Did you know that the Latino and Hispanic population is the most rapidly growing cultural community in Oregon? This diverse group of people, made up of various ethnicities, backgrounds and religions, accounts for 11.2 percent of the state’s total population. With 79,226 Latino and Hispanic residents in Multnomah County, it also makes up 10.9 percent of our county’s own population.
Not only are Latinos and Hispanics growing in numbers in our area, their impact on our communities is increasing as well. Eight years ago, 1,211 businesses in Multnomah County were owned by Latinos and Hispanics. This ethnic group also holds $3.8 billion in purchasing power in the City of Portland and $850 billion nationwide. Four hundred Latino and Hispanic employees contribute to Multnomah County’s own workforce.
Because of these and many other contributions the Latino and Hispanic populations are making to Multnomah County and areas across the United States, the Board of Commissioners has dedicated Proclamation (14.35 KB) September 15 through October 15, 2010 to recognizing Latino and Hispanic Heritage Month.
During the Board meeting on September 16, members of the Latino and Hispanic communities gave a compelling presentation about current events, health and economic issues related to the local Latino and Hispanic populations. Speakers included Consuelo Saragoza, Senior Advisor of Public Health & Community Initiatives; Ursula Rojas Weiser, Community Affairs Consul for the Consulate of Mexico in Portland; Gale Castillo, President of the Hispanic Metropolitan Chamber; and Guillermo A. Maciel, Policy Advisor for the Multnomah County Chair’s Office.
Multnomah County Library is holding a series of historical and cultural events in honor of this special month, which extend until “Day of the Dead” at the end of October. Tlaxcalan musxician Hugo Nava will sing and play traditional music on September 16 at the Rockwood Library. On September 18, Gresham Library will host a performance by Nuestro Canto about the legends of Mexico. Other library events in English and Spanish throughout the month include making corn husk flowers and pan pipes, traditional folk music presentations and sing-alongs, lectures, and comedy for kids. Download a complete event calendar (in English and Spanish).
Neighboring communities across Oregon will also celebrate Latino and Hispanic heritage during this month-long period. Beaverton’s “Year of the Bicentennial” event, which is being held September 16, will commemorate the 200-year anniversaries of Argentina, Chile, Colombia and Mexico. Get more information here. Tualatin Hills Park & Recreation District will host a Family Fiesta and Soccer Clinic on September 19 that will feature a free soccer clinic for children, face painting, arts and crafts and more. Get more information here.
View materials from the board meeting. Learn more about National Hispanic Heritage Month.
Watch this slideshow from the Latino and Hispanic Heritage Month celebration after the Board meeting on September 16: