In the United States, September 15-October 15 is celebrated as “Hispanic Heritage Month” every year. Many have wondered why this observance begins in the middle of the month.
It is so because September 15th marks the anniversary of the independence of 5 countries: Nicaragua, Honduras, El Salvador, Costa Rica, and Guatemala, followed by Mexico’s Independence Day on September 16th and Chile’s on September 18th.
A few other facts about Hispanic/LatinX population in this country:
According to the 2019 Census Bureau there are 60.5 million Hispanic folk in this country, making up 18.5% of the total US population.
Hispanics are the 2nd fastest growing ethnic group in the US.
Two-thirds of the Hispanic/LatinX population is US born.
It is saddening to me that with these facts and statistics, we still find brown bodies at risk in this country. They are labeled as ‘lazy’ even though they are the most hard-working people I have ever known.
In this racially divided country, I invite us to do all we can to support our Hispanic/LatinX siblings and stand in solidarity with them. We can celebrate with them by:
Supporting local Hispanic/LatinX businesses and restaurants,
Partnering with Hispanic/LatinX leaders in our communities and support them in their advocacy work,
Seeking to ensure equity for our Hispanic/LatinX siblings in the church and in our communities.
Stand up with and speak up against any injustice we witness against our Hispanic/LatinX siblings or any other marginalized identities.
Beloveds, God calls us to be agents of love and acceptance, grace and forgiveness, hope and healing in this world. Let us continue to do so, even if it comes at the cost of our privileges and securities. God calls us to humble ourselves, to be servant leaders and be willing to be last in this world. Find simple ways to acknowledging the pain we cause to other people, as citizens of this country, simple ways to support our Hispanic/LatinX siblings. May God help each one of us as we find ways to support, to give and to advocate.
The world we live in is filled with pain, anxiety, competition and the desire to have better, do better and look better. In this competitive world, may we stay focused on the most important thing -- to be in relationship with our siblings, to love unconditionally and to work towards building God’s kin-dom here and now. And, as always, I am with you in this work, and I look forward to seeing you in worship this Sunday!
