DC Charter School Alliance Recognizes 2025 Hispanic Heritage Month

By Ariel Johnson

As we begin Hispanic Heritage Month, we celebrate the rich history, vibrant traditions, and powerful contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities across our nation and right here in Washington, D.C. Latino educators, students, leaders, activists, artists, and entrepreneurs shape our city in countless ways. Their voices, talents, and leadership strengthen every part of our schools and communities.

This month offers us an opportunity not only to reflect on the past but also to lift up the stories and achievements of those shaping the future. The 2025 theme, “Collective Heritage: Honoring the Past, Inspiring the Future,” calls us to recognize how the strength of the Latino community is woven into the very fabric of our country.

We also recognize that Latino families continue to face unjust barriers and harmful rhetoric that subject this beautiful community to political violence. Students and families across the charter community have been impacted, and school leaders and educators are on alert each day to provide support during this time of uncertainty. Yet even in the face of adversity, the community continues to lead with courage, resilience, and hope. D.C.’s charter schools stand proudly with our Latino neighbors, committed to providing safe, inclusive environments where every student and family is seen, supported, and celebrated.

We commend the entire D.C. community for their courage and bravery in standing up for our Latino neighbors and doing everything within their power to keep students and families as safe as possible. When our communities come together, it demonstrates the best of who we are and what we have to offer to one another. The D.C. Charter School Alliance is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all our students and will continue to create an environment where inclusion is guaranteed. Everyone, regardless of their race, background or immigration status, deserves to feel a sense of security and stability, especially our youngest learners.

D.C. public charter schools are proud to serve Hispanic and Latino students and our school leaders, educators and administrators work hard each day to provide programming and curricula that is rigorous, immersive and prepares students for what's ahead. We're especially grateful to our Latino school leaders, teachers and staff members who help make our mission possible and keep our schools running every day.

The Latino community is not only part of our city’s story, it is essential to its strength and its future. At the D.C. Charter School Alliance, we remain steadfast in our commitment to creating schools where every student feels valued, secure, and empowered to thrive. When our communities come together, we don’t just withstand challenges, we rise, we lead, and we create a brighter future for generations to come.

This Hispanic Heritage Month, we invite you to stand with us in uplifting the Latino community and ensuring every family feels safe, valued, and supported. Whether it’s advocating for inclusive policies, standing against harmful rhetoric, or simply offering care and solidarity to our neighbors, every action matters. Together, we can build a city where all students thrive. 

Get involved and celebrate the vibrancy of the Hispanic community with these activities: 

Hispanic Heritage Month Kick-Off Celebration

September 14

At the Prince George’s Publick Playhouse, performers will kick off Hispanic Heritage Month on Sept. 14 with a celebration for all ages including an art exhibition, live music, dance performances and arts and crafts for kids.

Fotos y Recuerdos Festival

September 27

Guests of all ages can enjoy bilingual bingo, scavenger hunts, a Selena-themed coloring station, and crown-making inspired by historic artists Frida Kahlo and Jean-Michel Basquiat at the annual Fotos y Recuerdos Festival, hosted by the National Portrait Gallery. Youngsters can also get a sneak peek of the latest bilingual children book from Lil’ Libros about legendary MLB pitcher Fernando Valenzuela ahead of its fall release (free).

More info on Washingtonian and WTOP