September 15 – October 15 is Hispanic Heritage Month in the United States. The observation started in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson and was expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988. It was enacted into law on August 17, 1988. The day of September 15 is significant because it is the anniversary of independence for Latin American countries Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on September 16 and September 18, respectively.[1]
Quick Facts:
Additional resources:
18 Major Moments In Hispanic History That All Americans Need To Know
Here is what some of our members are doing to acknowledge Hispanic Heritage Month at their organizations. We hope that reading these will help you create new ideas for your organization in the future.
Aetna
Other local community and health initiatives across the country, such as Mammogram on Wheels, across national offices
American Airlines
On September 15 we posted a special note one Jetwire (our internal enterprise-wide communication channel). See below:
During National Hispanic Heritage Month we recognize the contributions made and the important presence of Hispanic and Latino Americans to the United States and celebrate their heritage and culture. Learn more on the Latin Diversity Network Employee Resource Group Jetnet page.
On our Latin Diversity Network Employee Business Resource Group page on our company intranet we posted the attached article.
On October 7 at our HDQ campus the Latin Diversity Network is hosting a Hispanic Heritage Month extravaganza/fundraiser including Mariachis, Mexico Ballet Folklorico and Brazilian Samba. Empanadas, candy and Mexican Paletas (Frozen Popsicles) will be available for a donation. 100% of the proceeds benefit “Fundacion Jonathan” in Ecuador.
At one of our key hub locations, Chicago’s O’Hare Airport, our Latin Diversity Network Employee Business Resource Group is hosting live music, dancers, latin cuisine in an area of the airport where the festivities can be enjoyed by employees and customers!
At our Phoenix location (formerly U.S Airways HDQ) the group is hosting The Fiesta Mexicana Dance Company of Arizona, vocalist Marcela Perez and treating employees to food and drink and exhibiting country displays to promote education and awareness.
BP
Chicago Western Suburbs
Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration – La Feria!
For the first time ever Energía brings you “La Feria!” a celebration of Hispanic Heritage. Expand your cultural awareness by exploring the diverse music, dance and foods of Latin America, Spain and the Caribbean. Engage and participate with our Latin Vendors and their various goods and services. Please check the flyer for times for specific performance schedules.
Chicago 30 SW
Kick – Off Event
Coordinate Hispanic Food for the Cafeteria
Buena Vista Social Club Film Event
BCP Lunch / D&I Moment
Film Event #2 – “No”
Contacts are Paola Montes, Stephanie Fernandez and Judy Manriquez.
Whiting Refinery
Burton Center Global Café
Event will include speakers from the Whiting Leadership Team and a quiz game with a chance to win prizes
Houston
Energía Hispanic Heritage Month: “The Voice of Leadership 2016 and Beyond – Inspire, Influence and Achieve Results” Leadership Panel with John Mingé, Aleida Rios, Orlando Alvarez, Gabe Gutierrez
Alaska
United Way: Day of Caring
Hispanic Culture awareness
Brown Bag Lunch with Alaska BP President Janet Weiss
BP ENERGIA Breakfast
United Way: Annual pumpkin drop
Hispanic Health Fair
Hispanic movies nights
BP Energía supports two nights with Hispanic movies and Hispanic Culture awareness
Hispanic Heritage month closure activity
Cargill
Cargill’s Latino Employee Resource Group will be hosting a “Food Trucks Around the World” bringing a mix of cuisines from many cultures to their headquarters. Live music and free ice cream round out this exciting event.
In addition, Cargill is working with the cafeteria to feature Hispanic/Latin food choices once a week during the month.
CSAA Insurance Group
Digitas
Adelante, Digitas’s Latino ERG, has packaged their content as a weekly series entitled Adelante Viernes– a play on words to “Welcome Friday” for the fun content they have prepared for the company.
“In The Game” (a documentary on Kelly H.S. Trojans girls soccer team) – come learn what drives the coach and his team’s captain to compete and win in spite of the social and economic challenges in a predominately Hispanic and Latino community and how it inspired a documentary that’s now being shown across the country.
“Personal Journeys” – Our very own Dayana Dominguez and Daniel Navarrete are going to share their experiences and the challenges they’ve overcome growing up as immigrants to the U.S. and dispel a few myths and stereotypes along the way.
