Here's how we're celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month at the Statesman

Luz Moreno-Lozano, Austin American-Statesman
·3 min read

The settlement of Mexicans in Austin dates back to the 1870s, and then greatly increased in the early 1900s to instability caused by the Mexican Revolution. Over the years, Austin has become home to many Latinos and Hispanics, and today is home to more than 308,000 Latinos, which is about 32% of the city's total 964,000 residents, according to 2021 data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

Each year, from Sept.15 - Oct. 15, the nation honors Hispanic Heritage Month -- a celebration that recognizes the contributions and influence of Hispanics on the history, culture, and achievements of the United States.

This month, the Austin American-Statesman team plans to bring readers stories of Austin and Central Texas Hispanic and Mexican American history, and the trailblazers today still fighting to preserve and preserver.

Here's our coverage so far:

What does Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you?

Whether reconnecting with heritage language or reflecting on the legacy of Latino labor leaders, our Statesman journalists share their stories about what their Hispanic heritage means to them.

Moreno-Lozano:Reconnecting with my heritage language

Sanchez:My grandparents' sacrifice built the foundation for my future — and my identity

Serrano:Reflecting on the legacy of Latino labor leaders

Villalpando:How I drew heritage and my grandma's love from a deck of Loteria cards

Figueroa:Far from home, yet never closer

Lee en Español:Con el nopal en el corazón, no en la frente

Want to share your Hispanic heritage story? Email Luz Moreno-Lozano at lmoreno-lozano@statesman.com.

New signs mark El Camino Real in Hays County as more untold Hispanic stories are uncovered

As many as 31 signs marking the historic El Camino Real de los Tejas, a network of roads that led to the founding of Texas, are being installed throughout Hays County.

Gina Alba-Rogers, who leads the Council for the Indigenous and Tejano Community, a cultural advocacy group, said the Camino Real trail in Hays County is just one part of the history the group is trying to preserve.

Hispanic business owners persevere despite hardships

Starting a new business is never easy. For wife and husband team Rosa and Carlos Reyes, dealing with prejudice makes it even harder.

"Because I am Mexican (American), there has been a lot of people who shut doors on me and call me names," she said. "That kind of makes me sad."

As the country celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, Reyes said she feels honored to be a small business owner and Hispanic.

East Austin barrios project preserves Mexican American history

Preservation Austin, a nonprofit that works to preserve historic sites and their cultural significance, marked the Quintanilla House as part of its East Austin Barrio Landmarks project.

Purchased in 1972 by Joel Quintanilla, the home took on many forms in the neighborhood.

For years, it served as the home base for the League of United Chicano Artists, or LUCHA. The Quintanilla House is one of 25 cultural and architectural sites across East Austin and downtown that celebrates the city’s Mexican American community.

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Hispanic Heritage Month: Celebrating history and culture in Texas