Hispanic Heritage Month

Rhode Island Latino Arts was founded in 1988 as the Hispanic Heritage Month Committee, and it has not only become our signature event, but each year it marks another passing year of our story. Or better put, of your story.

So why, after all these years, do you still celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month?

The answer is simple: if we don’t tell our story, someone else will. If we don’t shape our narrative—if we don’t express our Latin pride in our own way—no one else will do it for us. Now is the time to tell our own stories, to step out from behind the scenes, and to refuse the role of passive participant. It is time to take the stage.

In 2028, we will celebrate our 40th anniversary, and we ask this of all who identify as Latino/Latina/Latinx: take it upon yourselves to tell your story. Because when you claim your narrative, it becomes part of our collective narrative. Make it a story that opens doors, that creates opportunity, that shines a light on the positive and powerful contributions we continue to make.

People, allies, gente in the media, you have a greater responsibility: to ensure you are telling our stories the way they should be told and supporting all of us in times when we cannot afford to let anyone else tell it for us. Our contributions are valuable. We are a significant part of the now and future of this nation. Our economic, cultural and intellectual impact is and will continue to be strong and must be acknowledged.

Let us know how we can help, and be sure to register your event to be listed on our calendar page.

¡Adelante!