To the DAIP community, 

Being the daughter of a Chilean immigrant, I am constantly inspired by Rhode Island’s rich Latinx community. I take pride in the ability of my ancestors to succeed despite the odds, and am in awe of the countless stories of courage and triumph. Although each story is unique, they often share familiar threads.

It is impossible to make generalizations about what it means to be Latinx or Hispanic. People often use these terms interchangeably, but Hispanic refers to those who speak Spanish or are descendants of Spanish speakers, while Latinx refers to people from Latin America and their descendants. As a first-generation American Latina, it can be complex to determine which term is appropriate to use, and there are many varying opinions. My approach is to ask each individual what they prefer (Latinx, Hispanic, Latino, Latine, etc.). Some guides on this topic can be found here, here, and here. 

In the United States, Hispanic Heritage Month extends from September 15 through October 15, to coincide with the anniversary of independence for many Latin American countries (including Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Mexico, and Chile). These countries have diverse cultures and traditions but are often lumped together from an American lens. It’s true that we share some similar traditions—language and religion, a prioritization of family ties, and an attachment to our cultural touchstones. And we share some collective memories of the injustices that drove our families to America—poverty, political violence, the scars and influences of colonialism. 

This quilt of immigration stories is made up of millions of stories of struggle, of heartache, of fortitude, and ultimately of triumph. No family’s story is the same, but the threads are familiar. 

Born nearly a decade after his siblings when his mother was 37, my father’s older siblings came to America years before him. Still in Chile, my father became involved in activism during the rule of Augusto José Ramón Pinochet Ugarte (the dictator who ruled Chile from 1973 to 1990). Under Pinochet, the Chilean government was responsible for the execution of over 3,000 people, the internment of up to 80,000, and the torture of tens of thousands. People were punished for speaking out against the regime, and many of my father’s friends in activist circles started disappearing, were sent to prison, or were forced into exile outside of Chile. Fearing for his safety, my father’s family sent him to America.

To keep him out of trouble, his brothers helped him enroll in a community college in New Haven, CT, where he met my mother. She was happy to provide not just companionship, but also essential support in learning English and navigating the immigration process—things she had gone through herself many years before. My father was incredibly lucky to have a strong network to help him navigate those formative years. 

As immigrants or first-generation Americans (as I am), we know that the road we are on could be very different. There are people around the world in detention centers, people living in fear (or worse), and those who didn’t survive the journey. It’s with this grave reality in mind that we attempt to pay it forward to others and provide unending support with a deep understanding of the interconnectedness of our experiences. By being active and engaged in our community—we can all rise together. 

This year’s national theme for Hispanic Heritage Month is “Latinxs: Driving Prosperity, Power, and Progress in America” (read about the theme here). Although some progress has been made since my father immigrated, the consensus among many in the Latinx community that I’ve spoken with is that much work remains to be done. I reached out to local Hispanic and Latinx leaders to ask them about how changemakers in Rhode Island can better help our community work towards prosperity, power, and progress. You can read their insights on our blog. 

In solidarity,

Here is a roundup of events hosted by DAIP, our partners, or like-minded organizations.

(In-person) Thursdays Sept. 28th, and Oct. 3rd, 5th, 10th & 12th, from 3:30 - 4:30 p.m. The Community Libraries of Providence are hosting a series of events for participants to create pieces inspired by Latin American and Spanish art and craft traditions at the Olneyville Library Children’s area. Free to attend, learn more here. 

(Virtual) Wednesday, October 4th, from 2 - 3 p.m. Join Roger Williams University School of Law for a webinar entitled: “How Does Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Pedagogy Fit in Business Issues and Financial Affairs Classes? Leading with DEIB in Wills, Trusts, Estates, Insurance, Contracts, and Taxation Law C.” Learn more and register here. 

(In person) Friday, October 6th, from 6 - 9 p.m. Attend Progresso Latino’s 46th Anniversary Gala, at Rhodes-on-the-Pawtuxet in Cranston. This year’s theme is Festival of Hats, and attendees are encouraged to wear a hat representing their culture or “a creation of their own.” Progresso Latino is an organization that works to support Rhode Island’s Latino and immigrant communities through programs and services. Tickets start at $100. Learn more and register here. 

