HARRISBURG, PA – Hispanic Heritage Month was celebrated today during an event in the state Capitol Rotunda hosted by the Governor’s Advisory Commission on Latino Affairs.
Hispanic Heritage Month is observed nationally from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15.
“It is important to reflect on the uniqueness of America – our rich history, vivid diversity and strong democracy. The promise of America and the American dream must be our legacy to our future generations,” said Norman Bristol Colon, executive director of the Governor’s Advisory Commission on Latino Affairs.
Latinos are the largest minority ethnic group in the nation with a purchasing power reaching $1 trillion. They are the fastest growing ethnic group in Pennsylvania, accounting for more than 50 percent of the state’s population growth in the past four years. Pennsylvania’s more than 590,000 Latinos residents make contributions through business and entrepreneurship, the arts and sciences, education and politics, the labor force and the economy.
Ida L. Castro, Vice-President for Social Justice and Diversity at the Commonwealth Medical College in Scranton, provided keynote remarks.