September kicks off National Hispanic Heritage Month

Q&A with Wallace Mayor Pro-Tem Francisco Rivas-Diaz

IN HONOR OF National Hispanic Heritage Month and the 23.2% of Latinos that call Duplin County home, Duplin Journal will be shining a light on Latinos whose service and dedication make a difference in the community.

Celebrated annually from Sept. 15 through Oct. 15, National Hispanic Heritage Month honors Latinos living in America who enrich our society making a positive impact.

In 2022, the Hispanic population in America reached more than 63 million. The 26% increase in the Hispanic population was faster than the nation’s 8% growth rate according to data from Pew Research. Data from the 2023 U.S. Latino GDP Report revealed that Latinos are the fastest-growing contributors to the U.S. economy, responsible for $3.2 trillion of the nation’s gross domestic product.

This week, as we highlight National Hispanic Heritage Month, Duplin Journal invited Wallace Mayor Pro-Tem Francisco Rivas-Diaz to join us and share a bit about his roots.

Can you share a bit about your own cultural identity?

My family is from the Latin American country of Costa Rica, and we immigrated to the United States in the ’90s.

What does National Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you personally?

To me, Hispanic Heritage Month means remembering one’s roots and traditions, celebrating the rich culture of my native country and other Latino American countries while also celebrating the contributions that Latinos make to the United States.

What is your driving force?

The desire to help make my community better and also create unity.

What has your experience been like growing up within the Hispanic community?

My experience has been a positive one which also includes exposure to Latinos from different countries. Such experiences help you understand the great diversity within the Latino community.

What has been the biggest change/challenge that you had to overcome as a Latino?

I would say the initial language barrier and culture shock. Fortunately, my community has been very supportive and welcoming, which helped us become part of and get involved in the community.

What is something you wish people would understand more about Latinos?

That we are hard working, that we are proud to be in this country and very much want to be part of our community.

What traditions do you still practice that are connected to your heritage?

Making tamales for Christmas and celebrating Christmas at midnight on the 24th of December. We also celebrate coming of age events such as quinceañeras and sweet 16 birthdays.