Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month in Bayside: Honoring Voices & Champions in Our Community

As September rolls in, Bayside and all of Queens light up in celebration: Hispanic Heritage Month is here. From September 15 through October 15, we pause to recognize and honor the rich cultures, traditions, achievements, and contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans. In Bayside, our Hispanic community is a vital part of who we are—making our schools, businesses, neighborhoods, and civic life stronger every day.

Here are just a few stories and groups doing remarkable work in the area, plus how students like you can get involved or be inspired.

📍 Bayside’s Hispanic Roots & Presence

• According to the most recent data, about 11.8% of Bayside’s population identifies as Hispanic or Latino. (Wikipedia)

• Many Bayside residents speak Spanish at home — about 10.4% of households do. (urbanareas.net)

These numbers tell us: Hispanic culture isn’t just a part of Bayside — it is part of Bayside.

🌟 Spotlight on Local Leaders & Programs

Dr. Fred Millán One local example of excellence is Dr. Fred Millán, a Bayside resident and professor of psychology at SUNY Old Westbury. He was selected as a SUNY Hispanic Leadership Institute Fellow, recognition of his leadership and promise in supporting and representing Latinx voices in higher education. (QNS)

Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Queens (HCCQ)Though borough‑wide, the HCCQ plays a role in Bayside too. The organization supports Hispanic entrepreneurs, small business owners, and community efforts. One of its recent efforts was rallying support in Bayside for the annual St. Mary’s Walk, raising awareness and funds for children with special needs and families. (St. Mary's Kids)

🎭 Culture, Advocacy & Arts

• El Correo de Queens, published by Schneps Communications (which is based in Bayside), serves a largely Hispanic readership throughout Queens. It does more than journalism—it keeps our community informed about issues that matter (schools, civic events, health, etc.), in both English and Spanish. Many Bayside Hispanic families rely on it. (echo-media.com)

• Latin Women in Action, Inc., based elsewhere in Queens but accessible to many Bayside residents, works to empower Hispanic women and families through education, services, and civic engagement. (Hispanic Federation)

  
  

💡 How You Can Get Inspired

• Learn someone’s story. Talk to a Bayside neighbor with Latin American heritage (or Puerto Rican, Dominican, etc.). Ask them about their journey and what traditions they’ve carried with them.

• Join or support local events. Whether it’s a walk, a celebration, or a cultural fair, events are great for learning, connecting, and having fun.

• Explore arts & culture. Try listening to music, tasting foods, learning dances, or reading authors from Hispanic heritage.

• Use your voice. Maybe in school you could write, create art, or perform something inspired by Hispanic cultures. Your project could even be featured in a school assembly.

  
  

🪅 Why It Matters

Hispanic Heritage Month is more than a calendar notice. Celebrating it helps all of us:

• Recognize contributions: Many people—from doctors and educators to business owners and artists—stem from Hispanic communities, and their work enriches Bayside.

• Build understanding: Learning about others’ backgrounds leads to more empathy, less misunderstanding.

• Strengthen community: When all voices are heard and valued, neighborhoods feel safer, more inclusive, and more vibrant.

Let’s make this Hispanic Heritage Month count—by listening, learning, sharing, and celebrating. Bayside is better when all cultures shine.