NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE -The Nashville Area Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (NAHCC) announced the official beginning of Hispanic Heritage Month Tuesday morning at the steps of Nashville's historical Metro Courthouse. The ceremony with members of the NAHCC Board of Directors and NAHCC Foundation members officially began with the national anthem performed by young 16 years old singer Elena Jimenez and included remarks by newly appointed New Americans Office leader Mohamed-Shukri Hassan, Mayor's Office Neighborhood Development and Infrastructure Fabian Bedne (see video) and Marie Sueing Vice President of Multicultural Community Relations for the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corporation (NCVC) also a NAHCC board member.
The Honorable Nashville Mayor John Cooper presented a Proclamation on behalf the City of Nashville (see below) honoring the celebration. The NAHCC's month-long business and community education calendar of programs was announced including key business and community partners.
Hispanic Heritage Month is a nation-wide celebration of the many contributions to our nation, by those who trace their roots to Spanish speaking countries. 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 Sept. 15 and ending on Oct. 15. It was enacted into law on August 17, 1988, on the approval of Public Law 100-402.
“There is no question that Hispanics have added to the fabric of America. Hispanic Heritage month celebrates the unique talents that our culture brings to the community. It also celebrates the role models past and present that future generations can emulate” said Dr, Rolando Toyos, NAHCC Chairman and owner/founder of Toyos Clinic.
NAHCC's month-long program calendar highlights Hispanic population growth, purchasing power and economic impact. Latinas for Equal Business Opportunities (L4EBO) women entrepreneur empowerment, engagement and support group activities; music, arts and culture, civic engagement, voluntarism, several business leadership and diversity, equity and inclusion round-tables and a continuing mentorship initiative by Hispanic business leaders with students from Simon Youth Academies including an essay project to be published in Spanish. Strategic partnerships will be announced throughout the month-long program. In addition the NAHCC will facilitate access to the U.S Hispanic Chamber of Commerce 41th Virtual National Convention to members of it 300+ members entrepreneur network.
Since 2005, the NAHCC undertakes the largest most comprehensive recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month, from September 15 through October 15.
"Census numbers released for National Hispanic heritage month are encouraging, placing our population at 60.6 million" said Yuri Cunza, President & CEO of the Nashville Area Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. "Before COVID-19, Hispanic businesses were growing at 3 times the rate of all U.S. companies, and also Hispanics were 3 times more likely than the general population to start a business. Hispanics have been, job creators, starting and operating small businesses in a global economy they have contributed to the economic empowerment of our communities adding an estimated $700 billion in revenue to the national economy. Over the past 10 years, the number of Latino business owners grew 34% compared to 1% of all business owners in the United States. This is what makes our country strong. It is everyone's priority to ensure that Latino entrepreneurs, most small businesses in the United States, have the resources and guidance necessary to access the economic support they deserve in order to rescue this essential sector for the country's economic growth." said Cunza.
To close the month-long observation and festivities, on Thursday October 15, the NAHCC will host its 16th Excellence in Business and Community Awards, an annual recognition of the Hispanic entrepreneurship spirit and how it impacts our local and state economy. The ceremony also recognizes Corporate and Community partners who help make the work of the chamber and it mission possible. The event featuring guest speakers, awards, and live music, will be transmitted virtually in its entirety.
During Hispanic Heritage Month the NAHCC recognizes the professional, civic, cultural and business contributions of those who have demonstrated commitment and leadership to the advancement of our organization, the Hispanic community, and our city of Nashville.
Nominations are accepted through October 10th 2020. For inquiries please call our office at 615-216-5737 or email: programs@nashvillehispanicchamber.com
2020 CELEBRATE Hispanic Heritage Month is a program of the NAHCC Foundation in partnership with the Nashville Area Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and is made possible with the support of the following key corporate sponsors and community partners: Fifth Third Bank, Google Fiber, Belmont University, Regions, Advance Financial, Piedmont Gas, Comcast/ NBC Universal, BNA\Nashville International Airport, Messer Construction, MCGranite Nashville, CAT Financial, Toyos Clinic, Nashville Convention and Visitors Corp., First Horizon, Republic Bank, Postmates, Nashville SC, SY Foundation Academies, Nashville Entrepreneur Center, Nashville Noticias, El Crucero de Tennessee, La Noticia Newspaper, Stereo Nashville, Nashville Film Festival, American Red Cross, La Mision ConArte and NAHCC Foundation. To learn more please visit www.nashvillehispanicchamber.com