and how that has led to people leaving their countries for better and safer opportunities.”
Sociedad Latina kicked off Hispanic Heritage Month with the !Viva Nuestra Cultura! celebration featuring guest artist Rafa Moreno. Sept 2024
Rooted in a deep appreciation for Latine culture and the unique strengths of Latin youth and families, Sociedad Latina celebrates the diverse cultural backgrounds of its participants, fostering positive identities and continuing Latine traditions. Last year, the organization made a significant impact when its youth hosted a summit on gentrification in Mission Hill/Roxbury neighborhood, expressing their perspectives through creative projects like the bilingual song “El Barrio,” a documentary, and a miniature mural.
In recent years, Sociedad Latina gained national recognition for its culturally responsive programs that achieve positive outcomes for Latino youth and families. It was named a Bright Spot in Hispanic Education by the White House Initiative and selected for the Youth Opportunity Fund by Citi Foundation and America’s Promise Alliance.
Sociedad Latina' staff and youth leaders-Mission Hill Road Race. Sept 2024.
La Colaborativa: La Colaborativa is a notable Latinx-led organization with nearly 40 years of history, dedicated to championing social justice and improving the quality of life for immigrant and low-income families. Their primary focus is on serving low-income, Latinx immigrant youth and adults (ages 14-60) in Chelsea, East Boston, Everett, and Revere, prioritizing those vulnerable to oppression due to factors like poverty, trauma, undocumented status, and low literacy. La Colaborativa exemplifies the emphasis on collective well-being and advocacy, with programs ranging from housing support to leadership development that embody the spirit of collaboration and empowerment. “Every service, program, and initiative at La Colaborativa is created out of the need in the community and paired with a policy initiative to drive systemic change and mitigate further inequities,” said Natalia Aponte, Communications Director at La Colaborativa.
La Colaborativa Staff
As the only Latinx-led organization in Chelsea, a majority Latinx community, they intentionally hire from the community, ensuring all forward-facing staff are bilingual. The organization celebrates staff diversity and welcomes cultural celebrations that reflect their heritage through various conversations and events, that raise awareness among staff and community members.
“We reflect the community we serve, speaking the languages, sharing the recipes, and celebrating the traditions of our friends, families, and neighbors. We recognize the beauty in embracing our heritage and the power it creates in the community. Chelsea and its surrounding neighborhoods are home to Latinos with shared goals but incredibly diverse backgrounds and origins, and this makes us stronger and more unified for success,” said Aponte.
“Noches de Gozadera” and “El Verdulero” are examples of initiatives that connect the community to its culture. “Noches de gozadera” offers fun summer parties for the whole family, while El Verdulero is their mobile market truck distributing fresh fruits, vegetables, and other healthy products to enhance public health. Partnering with farms across the Commonwealth, they provide nutritious options and connect residents to healthcare, nutrition, and housing resources for long-term well-being.
El Verdulero regularly visits plazas, streets, and neighborhoods where low-income residents in our community live to distribute fresh fruits, vegetables, and other healthy products to promote public health.
Looking to the future, La Colaborativa is excited about their plans for the coming year. “As we moved into the Survival Center and Economic Development Center facilities, we stepped up to meet the needs arising from new housing, health, and shelter crises. As a next step in catalyzing generational economic mobility and building upon La Colaborativa’ s specialized Economic Development programs, we are proud to begin construction of a Youth and Adult Vocational Development Center,” said Aponte. “From growing herbs and vegetables for our favorite Latin recipes on our campus to delivering the HVAC classes needed to secure a new Green Job, La Colaborativa’ s systems have grown to support our community members from stability to mobility.”
La Colaborativa’s container urban farm in Chelsea: This community-centered project will be operated by youth enrolled in La Colaborativa’s workforce training programs. Aug 2024.
As we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, we honor partners who integrate cultural values into their work, profoundly impacting many lives. Their contributions celebrate Hispanic heritage while paving the way for a more inclusive community.
Join us in recognizing the incredible work of Inquilinos Boricuas en Acción, La Colaborativa, and Sociedad Latina. Their efforts remind us that heritage is not just a celebration of the past but a call to action for a more equitable future.
Note: In this blog, we use multiple self-describing terms that our partner-organizations have chosen. We encourage readers to learn more about the use of terms Hispanic, Latino/a/x/e - locally-based Facing History and Ourselves has compiled a great resource regarding this ongoing discussion.