The Latino community in Philadelphia represents a colorful tapestry of culture and pride from around the world. This Hispanic Heritage Month, Esperanza is working to build community pride with our #YoSoyLaCara campaign. Through this campaign, we are showcasing the diverse faces, talents, and passions that represent the Latino community.
According to the most recent U.S. Census, from 2000 to 2010 the Hispanic population in Philadelphia has grown by 46%, with the Mexican population in Philadelphia increasing by over 150%. The Mexican community, while not the largest Hispanic population in Philadelphia, is an ever-growing group with a rich history and tradition.
September 16th marks the 204th anniversary of the Grito de Dolores, the event that many consider the start of the Mexican War of Independence in 1810 (although independence would not be officially gained until September 28, 1821). The Grito de Dolores, also known as the “cry of independence,” was literally the call made by the heroic figure in Mexican history, Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla.
Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla was a Roman Catholic Priest who led a revolt against the Spanish colonial government in Mexico. In the town of Dolores, near Guanajuato, Mexico, he gathered his congregation and addressed them, encouraging rebellion and upholding the values of liberty and faith.
Every year, people of Mexican heritage around the globe cry out the same words to honor those who fought for independence:
¡Mexicanos!
¡Vivan los héroes que nos dieron la patria y libertad!
¡Viva Hidalgo!
¡Viva Morelos!
¡Viva Josefa Ortíz de Dominguez!
¡Viva Allende!
¡Viva Galeana y los Bravo!
¡Viva Aldama y Matamoros!
¡Viva la Independencia Nacional!
¡Viva México! ¡Viva México! ¡Viva México!
Today, we honor who we have become, a strong, resilient, and progressive people in the United States and other parts of the world.
Viva la Raza. Viva la familia. Viva la gente orgullosa. Viva la comunidad Latina.
We are the face of Hispanic heritage.