Opinion - Opinión

From September 15 to October 15, the United States observes Hispanic Heritage Month, a time to honor the history, culture, and contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans. This year, the celebration is more than tradition. It is an act of defiance in the face of escalating attacks on immigrant communities, especially Latinos.

The roots of Hispanic Heritage Month go back to 1968, when President Lyndon Johnson established Hispanic Heritage Week. President Ronald Reagan expanded it to a full month in 1988. The start date was not random. September 15 marks the anniversaries of independence for Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua, all of which broke free from Spain in 1821. Mexico’s Independence Day on September 16 and Chile’s on September 18 underscore a shared history of liberty and self-determination.

Today, freedom and dignity face real threats. Anti-immigrant language fills political conversations. Deportation raids separate families. Scenes of officers removing people from their homes and neighborhoods show that many Latinos still lack safety and belonging. Hispanic Heritage Month is not just about celebrations. It should inspire us to stand together and push back.

Hispanic Americans have shaped every part of this country, from schools and businesses to the arts, science, and politics. Leaders like César Chávez, Dolores Huerta, Sonia Sotomayor, and Lin-Manuel Miranda show what it means to be resilient. Their stories remind us that progress can happen, but justice always requires effort.

Honoring Hispanic heritage today means more than looking back. It means facing current challenges. It means speaking out against unfair policies and insisting that everyone is included as a basic right, not as a favor.

Hispanic Heritage Month is both a celebration and a call to action. It asks us to reflect on the long struggle for independence in Latin America and to carry that spirit into today’s fight for freedom and equality here in the United States. To honor Hispanic heritage is to stand against hate, to lift up Latino voices, and to fight for a future where justice is non-negotiable.



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Editor's note: The National Hispanic Heritage Month website is still online and remains an excellent source of information HERE. But like other cultural .gov sites already eliminated, it may not last much longer if the president notices it still exists.

The Significance of Hispanic Heritage Month in Challenging Times

Follow Abigail Spanberger on Social Media: TikTok, X, Facebook, Instagram, Bluesky, and Threads

America Ferrera Says "Everyone Should Be Angered" by Supreme Court's Immigration Stop Decision

Story by Katherine Schaffstall

America Ferrera got emotional while reacting to the recent Supreme Court decision on immigration stops while appearing on Thursday's episode of The View.

On Monday, the Supreme Court lifted a restraining order from a judge that had restricted immigration agents from stopping people around L.A. solely based on their race, language, job or location. Justice Sonia Sotomayor was quick to criticize the decision and argued it could lead to officials targeting "anyone who looks Latino."

When The View panelist Sara Haines asked Ferrera her reaction to the Supreme Court's decision, the Barbie actress responded, "First of all, thank God for Justice Sotomayor."

Ferrera, who is an activist for immigration rights, went on to say she was grateful for "people who still speak with a voice of reason and the values we recognize as American values" amid the decision.

"As an American, I'm angered and terrified to watch our constitutional rights be eroded by the Supreme Court. Everyone should be angered and terrified by it," she said. "If any American can get pulled over because of the language they speak or the color of their skin or because they work in a low-wage job, who's safe? So, as an American, I'm pissed off."

She also spoke about being "a daughter of immigrants who grew up in California."

She said that the family often had "conversations about immigration," though they weren't "close to what we're living in now." Ferrera continued, "I remember what it felt like to be a child in elementary school, going to school hearing whisperings and not knowing what that meant."

"What I know right now is there are children that are terrified. There are children that are terrified, there are families that are terrified of their lives being destroyed in a moment," Ferrera said. "I think about them, and I think we all have an opportunity to remember who we are and what we believe and what our values are and what we care about and to recognize that there are people suffering and that we all have the capacity to be human and to reach out and to care for each other."

Ferrera opened up about the topic just two days after Sotomayor appeared on the Tuesday episode of The View. During her appearance, panelist Sunny Hostin asked Sotomayor about her recent dissents, including the one in the court's immigration stops ruling earlier this week, and what she thought Americans should take away from what she wrote.

"Read the decisions, and not just my dissents, but the other side, too. Become informed citizens and not just reactive, because people will say things that are simply not there, or say things and misconstrue them," Sotomayor urged the public. "The price we pay is whatever is happening today, as I indicated it's going to affect a lot of people, but it affects your future and it affects the conduct of leaders in the future, because what we permit today is not going to be duplicated exactly tomorrow, it's going to be something different."

