Hispanic Heritage Month: Honoring Cleveland leaders

Posted by: Laura DeMarco and Michael Collier on Friday, September 15, 2023

In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, September 15 — October 15, Greater Cleveland Partnership is spotlighting Hispanic businesses, leaders and events through the month.

Started in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Johnson, the observation was expanded by President Reagan in 1988 to cover a 30-day period starting on September 15 and ending on October 15. Nationwide, Americans observe National Hispanic Heritage Month by celebrating the histories, cultures and contributions of those whose ancestors hailed from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America.

The September 15 start date was a deliberate choice given its significance in Latin America, recognizing the anniversary of independence for Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. Additionally, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on September 16 and 18, and Columbus Day — or Día de la Raza — falls on October 12.

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Hispanic Greater Cleveland

Greater Cleveland’s Hispanic population in large – and growing. An estimated 76,000 people of Hispanic descent live in Cuyahoga County, according to the 2020 census.

At nearly 50,000 people, the city of Cleveland has the second-largest Hispanic population in Ohio – after Columbus, which has 70,000 Hispanic residents - making up roughly 13% of the city’s population, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. In 2010, the number was about 39,534 - 10% of Clevelanders.

The region is even more diverse. More than 134,000 individuals in the MSA (metropolitan statistical area) and 172,000 individuals in the CSA (combined statistical area) claim Hispanic heritage,

Cities with the highest percentages of Hispanic populations include Lorain (29.2%), Painesville (26.8%) and Brooklyn (15.8%).

With those of Hispanic origin making up such a significant portion of the population, one doesn’t need to travel far to see the indelible mark that Hispanic history, culture and pride has left, nor to experience the unique cultural contributions that our Hispanic friends and neighbors continue to make in Greater Cleveland.

Notable Leaders

Crain’s Cleveland Business recently honored 45 Notable Latino Leaders who “hold positions of responsibility and leadership” in the region, and “foster understanding of Hispanic and Latino culture and issues and promote efforts that recognize the community’s skills and abilities.”

Visit Crain’s to meet these community leaders – and check Greater Cleveland Partnership weekly to learn more about the Greater Cleveland’s Hispanic leaders.