Celebrating and Protecting Our Hispanic and Latino Communities Against Discrimination

Hispanic Heritage Month is an annual celebration which began in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week and in 1988 was extended to an entire month. September 15 was chosen as the kickoff for Hispanic Heritage Month because it coincides with the Independence Day celebrations of five Central American countries, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. Several other nations, including Mexico, Chile and Belize, celebrate an Independence Day during the initial week of Hispanic Heritage Month.

People of Hispanic and Latin American descent have enhanced and influenced our city’s character given the talents, cultures, values, ideas, labor as well as new and old traditions that reflect the multi-ethnic and multicultural customs of diverse communities, while adding value and dynamic perspectives to the story of Boulder.

The act of recognizing and celebrating the contributions of Hispanic and Latine individuals is important, however, it can be difficult to accurately do so when we examine the complicated history of their many disparities.

Between Spanish colonization, the transatlantic slave trade, and the forcible seizure of Indigenous lands, including in the recent past, Hispanic and Latino Americans have known many homes and traveled many paths. People with ancestry in Spain and the countries that today form part of North, Central, and south America, and the Caribbean, include Indigenous peoples and also the descendants of African peoples enslaved by European colonizers and forcibly brought to these lands.

We acknowledge that capturing these complex histories and identities as only Hispanic and Latine oversimplifies history and neglects the richness of these peoples as individuals and as a community. “Hispanic,” “Latine” and “Latino American” are all foreign names placed on the peoples and land of this continent. We recognize and support the movement for self-determination and epistemic decolonization efforts of Indigenous peoples that call this continent Abya-Yala.

While we strive to create a welcoming and inclusive community for all, we acknowledge that discrimination in our community is a reality. The Human Rights Ordinance exists to protect against discrimination in Boulder and assist people who have been discriminated against in three areas, including:

• Housing
• Employment
• Public accommodation in places such as stores, restaurants, health clubs and movie theaters

Within these areas, the ordinance prohibits discrimination based on ancestry, color, creed, gender variance, genetic characteristics, immigration status, marital status, mental disability, national origin, physical disability, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation and source of income. In housing, it also prohibits discrimination based on custody of a minor child, parenthood and pregnancy. In employment, it also prohibits discrimination based on age, specifically 40 and older.

City Council enacted the Human Rights Ordinance in 1972 to create prompt, local protection and for classes not protected at the state or federal levels, such as sexual orientation, gender variance and genetic characteristics.

If you or someone you know has been the target of discrimination within city limits, you can file a claim through the City of Boulder’s Human Rights Ordinance. These services are available in any language. Learn more on the city’s website.

Festival del Sol at Chautauqua Auditorium

Colorado Chautauqua is proud to present the fourth annual free and bilingual Festival Del Sol on Sunday, September 22nd! Enjoy live music, food and beverages, guided hikes, Latin dance lessons, family activities and games. Kick off National Hispanic Heritage Month by celebrating the vibrancy of Latino culture in the stunning surroundings of Chautauqua! Learn more on the Chautauqua website.

• Date: Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024
• Time: 12 - 5 p.m.
• Location: Chautauqua Auditorium, 900 Baseline Rd, Boulder, CO 80302