Communities Mark Hispanic Heritage Month Amid Safety Concerns

Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept. 15–Oct. 15) is being marked across the U.S. with festivals, food, cultural programming and profiles of Latinx achievement. Coverage highlights Latinx wellness entrepreneurs such as Ecuadorian-born Ricky Echanique, founder of Mikuna chocho protein powder, and media pieces honoring entertainers including Tatyana Ali, Rosie Perez, Cardi B and Jhené Aiko. Local events range from Tucson’s two-day Cultura x Chicano Vibez festival to culinary programming in Palm Desert and Austin (including pan dulce history events and specialty coffee offerings at Adventure Waits Coffee Shop). Schools and students are participating through projects such as Dallas ISD seventh-graders’ living 'wax museum' and Anaheim students' podcast reclaiming Mexican American history. Community groups and institutions are adapting celebrations amid safety concerns — Savannah held an alternative chamber celebration after a parade was canceled following recent ICE activity — while libraries and historic sites promote reading and conversations on Hispanic and Native American heritage.