The adage: “a picture is worth a thousand words” is apropos as applied to this photo of The Downtown Detroit Partnership signage prominently displaying a linguistically proficient (Spanish) and culturally competent homage, acknowledging our community as we come together to celebrate our collective heritage.
Hispanic Heritage month opens with the celebration of “El Grito de la Independencia”, September 15th, commemorating Mexico’s liberation from Spain; followed by “El Grito de Lares”, September 23rd, the commemoration of Puerto Rico’s initial uprising against Spain. Add to these historically significant events, a month-long celebration of food, music, art and dance. Most recently and notably, the dedication of the state historical marker dedicated to Tejano music at the Mercado in Mexicantown.
As a born and raised, life-long Detroiter, having spent the last 25 years living downtown, I have never witnessed such a display of true, Diversity and Inclusion.
From Detroit Taco on the west side in the new Cambria hotel to Jose’s Tacos on the east side in Eastern Market and all the taco trucks in-between, Non-Hispanic Detroiters and our institutions are embracing us as never before, acknowledging our contributions to our city. This week we witnessed a retirement of historic proportions in Miguel Cabrera’s leaving the field. Many of the players on the Tiger roster being comprised of Hispanics, we would be remiss not to mention past greats, e.g., Hank Aguirre and Aurelio Rodriguez.
Many of us contribute in our own way to the vitality of our city, much of which manifests itself in a more vibrant Downtown.
While I do not presume to speak for anyone else, my hope is simply that our collective Hispanic community leadership will take a moment to recognize the Downtown Development Partnership, as they have acknowledged us. It is in our present and future best interest to nurture and strengthen these civic relationships.
