N.S. Hispanic Chamber lauds its heritage

A crowd gathered in Glen Cove’s Village Square on Sept. 21 to dance to the pulsating beat of music by Ricardo Esteban. The get-together, organized by the Business Improvement District and the North Shore Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, was the second of its kind downtown, celebrating the accomplishments of Hispanic business owners in the BID, part of National Hispanic Heritage Month.
As the four-week-long celebration, from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, got underway, the chamber took the lead in celebrating the vibrant Hispanic culture and contributions that enrich the community. It is organizing a series of events and initiatives highlighting the cultural heritage of the Hispanic community, while fostering the growth of local Hispanic-owned businesses.
For chamber President Connie Pinilla, who is originally from Bogota, Colombia, the month is a time to reflect on both personal and professional accomplishments. “It brings me back to the struggles my mom made to bring us to this country,” Pinilla said, “and reminds me how lucky we are to have so many opportunities in the U.S. while staying connected to our strong Hispanic roots.”
Pinilla is passionate about providing a platform for Hispanic-owned businesses to showcase their achievements and contributions. She believes that Hispanic Heritage Month is a crucial time to highlight the integral role these businesses play in the local economy and community.
“I love that we can highlight and showcase our Hispanic businesses and culture,” she said. “This month gives us the opportunity to celebrate how much we’ve contributed, and to take pride in our heritage.”

One of the key events organized by the chamber this year is a block party at Connolly Elementary School on Sept. 27 when students of Hispanic background will have the chance to celebrate their culture, and share it with others, through dance and music. The event will feature salsa and merengue lessons, as well as performances by folk dancers.
“It’s so important for Hispanic children to feel accepted and connected to their roots while being part of the broader community,” Pinilla said. “Events like this help make that happen.”
During National Hispanic Heritage Month, communities across the country celebrate the diverse history and contributions of Hispanic Americans. The month coincides with independence day celebrations in several Latin American countries, including Chile, Costa Rica, El Salvador and Mexico. For Pinilla and the chamber, it’s an opportunity not only to celebrate those cultures, but also to reflect on how far the Hispanic community has come in Glen Cove.
Roberto Hernandez, a new board member of the chamber who is originally from the Dominican Republic, said he was particularly excited about this year’s events. Hernandez, who focuses on helping local businesses improve their marketing and networking strategies, sees the chamber’s role in the community as crucial to fostering collaboration and growth.
“One of the main things we want to teach every business and resident is that working together is what brings us up,” Hernandez said. “We are a community, and by sharing our stories and successes, we can help each other grow.”
Hernandez also emphasized that National Hispanic Heritage Month is about more than just celebrating Hispanic culture. It’s about creating a sense of belonging and inclusivity for everyone in the community.
“We want to make it clear that just because it says Hispanic Heritage Month doesn’t mean it’s only for Hispanics,” he said. “We want everyone to feel welcome, and to celebrate with us. It’s about coming together as a community, regardless of background.”
The observation started in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week, designated by President Lyndon Johnson, and was expanded to a month by President Ronald Reagan in 1988.
According to the Pew Research Center, the United States Hispanic population grew to 63.6 million in 2022, up from 50.5 million in 2010. That 26 percent increase was faster than the nation’s 8 percent growth rate. In 2022, nearly one in five people in the U.S. was Hispanic, up from 16 percent in 2010 and just 5 percent in 1970. Hispanics are the fastest-growing segment of the U.S. population. They own and operate more than 350,000 businesses nationwide.
“We are proud of what we’ve accomplished, but we know there’s so much more to do,” Pinilla said. “Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to celebrate, but it’s also a time to remind ourselves of the work that still needs to be done to ensure that Hispanic businesses and culture continue to flourish.”