The U.S. Department of Justice's issued its "Guidance Regarding the Use of Race by Federal Law Enforcement Agencies" in June 2003, which prohibited federal law enforcement from using race in routine law enforcement decisions.

Current Events - Eventos Actuales

“Collective Heritage: Honoring the Past, Inspiring the Future”

— A. Berrios de Gacharna

Click the above to visit the NCHEPM site.

2025 Hispanic Heritage Month poster designed by the National Council of Hispanic Employment Program Managers (NCHEPM). Reprinted with permission.

Hear what the 2025 theme means from Executive Board Members and A. Berrios de Gacharna who submitted the winning 2025 HHM Theme.

1953 Tequila With Lindsey Davis Stover and Shivam Mallick Shah

From careers in politics, public service, and advocacy to creating a premium, additive‑free tequila founded, farmed, distilled, and led by women, Lindsey and Shivam share the moments, challenges, and convictions that fueled their journey. They talk about turning every “no” into a “yes,” rewriting the rules of a male‑dominated industry, and why their mission is about far more than what’s in the bottle.

You’ll hear: the “crazy” idea that started it all; how they built a women‑led supply chain in Mexico from the ground up; the remarkable story of an agave farm run by four daughters — and the high school girls they inspired; how they launched online, became a #1‑selling spirit, and are now expanding nationwide; why their mission is to change the industry, not just succeed in it. Watch for about 10 minutes to learn why they named their tequila 1953!

Visit Coffee with Ken HERE to see other interviews.

DLOV and Latino Caucuses Kick Off Hispanic Heritage Month

On September 13, 2025 the VA Dems Latino Caucuses celebrated the launch of Hispanic Heritage Month and Unite our Calls to Action. The event was co-hosted by DLOV, VAYD Latinos, Arlington Dems Latino Caucus, Fairfax Dems Latino Caucus, Loudoun Dems Latino Caucus, PWCDC Latino Caucus, and Richmond Dems Latino Caucus! Attendees networked, celebrating, and uniting our caucuses' calls to action as we advocate for our communities and work to elect Democrats this campaign season.

Events - Eventos

Early In-Person Voting

Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, Your Delegate and a School Bond

September 19, 2025

Fairfax County Government Center

12000 Government Center Pkwy, Conference Rooms 2/3,

Fairfax, 22035

September 19 – November 1

Monday – Friday: 8 am – 4:30 pm

Saturdays (Sept. 20, Oct. 25, Nov. 1): 9 am – 5 pm

Sundays (Oct. 26): 1 pm – 5 pm

OPEN Monday, October 13 (Columbus Day): 8 am – 4:30 pm

Mt. Vernon Governmental Center

2511 Parkers Lane, Alexandria, 22306

and

North County Governmental Center

1801 Cameron Glen Drive, Reston, 20190

September 19 – November 1

Monday – Friday: 1 pm – 7 pm

Saturdays (Sept. 20, Oct. 25, Nov. 1): 9 am – 5 pm

Sundays (Oct. 26): 1 pm – 5 pm

OPEN Monday, October 13 (Columbus Day): 1 pm – 7 pm

38th Hispanic Heritage Awards

September 26, 2025 @ at 9:00 pm

Airs on PBS

Click the images above to learn more.

The program celebrates the achievements of Hispanic and Latino artists and visionaries. The ceremony will be hosted by actress and producer Mayan Lopez (Lopez vs. Lopez), featuring special musical performances by honoree Gloria Trevi, and a lineup of chart-topping, award-winning artists including Daymé Arocena, DannyLux, Lisa Lisa, and RaiNao. The evening promises an electrifying celebration of music and culture, with appearances by iconic artists and trailblazers such as Ivy Queen, Steve Berlin (Los Lobos), Paulina Chavez, Crazy Legs, Humberto Gatica, Members of Menudo Gina Torres, Ivette Rodriguez, Julian Works, and more.

2025 Honorees: RAUW ALEJANDRO (Vision), FELIX CONTRERAS (Journalism), CHEECH MARIN (Arts),  ROSIE PEREZ (Leadership), JULISSA PRADO (Entrepreneurship) and GLORIA TREVI (Legend)

Festival Latinoamericano

September 27, 2025 @ 5 - 9 pm

Arlington Mill Community Center

909 S Dinwiddie St, Arlington, VA 22204

Enjoy the rich tapestry of Latin American art, food, and culture found right here in Arlington, celebrating the vibrant and diverse cultures that enrich our community. Our mission is to showcase the rich tapestry of Latin American art, food, and culture in Arlington County, providing a platform for local artists, chefs, and performers to share their talents and traditions with the public.