FYM: Artist Spotlight – Mark Flores is a Chicago-based Latino artist. Come see some of his latest work, learn about what inspires him as an artist, and purchase a raffle ticket to win a custom piece of art from his work. All proceeds go to the AIDS Walk campaign.
FYM: Reading between the numbers – Jose Aguero and Chris Quintero share their take on AdAge’s 12th Annual Hispanic Fact Pack on the Hispanic and Latino demographic and the ad dollars being spent in the industry to target this growing population.
The Federal Reserve Bank of New York
The Federal Reserve Bank of New York hosted a fireside chat with Nina Vaca, Chairman & CEO Pinnacle Group, on her journey to the C-Suite. Nina founded Pinnacle in 1996 as an information technology services provider to Fortune 500 companies. Under Vaca’s leadership, Pinnacle has become one of the fastest growing firms in a $100+ billion dollar industry, with revenues approaching $250 million and over 4,000 employees working throughout the U.S. and Canada. Pinnacle is one of the most widely recognized and honored companies nationwide with over 50 national and local awards over the past decade.
On October 13th, two of the Resource Networks from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York will sponsor a dynamic Leadership Panel for FRBNY employees and invited guests: “Powering Growth and Influence, Alimentar El Crecimiento y La Influencia.” Senior Bank Leaders will share insight about their unique background and the adventurous pathways taken to reach their current positions. Specifically, we will be focusing on the following three dimensions of leadership:
Fifth Third Bank
Fifth Third Bank actively promotes diversity and inclusion, with inclusion councils and business resource groups (BRGs) throughout the Bank’s footprint. The groups work to infuse engagement and inclusiveness into the work environment and culture. They are open to all Fifth Third employees as members or allies.
The Bank’s Latino groups have planned events and activities to celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month. Read on for a sampling of events across the footprint.
Central Ohio
Fifth Third Bank (Central Ohio) will recognize Latino professionals and business owners who have made a major impact on the Hispanic community through a feature article and full-page advertisements in La Jornada Latina Columbus, vignettes on a local radio station and content on the newspaper and radio station’s websites and social media. Additionally, Fifth Third Bank is the title sponsor of the Hispanic Chamber of Columbus’ Latina Mentoring Academy. Participants in the program learn skills and develop networks and relationships to help build a path of career success in business.
Cincinnati
The Fifth Third Bank (Cincinnati) Latino BRG will be participating at the 22nd annual Hispanic Festival that helps bring people together in acceptance, respect and understanding of diverse cultures. Members will volunteer their time to provide product knowledge, prize giveaways, and gain exposure to the growing Hispanic community. As part of the event, Fifth Third also will sponsor a photo booth where pictures taken will be printed with a Fifth Third logo.
Georgia
Several external events will commemorate Hispanic Heritage Month in Georgia, including #VivaMiNegocio, a multicultural business expo, the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce’s annual business expo, Expo Mujer and a homebuyer workshop.
Indiana
Fifth Third Bank (Indiana) is a Bronze Sponsor of La Plaza’s FIESTA Indianapolis. This premier Latino cultural celebration in Indiana is expected to attract more than 20,000 people. In addition, the Latino BRG in Indiana will host several internal events, including having a guest speaker focusing on Indiana’s Latino heritage, challenges and opportunities.
Nashville
In addition to employee trivia contests, the region will hold a “coffee and conversation” event for employees and the community featuring a panel of well-known local Hispanic leaders. Also, the Bank will have a booth at Celebrate Nashville, a public multicultural festival.
North Carolina
North Carolina’s Latino BRG will hold a networking event with local companies and their Latino business resource groups. In addition, lunch-and-learn sessions will be held for employees to learn Spanish, with an instructor specifically focused on the banking industry.
North Florida
Fifth Third Bank (North Florida) will sponsor on-air vignettes on a local radio station, highlighting interesting facts about contributions that have been made by Hispanic Americans in music, science, industry and pop culture, along with local honorees. In addition, Fifth Third will sponsor Osceola County’s premier Latin festival featuring entertainment, food, fun and games for the whole family, Viva Osceola.
Northeast Ohio
Fifth Third is a sponsor of the Cleveland Hispanic Heritage Month celebration, a month-long series of events that highlight the contributions and presence of Hispanic Americans.
South Florida
The Bank will work with Small Business Development centers in the community to host workshops for minority and small business owners.
Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA)
In celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month, FINRA’s Latino Affinity Network (FLAN) sponsored events with the theme “Enjoy, empower and educate.” FLAN kicked off the celebration by providing members with the background of how Hispanic Heritage month was inaugurated in the United States and a history of the ancestral roots of Latin American and Caribbean individuals.
FLAN also sponsored two sessions from their “Lunch with a Leader” speaker series. The speaker series highlights the leader’s heritage, shares their success stories and provides feedback on self-motivation and inspiration. Refreshments were provided and participants were able to network.
To close National Hispanic Heritage Month, FLAN will host an “Our Stories” event. While enjoying refreshments, members of FLAN can share a personal memento, anecdote or experience that has helped shape their meaning of cultural identity and heritage.
Health Care Services Corporation
HCSC’s Social Media team will run a campaign called “Recuerdos de Mi Patria” (Memories of My Country) on our Spanish-language Facebook and “Connect” online community sites. By sharing nostalgic images from various Latin American countries, the campaign is designed to create conversations among first- and second-generation Latinos about treasured memories of the countries.
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois (BCBSIL) sponsored a float at the Chicago 26th Street Mexican Independence Parade on Sunday, Sept. 13. Members of the Latinos for Advancement (LA) Business Resource Group (BRG), an HCSC employee group, volunteered at the event’s Little Village Festival. In addition, LA members are hosting an internal Hispanic Heritage event on Monday, Oct. 19.
Blue Cross and Shield of Texas (BCBSTX) sponsored the American Diabetes Association’s Feria de Salud event in Dallas on Saturday, Sept. 19, and is sponsoring the FC Dallas Hispanic Heritage Night soccer game on Sunday, Oct. 4, in Frisco, Texas. Also, LA will host an internal Hispanic Heritage event on Oct. 7.
Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey
September
Horizon BCBSNJ will run a slide presentation throughout the month of September in observance of Hispanic Heritage Month on the company’s dedicated Diversity TV screens. The presentation will encompass FAQs regarding Hispanic Heritage Month and showcase notable Hispanic Americans.
September 24th: Annual Hispanic Heritage Month Luncheon
L.A.C.O. hosted its annual Hispanic Heritage Month Luncheon on September 24th and celebrated its 10th Year Anniversary as an Affinity Group here at Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of NJ. The luncheon was a great success with affinity group members wearing traditional Spanish garb, including the group’s Executive Sponsor David Huber, SVP, CFO and Treasurer who wore a traditional Guayabera. A mariachi band kicked-off the festivities while Major Julisa Caraballo, Commander; Rear 389th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion (CSSB) United States Army gave the keynote address. Major Caraballo shared the successes she achieved throughout her military career as a Latina and encouraged the audience to push forward in their career goals as well. Proceeds from the luncheon ticket sales were donated to the New Brunswick Little League Program.
October 4th: Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure
The Latin American Cultural Organization (L.A.C.O.) will once again participate in theSusan G. Komen Race for the Cure Central and South Jersey, held at Six Flags Great Adventure, Jackson, NJ on Sunday, October 4, 2015. Horizon BCBSNJ is a local sponsor of this 5K race and run/walk event, which raises funds and awareness for the breast cancer movement, celebrates breast cancer survivorship and honors those who have lost their battle with the disease.
October 10th: Community Food Bank of New Jersey
On October 10th the Latin American Cultural Organization (L.A.C.O.) will be partnering with two other Horizon Affinity Groups (Muslim Affinity Group and Enlightenment Empowerment Enterprise Affinity Group) to volunteer at the Community Food Bank of New Jersey in Hillside, NJ to help sort food and pack boxes. The Community Food Bank distributes 40 million pounds of food a year to more than 1,000 non-profit programs, as well as more than 400 programs served by its Partner Distribution Organizations. Through their combined efforts, they feed approximately 900,000 hungry people in 18 New Jersey counties.