(In-person) Thursday, October 12th, 4:00 - 5:30 p.m. Join Women’s Fund of Rhode Island (WFRI) for Real Talk: Girl Power in RI at William Hall Library Auditorium in Cranston. To celebrate International Day of the Girl, WFRI will host a discussion featuring panelists Rose Albert (Youth Programs Director for Rhode Island for Community and Justice), Kasha Hanflik (Executive Director of Girls on the Run RI), and Dana Borrelli-Murray (CEO of Girl Scouts Southeastern New England). Free to attend, but please register here. 

(In-person) Friday, October 13th, starting at 6 p.m. Join Rhode Island General Treasurer James Diossa at the State House for a Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration featuring food, live music and cultural performances. Free and open to the public, learn more here. 

(In-person) Saturday, October 21st, noon - 5 p.m. Attend Rhode Island’s 45th Annual Heritage Festival at the WaterFire Arts Center in Providence. This family-friendly event will feature a celebration of food, culture, music and dancing from across the world, including a parade of international flags, a variety of performances, cultural and art exhibits, craft demonstrations and a multicultural fashion show. Free to attend, learn more here. 

(In-person) Wednesday, November 1st, from 9:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. Join RI SHRM & the Employers Association of the Northeast (EANE) for their 2023 Employment Law Summit at Kirkbrae Country Club in Lincoln. At this year’s Summit, experts will discuss: the impacts on employers and HR professionals related to recent legislative outcomes in Rhode Island and the federal level; training related to requests for accommodations under the ADA; and the potential effects on employers of the Supreme Court’s recent rulings on affirmative action. Learn more or register here.  

(In-person) Thursday, November 2nd, from 5 - 8 p.m. Join DAIP at Hope Events on Main (in Pawtucket’s Hope Artist’s Village) for our 12th Annual Leadership in Diversity and Inclusion Awards Reception to honor this year’s award winners and learn from thought leaders on timely DEI topics. Register Here. 

Interested in featuring your organization, event, or opportunity in DAIP’s Community Updates & Events? Reach out to information@daip.us to learn more. 

READ the 2023 Hispanic Heritage Month Toolkit from Claudia Romo Edelman, founder and Executive Chairwoman of We Are All Human. The 2023 focus is on recognizing the significant strides of Hispanics in the economic, political, and social growth of the U.S. under the theme “Latinos: Driving Prosperity, Power, and Progress in America.” 

READ “What Is Hispanic Heritage Month and Why Do We Celebrate?” to learn more about the history surrounding the celebration, as well as recommended resources. 

READ various resources on Hispanic Heritage Month from the National Museum of the American Latino.

READ through online resources associated with the ¡Presente! A Latino History of the United States exhibit at the National Museum of the American Latino to explore how Latino history is American History.

READ “Closing the Gap” from the Society of Human Resource Managers. As the Hispanic population booms, workers in this demographic seek better representation in C-suites and corporate boardrooms. Latino leaders hope the strong spotlight on the need for more diversity will help move the needle for Hispanic workers in corporate America.

WATCH the short PBS episode, “Why Do We Say ‘Latino,’” for an explanation of the origin of the term “Latino” and the debates that still surround it as well as the term “Hispanic” and “Latinx.”

WATCH Fernanda Ponce’s TEDTalk “What Being Hispanic and Latinx Means in the United States,” for a first-person account of identity. Ponce addresses stereotypes and assumptions, the role of Latinx people in shaping culture, politics, and the economy, and invites the audience to dig deeper into the Latinx experience in the United States.  

LISTEN to The Latinx/e In Social Work Podcast, a show calling awareness to racism, bias, and discrimination felt by Latinx social workers. By sharing personal narratives from social workers within the Latinx community, the podcast aims to highlight injustices and share solutions.

LISTEN to Fritanga by the Hispanic Heritage Foundation. Hosted by Antonio Tijerino, the podcast series is a cultural coming together for Latinos to find comfort, connection, information, identity, and inspiration by exploring what makes us complicatedly compelling and how to move forward with greater unity.