Over the weekend, Hispanic Heritage Month got underway. In Minnesota, people are recognizing the diversity within these populations, as well as leadership opportunities.

Becky Valencia, operations manager of Communities Organizing Latino Power and Action (COPAL) said not all of Minnesota’s Latino residents are from Mexico, as is often assumed.

Many have connections to places like Ecuador and have different needs. As they establish roots here, national polls show Latinos have a growing distrust of government.

However, Valencia noted that young adults are increasingly interested in fostering a better relationship between elected leaders and community members.

“A lot of the times it’s been very rewarding to see that in our community, organizers continue to plant that seed,” said Valencia. “And so, we have seen a lot more people be active and actually searching for opportunities to be more involved.”

As for weaving in culture, entrepreneurship is one avenue. Minnesota is now home to more than 12,000 Latino-owned businesses.

Valencia said several organizations help these business owners overcome obstacles in expanding their reach.

She said younger generations want to keep alive their distinct heritage and traditions, and access to resources is a big part of that.

Valencia said fostering more civic engagement is especially important in an election year. She said Latinos have pressing needs that resonate with the rest of Minnesota.

“There’s this huge gap between healthcare and what’s accessible,” said Valencia. “That’s an area for sure that we’ve heard a lot of communication, which I think it’s not only for the Latino community, Latina community, but also for other communities in general.”

According to Census data from Minnesota Compass, nearly 370,000 people of Latino descent call Minnesota home. This population increased 38% between 2010 and 2020.

In addition to Mexicans and Ecuadorians, the largest Latino cultural groups in the state are Salvadorans, Guatemalans, and Colombians.

Cover Photo: In breaking down Minnesota’s Latino population by age, nearly 223,000 are working-age adults between 18 and 64 years old. (Adobe stock)

Publisher’s Notes: In MN, leadership, culture variation part of Hispanic Heritage Month was first published by Public News Service, and republished with permission.

Part of LNN’s mission is to amplify the work of others in providing greater visibility and voice to Hispanic, Latino communities.