October: Latin Jazz Yoga
The Latin American Cultural Organization (L.A.C.O.) will be partnering with our Total BLUE Fitness center here at Horizon BCBSNJ to provide at least two sessions promoting health and fitness. Due to the success of last year’s Rip&Ride sessions, L.A.C.O. will be hosting two Yoga sessions to Latin Jazz music. This effort is in support of Horizon’s Journey to Health initiative to provide and offer the tools, resources and proactive support the company’s employees need to live healthier lives.
Interpublic Group
Interpublic Group’s MERGE organization and the company’s Hispanic Heritage Network Group (SOMOS) will celebrate National Hispanic American Heritage Month with a panel discussion on Thursday, October 15, in New York City.
IPG’s SOMOS group and sister advertising agency Identity Media are the co-sponsors of the evening-program, “Speak the Culture, Not Just the Language.” The IPG executive panel will explore how its agencies are making inroads in the multicultural space. Leading agencies across the IPG network will share actionable results from their successful culturally driven campaigns.
MERGE is IPG’s umbrella group for its five Business Resource Groups (BRGs). For more information about IPG’s MERGE organization and the BRGs, please visit http://merge.interpublic.com.
KPMG
Launched in 2005, KPMG’s Hispanic Latino Network (HLN) has grown to over 20 chapters and 1,500 members across the firm. To commemorate Hispanic Heritage Month, National Managing Partner, Sue Townsen, posted a Firmwide announcement to recognize the countless contributions of Hispanic Americans and highlight the exciting opportunities available through involvement with HLN. Additionally, senior Audit partners and HLN leaders, Manny Fernandez and Gabe de la Rosa, unveiled the new HLN banner that includes the national flags of more than 25 countries to symbolize the multiplicity of backgrounds and cultures within the Network that are united to spread the importance of inclusion. Our HLN chapters will host various events in their local offices throughout the month that celebrate the Hispanic culture and demonstrate the firm’s commitment to creating and sustaining a pipeline of diverse, high-performing talent.
Manpower Group
Hispanic Heritage Month Quotes for Monitors, Skywalk and Google
We have asked individuals to share what Hispanic Heritage month means to them. We asked them for a short quote and photo. The quotes will be posted in our company’s skywalk, on our monitors in our headquarters building, and on our MERGE Google community. We will rotate them as we receive additional quotes throughout the month.
News of the Day Articles
We sent out a News of the Day article in our company’s daily newsletter on September 15th to highlight all the activities we have coming up for Hispanic Heritage month.
We also have worked with marketing to put together a flyer template that we will use to promote our events each week. Additionally, we put flyers of all upcoming events on each employee’s desk at our headquarters building.
We also will plan to send out News of the Day articles each week to remind employees of the upcoming events for that week.
Latino Talent Documentary
On September 22, from 5:30 to 7:30 pm, we will be showing the documentary The Latino List and will have a discussion following the movie.
We will also be bringing in Hispanic food from local restaurants but representing different Hispanic countries.
One of our MERGE members will be giving a presentation prior to the documentary on what Hispanic Heritage month is, how it originated and what it means to her.
Hispanic Cuisine in the Point
Aramark, our ManpowerGroup hospitality team, will be preparing Hispanic cuisine every Friday in our cafeteria until the last day of Hispanic Heritage month
Zumba and Salsa Classes Hosted by the Wisconsin Athletic Club (HUB 3)
Volunteer Activities with United Way Season of Caring
Contest for field Employees
While we’ll be encouraging our members to take part in community volunteer activities locally, we’d like to engage the field by extending a competition for them to get involved as well. We’d like for teams (or individuals) to document what they’re doing for their community during Hispanic Heritage Month by posting photos/videos to our Google+ Community. At the end of the month, we’ll ask our MERGE members to vote on the most impactful contributions (based on certain criteria), and those teams will be awarded a gift card.
October 1st MERGE Meeting
We have invited Joaquin Altoro, VP of Commercial Banking Town Bank, a Wintrust Community Bank, to speak at our meeting about key elements of the Hispanic culture and how we can support our surrounding communities.
Hispanic Heritage Trivia
On October 15th, we plan to present Hispanic Heritage trivia questions to our employees. The winners of the trivia game will be entered into a raffle and awarded a gift card.
