EPIC Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month
National Hispanic Heritage Month celebrates the culture, history, and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. It began as Hispanic Heritage Week in 1968 under President Lyndon Johnson. In 1988, President Ronald Reagan supported the expansion of the commemoration to 30 days starting on September 15, and it was passed into law on August 17, 1988. The selection of September 15 as the commencement of the celebration is important as it is the anniversary of independence for Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence on September 15 and 16, and Columbus Day/Día de la Raza falls on October 12.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau , Hispanic Americans represent 17.6 percent or 56.6 million people in the United States. They have contributed to the growth and evolution of the United States, making significant contributions since the Revolutionary War. Latinos and Latinas have fought for justice and supported fair labor practices, access to education, immigration reform, criminal justice reform, and LGBTQ rights.
Maintaining traditions is incredibly important, and when it comes to culture, Latin culture has also had a significant influence on music, food, and sports. In 1918, a man named Ezequiel Moreno started a Mexican bakery and restaurant out of his home and in 1920, moved it to the heart of Los Angeles. He named the bakery “La Esperanza,” which means hope. The restaurant brought Mexican and American food together until the 1970s. Many restaurants and bakeries continue these traditions today. When it comes to music Latin and African American rhythms came together in 1940 with Dizzy Gillespie and Chano Pozo combined their Jazz stylings. Other famous Latin musicians over time include Tito Puente, Machito and his Afro-Cubans and Tito Rodriguez.
EPIC employees are incredibly involved in their local communities and work hard to support each other and the greater communities around them.
EPIC embraces diversity in ALL its various forms as it makes for a better workplace. We are committed to fostering a work community where every colleague feels welcomed, valued, respected, and heard. It is our belief that diversity drives innovation and that creating an environment where every employee feels included and empowered, helps us to deliver the best outcome to our clients.