Festival Latinoamericano is FREE. Registration is not required, but heavily encouraged to allow us to have an accurate count of anticipated attendance.

Manassas Latino Festival

September 27, 2025 @ 11 am - 6 pm

The Loy E. Harris Pavilion

9201 Center Street

Manassas, VA 20110

The Manassas Latino Festival is an annual event which includes live music, dance performances, diverse foods and other fun activities for the entire family, all in celebration of the cultural heritage and contributions of the Latin American community to our City, surrounding areas and to our nation. 

The Manassas Latino Festival is a project of Sambos USA, Inc.

Fiesta DC

September 27 & 28 @ 11 am - 7 pm

Pennsylvania Ave NW

between 7th NW and 3rd St NW

Immerse yourself in the vibrant energy of Fiesta DC! This two-day extravaganza transforms Washington, D.C. into a global fiesta celebrating Latino cultures. Savor authentic and diverse Latin American cuisine, lose yourself in the infectious rhythms of live music and dance performances, and explore a marketplace brimming with handcrafted artisan creations. Fiesta DC is a celebration for all ages, offering engaging activities and fostering a spirit of community and cultural exchange.

30th Annual

Kennedy-King Dinner 2025

October 23, 2025

6:00 pm reception; 7:00 pm dinner

Doubletree by Hilton Crystal City

300 Army Navy Drive, Arlington 22202

Featuring Special Guests

Congressmen Don Beyer & Congressman Robert Garcia (CA-42)

We come together from across Northern Virginia to celebrate the legacies and aspirations of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Senator Robert F. Kennedy, to advance the Democratic Party’s mission for peace, justice and equality, and to Turn Virginia Blue.

PURCHASE YOUR TABLE OR TICKETS EARLY TO SECURE PREFERRED SEATING VIA KENNEDYKING.NET

Rep. Don Beyer (VA - 8)

Rep. Robert Garcia (CA - 42)

Meet the Candidates and Get Involved

Tuesday, November 4, 2025

Early Voting Begins September 19!

Statewide Candidates

We have excellent candidates for Governor, Lieutenant Governor and Attorney General. Click on any picture to learn more about the candidate and how you can help.

Abigail Spanberger

for Governor

Ghazala Hashmi

for Lieutenant Governor

Jay Jones

for Attorney General

Click HERE to download talking points for Jay Jones.

Latino Candidates for House of Delegates

Alfonso Lopez

District 3 (Arlington & Alexandria)

Elizabeth Guzmán

District 22 (Prince William County)

Michelle Maldonado

District 20 (Manassas and Manassas Park)

Fernando “Marty” Martinez

District 29 (Leesburg)

Phil Hernandez

District 94 (Norfolk)

Alfonso Lopez, the first Latino Democrat elected to the General Assembly, has led efforts to pass the Virginia DREAM Act and expand driver’s license access for immigrants.

Elizabeth Guzmán was the first Latina elected to the Virginia General Assembly in its 200-year history and is now running to continue bringing inclusive, values-driven leadership to one of Virginia’s most competitive districts, while capturing for the Democrats the last Republican-held seat in Prince William County.

Michelle Maldonado is a long-time resident of Prince William County and the City of Manassas and has proudly served in the House of Delegates fighting for families, a cleaner and greener economy, accessible and affordable housing, healthcare and reproductive rights, technology and innovation to keep Virginia competitive, and funding for schools and teachers as our students recover from learning loss.

Phil Hernandez, a civil rights attorney and former Obama administration official, brings a strong policy background to the legislature and is fighting for public education and working families.

Fernando Martínez, elected in 2023, is a rising voice for housing affordability, immigrant protections, and inclusive economic growth in Northern Virginia.

https://www.youtube.com/@FCDCLatinoCaucus

Latino Caucus

Fairfax County

Democratic Committee

Click HERE to join FCDC

www.FairfaxDemocrats.org

 ‌or HERE to join our mailing list



Maritza Zermeño — Chair

Marta Calderon — Secretary

Leonel Rojas — Social Media Master



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