Celebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month

Querida comunidad y familia de NJCU,

This week, our university and our communities near and far in our country celebrate the start of National Hispanic Heritage Month. This month of celebration and recognition of the rich history, culture, and contributions of our Hispanic community is especially significant at our university, where we are deeply proud of our roots as the oldest minority and Hispanic-serving public university in the State of New Jersey, in the most diverse city in the nation. Those are not simply federal designations; they are calls to action and monikers of responsibility.  

This year’s national theme is “Pioneers of Change: Shaping the Future Together.” We know something about that at NJCU. Our university has long been the stewards of transformative change in the lives of our students on a campus that doesn’t just celebrate diversity, but empowers it, and where collaboration and shared progress are at the heart of our mission. This theme offers us the opportunity to celebrate and champion the story of our community, and how NJCU drives prosperity, power, and progress — on our campus, in our state, and in our country. 

At NJCU, we recognize that Hispanic and Latinx communities have long been a la vanguardia of social, cultural, and academic advancements, both locally and globally. From groundbreaking achievements in education and leadership to strides in the arts, sciences, and civic engagement, Hispanic leaders have shaped our collective future with pasión, resiliencia, and innovación.

The Hispanic community is also pivotal to the economy of our nation. In fact, Hispanic-owned businesses have increased by more than 34% over the last 10 years, contributing to the expansion of industries such as technology, clean energy, and healthcare. This entrepreneurial spirit, combined with resiliencia and innovación, is driving the success of the Hispanic community in both traditional and emerging sectors.

NJCU mirrors the community it serves — a community from all over the world, with the resolve and the resolute persistence of a heritage built on family and the spirit that is emboldened by its rich diversity and vibrant culture. The Hispanic and Latino community is a fusion of traditions, history and heritage, cuisine, art, diverse beliefs and global experiences. Our community’s story reverberates the promise of our nation’s founding ideals.
 

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the Latino population in the United States is more than 62 million, comprising nearly 19 percent of our total population. It is the largest racial or ethnic group in the country, and the youngest and fastest growing community. It is estimated that the Latino GDP is $3.2 trillion and if it were a standalone economy, then it would be the fifth largest economy in the world. Beyond the economic impact, Latinos are increasing their political influence to historic significance. The 118th Congress features the largest class of Latinos to date. Latinos are also the second-fastest growing electorate since the last election, with 36.2 million voters.  

With a growth rate outpacing other demographics, by 2060, one in every four Americans will be Latino.

That dynamic is even more pronounced at NJCU, where we proudly are home to an undergraduate population that is over 50% Latinx and the overwhelming majority are first generation college students. NJCU is quite literally helping educate and shape our nation’s future.

Now through the conclusion of Hispanic Heritage Month on October 15, we will hold many meaningful events on our campus, and I thank those of you who joined our comunidad for our annual opening ceremonies on Monday, including our campus flag recognition, led by the Council on Hispanic Affairs (CHA). I encourage all members of our community to take part in the events and activities planned to honor Hispanic Heritage Month. From engaging panel discussions to cultural celebrations, these events are a testament to the strength and vision of our Hispanic pioneros who are helping to shape our collective future in profound ways. 

Let us continue to build a university community where every individual’s culture and contributions are celebrated, and where together, we lead the way in shaping a more just and equitable future.

Con cariño, admiración, y siempre en servicio,

Andrés Acebo
Interim President
New Jersey City University