September 15, 2021

SALT LAKE CITY — Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall joined local Latino and Hispanic leaders and organizations Wednesday in celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month, a national recognition designed to honor the achievements and contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans.

“Salt Lake City is fortunate that so many thousands of Latino and Hispanic residents call our capital city home,” Mayor Mendenhall said. “From strong families, to successful local businesses, beautiful customs and amazing food, our City is better for the contributions of the Latino and Hispanic communities.”

The Mayor read a proclamation she signed declaring Wednesday, September 15 through Friday, October 15 “Hispanic Heritage Month” in Salt Lake City, saying in part: 

“Hispanic and Latino Americans represent a significant and growing demographic of Salt Lake City, and we honor the invaluable ways that their traditions, customs, and communities have enhanced our great city.”

Wednesday’s event was done in collaboration with the Suazo Center, which provides business resources to Latino and Hispanic entrepreneurs. 

Silvia Castro, Executive Director of the Suazo Center, said “Hispanic Heritage Month is an important reminder of the Latino Heritage in the State of Utah. From the first Europeans to explore this region, to the many place names and geographic names we use in everyday life in our State, to the vast numbers of minority run businesses and organizations in the region, our Hispanic and Latino communities have played a significant role in defining Utah.”

“Latin Americans have a powerful and unique history in the State of Utah. These types of proclamations help to recognize the work our Hispanic communities put in to making our society a better, more inclusive, place. I am proud of my South American heritage and I want my daughter, and the sons and daughters of all immigrants, to recognize and understand their heritage and where they came from. Recognizing and honoring Hispanic Heritage Month helps to ensure our legacies will live on,” Castro said.

Speakers also included Salt Lake City Council member Ana Valdemoros, Richard Jaramillo of the Utah Coalition of La Raza, Nubia Peña, Director of the Utah Division of Multicultural Affairs, José V. Borjón of the Mexican Consul, and a traditional performance by local dance group Ballet Folklorico. 

Wednesday’s press conference came the day after Support Latino Business Day, a rallying cry for local partners including community organizations, elected officials, business leaders, and owners, to celebrate the significant economic contributions Latino-owned businesses make, the jobs they help create, and the positive impact they bring to our community and beyond

About the Suazo Business Center: Suazo Business Center is a business resource committed to the development and empowerment of the Latino/Hispanic and other underserved communities. They provide assistance to help existing and potential minority entrepreneurs succeed and build wealth. The Suazo Business Center has been serving the community since 2002 and have assisted in the education, growth, and development of well over 10,000 clients and small businesses. They have created over 5,000 new small businesses, and have helped generate over $250,000,000 in revenues as an investment into Utah’s local economies. For more information, please visit http://www.suazocenter.org or call 801-521-1709.

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