Across The Region and In My Heart
By Rev. Allen V. Harris
Celebrating Hispanic/Latinx Heritage Month
Hopefully by now you have seen one or more of our wonderfully successful social media posts celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander month in May and LGBTA+ Pride Month in June. We lifted up leaders across Ohio who shared in their own words a bit of their history and why such a month of celebration and education is important. If you are like me, you found them absolutely fascinating and deeply moving, even though I thought I already knew these leaders. You can find their stories and pictures on our Regional Church website here: /ccio-blog.aspx
Each year, Americans observe National Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15, by celebrating the histories, cultures and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America. The Christian Church in Ohio seeks to honor, educate about, advocate for, work alongside, and celebrate our Hispanic/Latinx members, leaders, and communities all year long, and we use this special month as a way to focus our appreciation and efforts.
The observation started in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson and was expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to cover a 30-day period starting on September 15 and ending on October 15. It was enacted into law on August 17, 1988.
The day of September 15 is significant because it is the anniversary of independence for Latin American countries Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on September 16 and September18, respectively. Also, Columbus Day or Día de la Raza, which is October 12, falls within this 30 day period.
Find out more about this important month of education, advocacy, and celebration at: https://www.hispanicheritagemonth.gov/
In the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) we have a Central Pastoral Office for Hispanic Ministries under the leadership of their National Pastor for Hispanic Ministries, Rev. Lori Tapia. The fellowship is called Obra Hispana and you can find out more about their mission and ministry here: https://obrahispana.org/ or on their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/obra.hispana/
Note: We do apologize for the delay in publicizing this special month. The ministries and mission of our Hispanic and Latinx congregations, clergy, and leaders are an essential part of the Christian Church in Ohio.