Hispanic Heritage Month was initially established as a week-long observance in 1968 by President Lyndon B. Johnson. It was later expanded to a month in 1988 under President Ronald Reagan.

Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated each year from September 15 to October 15. this month-long event honors the rich history, culture, and achievements of the Hispanic community. The 2026 theme, ‘Raíces y Futuro — Honoring Our Roots, Building Our Future’, This year’s theme reminds us that our history is not only a foundation – it is a launchpad.

Who We Are: Pennsylvania’s Latino Community 
Pennsylvania’s Latino community is vibrant, diverse and growing. More than 1.23 million Pennsylvanians identify as Hispanic or Latino, representing communities and cultures from across Latin America and the Caribbean. Pennsylvania is home to approximately 492,000 Puerto Ricans, 228,000 Dominicans, 187,000 Mexicans and 30,000 Ecuadorians, among many other communities that contribute to the cultural, economic and civic fabric of our Commonwealth. Our diversity is our strength – and Latino Pennsylvanians continue to help shape Pennsylvania’s past, present and future. 

PA Latino Businesses 
Latino entrepreneurs and small businesses are helping drive Pennsylvania’s economy and create opportunities in communities across the Commonwealth. The Commonwealth has invested more than $150 million with Black- and Latino-owned businesses, representing a 45% increase in spending with these businesses. Additionally, 14% of Historically Disadvantaged Business grants have gone to Hispanic-owned businesses, supporting entrepreneurs and helping communities grow. 

PA Latino Workforce 
Latino Pennsylvanians are an essential part of Pennsylvania’s workforce and economic future. Today, approximately 1 in 10 Pennsylvanians is Hispanic or Latino, and the Hispanic/Latino community has a 67.1% labor-force participation rate. From small businesses and construction to health care, education, agriculture and countless other industries, Latino workers continue to play a vital role in keeping Pennsylvania moving forward. 

Education, Health, Voting, Racial Equality 

• Approximately 60% of Latino and Hispanic high school graduates in Pennsylvania enroll in postsecondary education. 

• Hispanic and Latino populations in Pennsylvania are more likely to be uninsured compared to non-Hispanic whites. As of the latest data, approximately 18-20% of Hispanic and Latino adults are uninsured, compared to around 7-8% of the overall state population. 

• A significant portion of this population is of voting age, with estimates suggesting that around 6-7% of Pennsylvania's eligible voters are Hispanic or Latino. 

• $153K: In 2019, the average Latino family had about $36,000 in wealth, compared to white families having $189,000, a difference of $153,000. 

Latinos in the Pennsylvania Legislature 
Latino leadership has helped shape Pennsylvania's history and continues to play an important role in the Commonwealth's government today. State Representative Germán Quiles made history as the first Latino elected to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. Quiles represented Philadelphia's 180th District for one term beginning in 1969. Before serving in the House, he worked as a constable in Philadelphia's 19th Ward and served as a delegate to the 1968 Pennsylvania Constitutional Convention. 
 

Leadership of the Pennsylvania Legislative Latino Caucus 
The Pennsylvania Legislative Latino Caucus continues to amplify the voices and priorities of Latino communities across the Commonwealth. Its leadership has included: 

• Former Representative Angel Cruz, Chair, 2020–2022 

• Representative Danilo Burgos, Chair, 2022–2024 

• Representative Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz, Chair, 2024–Present 

From historic firsts to a growing presence in the General Assembly, Latino legislators continue to help shape Pennsylvania's future and ensure that the voices of Latino communities are represented in the halls of government.