National Hispanic Heritage Month began September 15th celebrating the contributions of American citizens from Mexico, Spain, Central and South America and the Caribbean. Latin American countries Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua all celebrate their Independence on September 15th. Mexico and Chile celebrate on September 16th and September 18th with Columbus Day falling within the special month on October 14th. Hispanic Americans are the largest minority group in the United States, a population of over 50 million.
Puerto Ricans, Dominicans and Ecuadorians have the highest populations in the Northeast. Bronx County has the largest Puerto Rican and Dominican populations, and Queens County in New York contains the largest Ecuadorian population.
Local hero Senator Joseph Addabbo, Jr was honored by the Association of Mutual Help Unity and Solidarity, (AAMUS) during Hispanic Heritage Month for his work with the Latino community. Addabbo is from District 15 in Queens, representing Howard Beach, Ozone Park, Woodhaven and the Rockaways. Assemblyman Jose Peralta is another special Latino contributing to Queens County. A first generation Dominican American, Peralta is proud of the Hispanic community and understands that the constant flow immigrants into Queens “are the economic engine that is vital for the borough”.
From actor John Leguizamo, to Rita Moreno the first Hispanic actress to win an Oscar, Queens County is home to many famous Latino Americans. Tuesday September 17th at 8pm, ESPN kicks off the month-long celebration with a show centered around the countdown of the top 10 most influential Hispanic athletes of all times.One Nación: ESPN Celebrates the 25th Anniversary of Hispanic Heritage Month.
We are celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month at Cross Bay Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, honoring our multi-cultural facility made special by all of our hard working and caring Hispanic American staff and patients. We are grateful for our bi-lingual staff including Dr. Bieber who is fluent in Spanish!