JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Jacksonville leaders gathered Monday to celebrate and recognize Hispanic Heritage Month.
Hispanic Heritage Month is observed every year from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15 to celebrate the cultural and economic impact that Latinos have in the United States.
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Monica Hernandez, president of the First Coast Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, said this month is all about supporting and empowering each other.
She also highlighted the success of the first business expo called “Hola Emprende Business Expo.”
“It was really a great hit because we had over 91 entrepreneurs that were there all day,” Hernandez said.
The city’s Hispanic Outreach Coordinator Yanira Cardona said the Hispanic community is “blossoming like never before,” as it’s considered one of the fastest-growing populations in Duval County.
The latest census data indicates that 11% of the Jacksonville population is Hispanic.
“With that growth comes a powerful wave of influence, creativity and passion. We don’t just bring numbers, we bring stories, we bring flavors. We bring music, of fears, of sense and family and community that enriches every corner of the city. We are the heartbeat of Jacksonville’s future, and we do it with pride and who we are and where we come from,” Cardona said.
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Mayor Donna Deegan officially recognized Hispanic Heritage Month in the city of Jacksonville from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, and shared a few words with all the attendees.
“As mayor, I am committed to ensuring that Jacksonville is a city where diversity is both celebrated and championed, a city where we work to eliminate barriers and create opportunities for all, and I call on each one of you to join me in that work. In closing, let us all be reminded that diversity is our strength and that unity is our destiny,” Deegan said.