Mondelez
Meet and Greet with Senior R&D Leaders
One hour session with leaders to hear about their career experiences.
New York Life
New York Life is proudly celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month with a series of dynamic events celebrating Latino culture, community service, and professional development. This is a joint effort between New York Life’s Latino Employee Resource Group and the company’s Latino business initiative.
The month is kicking off with a reception bringing the Latino community and senior executives together to make connections and network. Next up is the launch of the company’s sponsorship of the 4H Juntos program, which helps to empower more Hispanic youth to succeed in high school, graduate on time and pursue a college education. The program launch will feature heartfelt stories told by a Juntos program alum, 4H staffers, and New York City middle school educators to inspire company employees to get involved with the program.
There are also a number of professional development seminars throughout the month focusing on effective business writing, personal branding, and developing strengths. New York Life is also hosting the Women of ALPFA Summit on Latina leadership.
The celebration will continue with a Hispanic Heritage Expo Day, which will feature an array of Latin American food, culture, and artistic performances. The month will close out with “Nuestra Noche,” an art exhibit and panel discussion on important social, business, and educational topics impacting the Latino community. Nuestra Noche will conclude with a networking reception designed to bring the New York Life community together.
PNC
PNC will once again join the nation in celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month. From Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, 23 events in 10 PNC markets will honor the contributions made by members of the Latino community at home and in neighborhoods and cities where PNC employees live and work.
“No demographic is growing as fast or offers as great a business opportunity as the Hispanic community,” said Marsha Jones, PNC’s chief diversity officer. “To fully capitalize on this opportunity, we need a thorough understanding of who these consumers are, what is important to them and what moves them to do business. Hispanic Heritage Month gives us a chance to celebrate this diverse and vibrant population and deepen our relationship with them.”
Chicago
Delaware
Eastern Carolina
Greater Maryland
Indianapolis
Lexington, Kentucky
New Jersey
Western Carolina
Western Michigan
P&G
On September 10th, 2015 the P&G Hispanic Community celebrated Latinnovation 2015, 5th Edition. The event is designed to showcase leading-edge innovation of Hispanics at P&G, develop their skills and strengthen their sense of community.
This year the theme was Creating Value by Owning the Future. More than 610 people among Hispanics and Non-Hispanics across 25+ sites attended the event. Three world-class keynote speakers and P&G Hispanic leaders provided their perspective about creating value and owning the future: Phil Duncan – P&G Chief Design Officer, Dr. Camilo Cruz – an international best-selling author of more than 30 books, and Dr. Steve Robbins – speaker, professor, author, writer, consultant; Lourdes Albacarys (Hispanic Leadership Team Leader) and Yannis Skoufalos (Sponsor of the Hispanic Affinity Team). The speakers brought participants inspirational messages and challenged our thinking on our day–to-day behaviors.
Additionally, Latinnovation 2015 welcomed representatives of the Hispanic community from both GE Aviation and The Kroger Company. GE Hispanic Forum leaders shared their outreach community programs to those approaching their booth. Angel Colon from Kroger provided his perspective on how to develop strategies to reach and delight Hispanic consumers, the largest minority within the US, via one of the workshops.
Participants had the opportunity to attend 1 of the 3 workshops offered: 1) Reaching Multicultural Markets & Beyond, by Angel Colon – The Kroger Company, 2) Inside the Box, by Professor Drew Boyd; and StoryMYTHOS – Storytelling for Brands, Business and You, by Shane Meeker – P&G.
Latinnovation was possible thanks to the many volunteers that worked during the event, raising the bar for the next Latinnovation in 2017.
“Latinnovation is the way for us to showcase the work that Latinos do for the company, but it is also a day for professional development and networking throughout the company” – Lourdes Albacarys R&D VP and Hispanic Affinity Leader.
UPS
Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration
Celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month through display of artifact items, food items, dance demonstrations, pictures, videos, and speakers at various UPS locations.
INROADS Visiones Annual Hispanic Heritage Event
INROAD Inc. had its Visiones annual event to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month and to thank all their sponsors including UPS. The Latino BRG (Business Resource Group) members were invited to join the UPS table to support the event and the celebration.
