MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Hispanic Heritage Month is officially underway across the United States of America.
Since 1968, it has been a moment to celebrate the culture, achievements and diversity across this Hispanic community. According to US Census Data, it also happens to be the fastest growing community in Memphis, one that artist Karina Ramirez knows well.
“When I arrived, it was very cool to see the bridge, saying ‘Wow it’s very beautiful.’” Ramirez said.
Since 2011, Ramirez has called Memphis her home, standing alongside 56,000 other members of the Latino community in the Bluff City, 86,000 in Shelby County and 2,400 Latino-owned businesses.
“All my work is handmade,” Ramirez said. “People check the process, ‘Oh, it’s authentic rings. Oh, it’s authentic stones.’ And the person is like, with the process when you explain, say, ‘Oh really!’”
“People make you feel welcome, and there’s a lot of opportunities to grow,” said Monica Sanchez, Cazateatro Artistic Director.
Cazateatro has become a bridge for English and Spanish speakers in the Memphis area and serves as the only bilingual theater group in Tennessee, Arkansas and Mississippi, according to Sanchez.
“Our community wants to hear theater in their own language," Sanchez said. "When we do things, we want to make everybody comfortable.”
Along with Latino Memphis, both have become homes for the Hispanic Community to turn to, whether they need help adjusting to a new life in America, or feeling closer to their culture.
“General information, employers, how to enroll their kids in schools — I think Latino Memphis is a great resource,” Sanchez said.
But perhaps one of the biggest parts of Hispanic Heritage Month is still on the way in Memphis. Latin Fest 901 will return Sept. 21 from 12-6 p.m. at Overton Square to show off the traditions that bonds entire cultures.
“We do a festival with food and music," Sanchez said. "What better way to get closer and know each other?”