About HHF | C.H.A.F.F.

ABOUT US

Sept 15-Oct 15 we honor our roots, celebrate our culture, and build our future. Together.

✨ THE STORY OF HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH ✨ In the heart of every community lives a story. For Hispanic and Latin American communities in the United States, that story is one of resilience, pride, and undeniable influence — a legacy woven into the very fabric of this nation. Hispanic Heritage Month was born from a powerful grassroots push for visibility and respect during the civil rights era. In 1968, amidst a time of marches, protests, and people demanding to be seen and heard, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed a bill establishing Hispanic Heritage Week. Why September 15th? Because it’s a date heavy with history — marking the independence anniversaries of Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. And in the days that follow, Mexico celebrates on September 16th, and Chile on September 18th. A week simply wasn’t enough to capture the rich culture, sacrifices, and contributions of millions. By 1988, as the Latin community’s voice grew louder and stronger, Representative Esteban Torres of California fought to extend this celebration. His vision was clear: a single week could never contain the history of our people. And so, with the stroke of a pen, President Ronald Reagan transformed it into Hispanic Heritage Month — celebrated every year from September 15th to October 15th.

🎉 WHY IT MATTERS Today, Hispanic Heritage Month isn’t just about parades, music, and festivals (though you’ll definitely find plenty of those). It’s about honoring the stories of resilience and hope — of migrant workers who fed a nation, of artists who turned city walls into canvases, of soldiers who fought wars before they could vote, and of children who balanced the old country’s soul with new world dreams. It’s about amplifying the voices and contributions of Hispanic Americans in every corner of society — from education, business, and politics to sports, music, film, and science. It’s a month to remember where we come from, to celebrate where we are, and to inspire where we’re going.

🌎 IN A NUTSHELL 1968: Hispanic Heritage Week established by President Lyndon B. Johnson 1988: Expanded to Hispanic Heritage Month by President Ronald Reagan Celebrated: September 15 – October 15 every year Purpose: To recognize the histories, cultures, and contributions of Americans whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America

AS A HISPANIC COMMUNITY WE ARE PROUD OF OUR ROOTS AND DIVERSITY IN THE CULTURES OF LATIN AMERICAN COUNTRIES.

IN 2021, WE LAUNCHED THIS FESTIVAL TO CELEBRATE AND RAISE AWARENESS ABOUT THE DIVERSITY OF DIFFERENT LATIN AMERICAN CULTURES. WE UNDERSTAND HOW MUCH OF AN IMPACT THE HISPANIC POPULATION HAS IN OUR CITY OF CLARKSVILLE.

THROUGH THIS FESTIVAL, WE AIM TO SHOWCASE THE ENDURING STRENGTH AND UNITY OF OUR COMMUNITY.

EACH YEAR, WE CELEBRATE: