By Juliana Agudelo Ariza, Seattle Youth Commissioner
Every year, between September 15 and October 15, Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated around the nation to honor the accomplishments and cultural traditions of Hispanic/Latino people. On September 24, the City of Seattle hosted its own celebration, inviting community leaders and organizations to showcase their cultural pride. This event represented a continuous effort by the City to foster appreciation for Hispanic heritage all the time, no matter the month.
The Bertha Knight Landes Room in Seattle City Hall illuminated with a warm glow. On each of the tables, flags were placed to represent the different countries of Latin America. It was my first time attending this event at City Hall, and the soft salsa music playing in the background welcomed me in.
Many community organizations and City departments collaborated to make the event possible. The program opened with a traditional drum and vocal performance from Dr. Daniel Perez from the Seattle Department of Early Education and Learning (DEEL). Angela Rae, DEEL’s Outreach and Engagement Advisor, also attended and assisted in running the event. Like other community leaders, she was enthusiastic about taking part in the event.
“Being able to celebrate Hispanic Heritage is inspiring,” she says. “It brings me to tears.”
Talented performers from Bailadores de Bronce donned traditional dance dresses and attire and presented dance routines in a colorful exhibition of cultural pride. Their dynamic routine, accompanied by the singing voices of the children of El Centro de La Raza, filled the room with a vibrancy.
For many city officials and audience members (like myself), this celebration represented more than just a gathering. This event honored the diversity within the Hispanic/Latino community. Serving as a reminder of the yearslong efforts by leaders and communities to advocate for better, more equitable opportunities within City government and communities across Seattle.
Dr. Ismael Fajardo, Deputy Director of the Seattle Department of Education and Early Learning, emphasized the importance of educational access and engagement in expanding resources and opportunities to Latinx communities that still lack support.
“Every door we open makes a path for others to follow,” Dr. Fajardo says. “It’s not just about individual advancement.”
Councilmembers Maritza Rivera and Alexis Mercedes Rinck also addressed the audience, honoring the accomplishments of Hispanic/Latinx people in the City of Seattle and a Hispanic Heritage Month proclamation. For Rinck, her cultural background allows her to broaden her view on her role as a councilmember.
“I think my Latino identity gives me the perspective to think, to consider others perspectives, but also really grounds me in fighting for those who are rendered invisible and harmed in this society,”” says Rinck.
Although the event itself was one afternoon and the celebration just one month, the support and advocacy for the Hispanic/Latino heritage and community successes is ongoing. As the celebration ended, I was reminded of the benefit that community events have to nurturing a new wave of tradition and advocacy.
“Culture is not only preserved but also celebrated,” says Dr. Fajardo.
In times of ever-increasing tension and political discourse, this celebration served as reminder of the values which bring us together.
“I think it is important for us to absolutely own and celebrate and come together, because the best antidote for fear is community and us standing together and celebrating,” says Councilmember Rinck. “This is who we are. We see each other as human. We are beautiful. We are powerful. And we matter.”