HCCA Annual Forum: Adelante! Powering Personal & Community Growth
This is the Hispanic Corporate Council of Atlanta’s annual celebration event. This marquee forum delivers a unique sequence of sessions that provide participants with powerful insights for professional development, financial security, entrepreneurship, social justice, and community leadership. UPS Latino BRG (Crecer) is one of the organizers and sponsors.
Latin Fever Ball by the Latin American Association
The 27th Annual Latin Fever Ball will feature the sights, sounds and flavors of Venezuela. This one-of-a kind gala is known as one of the most festive and exquisite events in Atlanta. Celebrated during Hispanic Heritage Month, the black tie event features authentic cuisine, spectacular dance performances, and lively rhythms from throughout Latin America. Funds raised support the mission to help Latino families achieve their aspirations for academic, social and economic advancement. Latin Fever draws more than 550 influential community and business leaders.
UPS is the main sponsor to this event and Latino BRG members were invited to join the UPS table.
Crecer – Hispanic Heritage Month The Power of Latina Leadership
This is the Crecer BRG Hispanic Heritage Month annual celebration event. The Power of Latina Leadership Event will provide the opportunity for successful Latina executives to share their journey to excellence and empower female minorities to recognize their strengths. Executive panelists will be expected to communicate their experiences and the influence of emotional intelligence as it relates to their success.
This is event will be transmitted via HD Video conference to other Chapters and will be open to all BRGs across UPS’s business units.
Latino Leaders Panel
The Georgia Tech Office of Hispanic Initiatives of the Institute of Diversity organized a Latino Leaders Panel to discuss topics related to success, leadership and career advancement. A Crecer BRG leader participated as one of the 4 panelists.
U.S. Bank
UTC
8th Annual UTC Hispanic Leadership Forum (HLF) Fundraising Dinner– a special evening of food, cocktails, entertainment, and silent/live auctions. The proceeds from this United Way event will benefit The Hartford Boys and Girls Club.
SPECIAL GUESTS:
Yvette Melendez
VP Government & Community Alliances, Hartford Hospital
Chair, Board of Director, The Hartford Foundation for Public Giving
Vice Chair, Board of Regents for Higher Education, CT
Dorothea Wong
Director, Global General Procurement
UTC Aerospace Systems
Viacom
East Coast
West Coast
Walmart
Walmart’s Hispanic Latino Associate Resource Group (HLARG) works to strengthen our Hispanic/Latino talent to lead diversity & inclusion efforts that impact business, develop associates, and build communities. Each year, during Hispanic Heritage Month, HLARG leads company’s celebration activities and collaborates with community based organizations to celebrate Hispanic/Latino culture, the contributions, important presence of Hispanic and Latino Americans that have influenced and enriched the United States.
Light Night Party at the Buckyball – September 4
Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art (Crystal Bridges) and HLARG hosted a turn-of-the-century urban experience inspired by the 1893 World’s Fair. This steampunk-Vaudevillian party featured live musical performances by multi-instrumentalist That 1 Guy, local group Randall Shreve & The Devilles, and Wini Rubi. The night started with Downtown Bentonville’s First Friday, where the Square was transformed into a giant block party for the entire community. Then everyone meet in Dave Peel Park for a group bike ride, where they decorated their bikes with lights or steampunk accessories. The ride ended at Buckyball, where our party began. They hosted a variety of activities, such as a photo light-drawing booth by renowned artist Chris Look, participatory carnival tents by Northwest Arkansas artist Jennifer Gilder, tinker projects by Amazeum, and demonstrations by local sculptor Eugene Sargent. Attendees explored early technological inventions from light bulbs to Ferris wheels, and enjoyed a film adaption screening of the Jules Verne’s classic 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. Participants came dressed for the occasion in their favorite steampunk or Victorian outfits. This event is part of the Hispanic Heritage Month Event Series.
Pedro Fernandez with Ninel Conde Concert – September 5
Pedro Fernandez and Ninel Conde performed Sept. 5 at the Walmart AMP. Fernandez, who began performing at age 7, is known for Ranchera music and other styles and has appeared on soap operas.
Hispanic Celebration at Bentonville Square Farmers’ Market – September 5
HLARG hosted a booth at the Hispanic Celebration at Bentonville Square Farmers Market Saturday September 5th. The booth offered fun activities, games and prizes. Also at the celebration, the Blu-Bentonville Fresh Fish & Seafood Market restaurant booth offered samples of Hispanic seafood dishes, and DJ Franco provided music. This event was presented in partnership with the Global Office of Diversity, Bentonville’s Fresh Fish & Seafood Market and Downtown Bentonville, Inc. as part of the Hispanic Heritage Month Event Series.
Latin Cinema Main Lobby – September 9
Attendees were encouraged to get to know Latino and Latin culture through cinema with popular shorts screened at the San Diego Latin Short Film Festival, known as the leading Latino film festival in the country. This Crystal Bridges program was in collaboration with Walmart HLARG.
Distinguished Hispanic/Latinos Conference – September 17
HLARG hosted “Distinguished Hispanics – Investing in our associates” conference on Thursday, September 17, on our Home Office Campus.
This event provided associates the opportunity to gain the perspective of Hispanics in different disciplines and developing core competencies for success. A panel of distinguished personalities shared with Walmart associates and community leaders their experience of being Latino; their journey to success; their challenges, vision, and the contributions they have made to the American society.
The keynote speaker was María Marín, Motivational Guru, Talk Show Host of “María Marín Live” on Univision America (Mon-Fri) /Best Selling Author/ Despierta América collaborator.
Spotlight Lecture: Mari Carmen Ramirez – September 23
On Wednesday, Sept. 23, Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art (Crystal Bridges) and HLARG hosted a thought-provoking lecture by United States’ leading scholar on Latin American Art Mari Carmen Ramírez. Ramirez is the Wortham Curator of Latin American Art and Director of the International Center for the Arts of the Americas at The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston.
Univision/Latin Grammy Street Party – September 27
Sunday, Sept. 27, HLARG will host a Univision/Latin Grammy Street Party at the Walmart AMP.
Kids Art Workshop – October 2
On Friday, October 2, HLARG will be hosting an evening of fun at the Kids Art Workshop “Create Your Own Mask” on the Bentonville Square during First Friday. They will have a booth with an art teacher showing kids how to make a mask with the theme of “Dia de Muertos” (Day of the Dead). Kids will have an opportunity to make colorful paper masks using markers, feathers, pipe cleaners, glitter glue and other supplies. They will also distribute flyers with information regarding this important tradition for our Hispanic culture. Part of the Hispanic Heritage Month Event Series.
Bright Light Fright Ride – Oct. 9
On Friday, Oct. 9, HLARG, the Walton Life Fitness Center and Downtown Bentonville, Inc. are hosting a fun lit up family ride through downtown Bentonville. Those who attend will decorate their bicycles with glow lights and LED lights. This free event is open to the public and open to all ages.
Art Talk: Community Conversation with Ana Pulido Rull – October 10
Crystal Bridges and HLARG invite the local community to meet University of Arkansas Assistant Professor of Latin American Art Ana Pulido Rull in discussing three of her favorite artworks in her native language of Spanish. Ana is a Native of Mexico City, holding a Ph.D. in Art History from Harvard University and a B.A. in History from the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), where she began her research on indigenous painted maps and manuscripts. Her passions lie in cross-cultural communication and the social role of art. In this bilingual talk, she will examine the common threads that link three artworks from the museum’s permanent collection: Mark Rothko’s painting No. 210/211 (Orange), Janet Sobel’s, Hiroshima, and Norman Rockwell’s, Rosie the Riveter.
Salsa Night – October 17
HLARG and Crystal Bridges will be hosting a night of Salsa dancing to Latin beats by DJ Midnite, on Saturday, Oct. 17 from 8 – 11:30 p.m. on the Crystal Bridges Museum Great Hall’s spectacular dance floor.
[1] http://www.hispanicheritagemonth.gov/about/
[2] ““Employed persons by detailed occupation, sex, race, and Hispanic or Latino ethnicity”, Bureau of Labor Statistics, September 2012 (last accessed March 20, 2015) http://www.bls.gov/cps/cpsaat11.pdf
[3] “Buying power of Hispanic consumers in the United States from 1990 to 2017 (in trillion U.S. dollars)”, Statista: The Statistics Portal, 2015