As Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15 – October 15) concludes, we reflect on our celebration of the captivating Hispanic and Latine culture, rich history, and inspiring voices. Over this past month, D&A amplified the narratives of honorable leaders who have shaped our nation’s culture, spotlighted trailblazers whose legacies continue to advocate for equity surrounding identities, and championed initiatives to empower Hispanic communities.
We also recognize that this celebration comes at a time when immigrant communities are facing heightened fear and targeting, from recent ICE raids to systemic inequities that continue to harm Black and Brown families. Acknowledging these realities serves as a powerful reminder that representation is more than visibility. It’s about empowerment, education, and connection.
Congressman George Brown: Creating a Month of National Recognition
We honored the legacy of California Congressman George Brown, who advocated for the establishment of Hispanic Heritage Week in 1968, and later expanded it to a month-long celebration in 1988. His work led to national recognition for Hispanic communities for their contributions in civic life, education, and arts. His vision aligns with D&A’s mission to build stronger, more inclusive communities.
Understanding Individuals: Hispanic vs Latino, Latinx, and Latine
Language plays a role in how we perceive ourselves and engage in social interactions with others. To encourage deeper understanding, we defined the difference between Hispanic, Latino, Latinx, and Latine, learning how cultural, language, and geographic nuances drive identities.
At D&A, we are firm believers that inclusive communication starts with respect in how individuals define their own identities. By recognizing that these distinctions are more than vocabulary, we ensure that equity and belonging are at the heart of each and every story we tell.
Bad Bunny: Representation Through Art
Bad Bunny, Global American rapper and record producer, redefines representation in the Hispanic community on a world stage. As an avid ally of the LGBTQ+ community and through his bold advocacy against corruption in Puerto Rico, he’s utilized his platform to make both a cultural and political impact. His artistry reminds us that representation within media and arts, can, too, challenge traditional norms and stereotypes.
Orson Aguilar: Consolidating Economic Opportunity and Latino Prosperity
Executive Director of LatinoProsperity and former President of the Greenlining Institute, Orson has contributed to decades-long work in expanding national Latino economic and wealth-building opportunities. During his tenure at Greenlining, he focused on cultivating equity-first climate and community reinvestment legislation, including the California Senate Bill 535 and California Assembly Bill 1550. Through promoting financial inclusion, housing equity, and clean energy access, Aguilar embodies purposeful, equity-driven leadership, driving systemic change and paving ways for future prosperity by always putting communities first.
Community Impact in Action: Our Partnership with San Francisco Bay Ferry
Recently, our work with the San Francisco Bay Ferry highlights how D&A turns equity into impact. We collaborated with them on the “Ferry There!” campaign to increase awareness and ridership among underrepresented communities, especially Black and Latine individuals in the East Bay. Through hosting a series of listening sessions, multilingual engagement, and immersive storytelling, our campaign reached over 5 million people, generated 64,000 engagements, and attracted 1,100 new riders aboard the ferry system.
We collaborated with local Latine artist, Gabriela Aleman, to ensure that outreach was authentic and accessible for all. The significant impact of the campaign proved what we’ve always strived for: communications rooted in equity to best serve our communities.
Carrying the Celebration Forward
As Hispanic Heritage Month comes to an end, D&A’s commitment to equity and inclusion continues year-round. The resilience, creativity, and leadership of Hispanic communities inspire the very foundation of D&A’s work
