Mid-September to mid-October is National Hispanic Heritage Month, which we celebrate at the ACLU as Latine Heritage Month to include all the communities this month is meant to celebrate. The month began last Sunday, and celebrations are already underway.
In Nebraska, there is a lot to celebrate, as Latine Nebraskans and our many different cultures are an essential part of our state. More than one out of 10 Nebraskans are Latine, and we live in every part of Nebraska.
In fact, immigrants from Guatemala, Nicaragua, Paraguay and more are a key reason why many of Nebraska’s small towns are alive and growing.
For some Latine Nebraskans, the journey to calling Nebraska home began as early as the 1800s, when immigrants from Mexico and South American countries traveled here for farming and railroad work. Since that time, the population has consistently grown, contributing to vibrant communities and cultures across the state.
Of course, making a home in Nebraska has been at times harder than it should be for too many of our Latine families, who have endured discriminatory policies and disparate treatment. But despite these challenges, our communities have always strived to reach our dreams and make sure each new generation has more opportunities than our parents did.
We have so much to celebrate this month. So many incredible communities, leaders and organizations that all shine bright as part of the fabric of Nebraska.
I hope you will join me in reflecting on our rich history and continuing the much-needed work to ensure that Nebraska is a place where all our rights are respected because all of us belong.
Gracias por estar con nosotros.