THE LEAFLET

September 15th to October 15th marks National Hispanic Heritage Month, a time to recognize and honor the contributions of Hispanic Americans to the history, culture, and achievements of the United States. Last Saturday, we had the pleasure of participating in the vibrant Festival del Rio, a joyous celebration of culture and heritage that truly brought our community together. This all-ages festival was a wonderful opportunity to connect with neighbors and friends, featuring a day filled with dynamic performances, cultural festivities, and outdoor activities.

The event was alive with the rhythm of lively music and captivating dance performances that showcased the rich diversity of Hispanic culture. The vibrant colors of the dancers’ costumes and the infectious enthusiasm of the performers created a lively atmosphere that celebrated our community’s shared history. Food also played a central role in the festival, with vendors offering a delicious array of traditional dishes that highlighted the importance of food in bringing communities together and honoring cultural traditions.

Family-friendly activities were plentiful, connecting attendees with interactive environmental education booths that highlighted local conservation efforts. These engaging stations offered insights into the importance of protecting our environment and inspired community members to take action.

The Festival del Rio Anacostia exemplified the strong connection between Hispanic culture and environmental stewardship. By merging cultural celebrations with environmental awareness, the event demonstrated the power of community engagement in addressing environmental challenges.

Hispanic Americans have long been at the forefront of environmental activism. Dolores Huerta, co-founder of the United Farm Workers, is a tireless advocate for workers’ rights and environmental justice. Elizabeth Yeampierre, as Executive Director of UPROSE—Brooklyn’s oldest Latino community-based organization—leads in climate justice and sustainable community development.

Several organizations are dedicated to promoting environmental awareness and action within Hispanic communities. Two local Latino-led organizations, EcoLatinos and Defensores De La Cuenca, are making significant contributions to environmental conservation and community engagement in the Chesapeake Bay watershed area, with EcoLatinos focusing on various projects like tree planting and clean-ups, while Defensores De La Cuenca specializes in connecting Latinos and Spanish-speakers to nature through shared experiences and leadership development.

Beyond the DMV, Latino Outdoors connects communities with nature and outdoor experiences, while GreenLatinos is a national non-profit advocating for a pro-environment agenda within the community. Sachamama focuses on educating and activating communities to address climate change.

As we continue to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, let’s recognize the vital contributions of Hispanic environmentalists and organizations working to create a more sustainable and equitable future for all.