Buncombe County Honors National Hispanic Heritage Month

Buncombe County is proud of the contributions our Hispanic and Latino communities make in our neighborhoods, county, and beyond. Each year, Americans observe National Hispanic Heritage Month from Sept. 15-Oct. 15 by celebrating the histories, cultures, and contributions of all whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America.

How it began

Hispanic Heritage Month began as Hispanic Heritage Week, established by President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1918. It was later expanded to a full month by President Ronald Reagan in 1988. The dates were chosen to encompass the independence anniversary of several Latin American countries. Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua celebrate their independence on Sept. 15, Mexico on Sept. 16, and Chile on Sept. 18. Additionally, Dia de le Raza celebrates the mixed indigenous and European heritage of Latin America on Oct. 12.

Local history

Hispanic Heritage Month provides an additional opportunity to explore the incredible impact Hispanics and Latino/Latinas have had on Buncombe County for generations. The first European language spoken in Western North Carolina was Spanish. Centuries later, in the 1970s, Hispanic/Latino workers and families began to arrive in the mountains. They became the labor force in agriculture, from Christmas tree farms to apple orchards. But this is only one part. The Hispanic/Latino community is the fastest-growing demographic in the Asheville region, including more than 20 Latin American cultures represented. 7.09 percent of the people in Buncombe County, North Carolina, are Hispanic, which is approximately 19.1k people according to the US Census. Over 2 percent of businesses in Buncombe County are owned by Hispanic and Latino entrepreneurs, according to the latest available census data.

Throughout the month, various events and activities occur, including festivals, educational activities, art exhibits, and cultural performances, all aimed at recognizing and celebrating the rich heritage and diverse cultures of the Hispanic and Latino heritage. Overall, Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to celebrate the rich and diverse heritage of Hispanic Americans and their significant impact on the social, cultural, and economic fabric of our community.

More information about the Buncombe County Equity and Human Rights Office is available through the Buncombe County Website linked here https://www.buncombecounty.org/governing/depts/equity-human-rights-office/default.aspx.

Employees and members of our community can file a discrimination complaint through the Equity and Human Rights website or by contacting the Non-Discrimination Coordinator at NDO@buncombecounty.org. 

Residents have access to the Racial Equity Action Plan Dashboard at https://buncombe.clearpointstrategy.com.

Sources:

https://www.hispanicheritagemonth.gov/

https://latino.si.edu/learn/teaching-and-learning-resources/hispanic-heritage-month-resources/hispanic-heritage-month

https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/buncombecountynorthcarolina/PST045222

https://www.exploreasheville.com/stories/post/celebrating-a-generation-of-ashevilles-latinx-community/

https://www.exploreasheville.com/stories/post/celebrating-a-generation-of-ashevilles-latinx-community/