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The Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce (LRCC) has again joined the Greater Lansing Hispanic Chamber and Cafecito Caliente to celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month. Each year, Americans observe National Hispanic Heritage Month from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15 by celebrating the contributions and importance of Hispanics and Latinos to the United States and those American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America, and South America.

“We are proud to stand with our partners in the Hispanic community to celebrate the enormous contributions our friends in the Hispanic community continue to make in our region and all across the country,” said Tim Daman, president & CEO, LRCC. “We continue to be inspired by the hard-working Hispanic business owners and entrepreneurs who are creating jobs and contributing to a vibrant, growing community in Greater Lansing.

The Hispanic Heritage observance began in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson. It was expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to cover a 30-day period starting on Sept. 15 and ending on Oct. 15. It was enacted into law on Aug. 17, 1988, on the approval of Public Law 100- 402. The theme of this year’s celebration is Esperanza: A Celebration of Hispanic Heritage and Hope.

“The theme of celebrating Hispanic heritage and hope is appropriate because it challenges us to reflect on the contributions Hispanics have made in the past and will continue to make in the future,” said Sein Paul Benavides, owner of Cafecito Caliente. “Hope encourages us that our future is bright especially if we stay stronger together.”

“Hispanic Americans have been integral to the prosperity of the U.S.,” said Greater Lansing Hispanic Chamber of Commerce President and Vice President, Chaz Carrillo and Elizabeth Hernandez. “Their contributions to the nation are immeasurable, and they embody the best of American values. The Hispanic-American community has left an indelible mark on our regional culture and economy.”

For information on local celebrations of National Hispanic Heritage Month, visit the Greater Lansing Hispanic Chamber Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/glhcclansing, and the Cafecito Caliente website: https://cafecitocaliente.com/