With Latinos, Everything is Possible!

Hispanic Heritage Month starts in the middle of September. But right now is time to start thinking and planning, because we believe that HHM isn’t simply about celebrating Latino contributions. It is a critical moment to seed change — a time for Latinos to unite around our belief in the progress that is at the heart of the American Dream.? And, in turn, it is an opportunity for companies to invest in their future growth by investing in Latinos.

Each year, our theme for HHM is chosen to?capture the moment and direction of the Latino community.? This year, we chose, “With Latinos, Everything is Possible.”? It reflects its meaning within the community, that everything is possible for Latinos.? But it also is about our impact on this country, where everything is possible with Latinos.

???????? Not everyone knows this, but if we would count Latino GDP as if it were a standalone economy, we would rank as the fifth largest in the world.? Not everyone is aware that Latino purchasing power has already topped $3.4 Trillion annually.? What’s more, we pay $215 billion dollars in federal, state and local taxes each year.

???????? Just a week or so ago, the Wall Street Journal reported that Latinos are the most entrepreneurial population in the United States .? And according to recent Stanford and LBAN research, we are not only massively huge job creators, we offer the best benefits to our employees.? A real testament to how Latino values are not only driving economic growth but creating positive change in the mainstream.

???????? All of this tells us that the American Dream is not only possible for Latinos, it is only possible with Latinos. We are pushing the country forward economically, energizing a strong middle class, and creating innovation. We are also enriching the culture with our values, our music, food,? art and literature. And we are infusing the nation with our love of family, our strong work ethic, our resilience and perennial optimism.

???????? So what does this have to do with Hispanic Heritage Month?

???????? If you are a company, we encourage you to do more than give a ceremonial nod to your Latino employees. Make it a time of forward motion that extends beyond the four weeks across the entire year. Move from celebration to policy.? Now is the time to evaluate whether you are prepared for the future: Are you attracting Latinos to your business?? Are you advancing, supporting, and celebrating your Latino employees?? Are they moving up the ranks and, if not, why? Are you investing in understanding your Latino customers, who will be the source of your future growth?? Are you engaged in grassroot marketing in Latino communities, which will not only elevate career interest in your business but also stimulate loyalty to your brands?

???????? If you are Latino, Hispanic Heritage Month is also a time to harness and unleash our power. We do this best when we are unified when we focus on our shared values and our shared vision of a better future.? When we are unified, we can shatter stereotypes and promote a more accurate and positive image. When we are unified, we can solve problems, break down resistant barriers. When we feel part of the larger community, we take more responsibility for each other. Open doors for each other. Actively mentor. Support each other’s efforts and businesses.

???????? When September 15th rolls around, whether you are a major corporation, a Latino, an ally of the community, we should all be prepared to make the month meaningful, motivating and build on the momentum that we are demonstrating every day.? The We Are All Human Foundation has created a 2024 toolkit for companies, non-profits, and academic institutions that we hope will support your planning process — with critical data, as well as visual and written assets that you can use or adapt. We offer up our Hispanic Star brand as an icon that telegraphs our consciousness as a community.? Be part of the joy of Hispanic Heritage; be part of its power. For more information, feel free to reach out to [email protected] or find the toolkit here:?https://hispanicstar.org/toolkit . ??

And keep this in your heart and head:? With Latinos, Everything is possible!? ? ?