Celebrating Diversity in Montgomery County

Executive Elrich Recognizes National Hispanic Heritage Month

September 15 - October 15 is National Hispanic Heritage Month, during which we recognize the history, culture and contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans in the United States.

According to the 2020 Census, the Latino population in Montgomery County has increased by 31.4 percent since 2010, making Hispanics or Latinos 20.5 percent (217,409) of the County’s total population.  Census statistics also show Montgomery County is the #2 destination among all U.S. counties for immigrants from Bolivia and the #3 destination for immigrants from El Salvador.

County Executive Elrich kicked-off Hispanic Heritage Month on Sept. 15 by issuing a proclamation to recognize the special month. The video can be viewed  here. 

MCPS staff and students celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month with festivities including food from Hispanic countries, cultural education, student dance performances, fellowship, and fun. Watch the video below!

In "Latinas: Leadership without Borders", we showcase the stories of Councilmember Nancy Navarro, Carmen Hernández, Mónica Braden and Angélica Zaragoza, four Hispanic women whose desire to overcome obstacles and their perseverance have made them an example of resilience and empowerment. Each of them has a unique story that has greatly impacted Montgomery County. Watch the video below!

Some of the upcoming Hispanic Heritage Month Events (Mid-County) in September:

Sept HHM Calendar of events

Upcoming Hispanic Heritage Month Events (Mid-County) in October:

Oct HHM Calendar of events

And many more! Search for events by your local region here: 
https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/partnerships/

September is African Heritage Month in Montgomery County

Will Jawando “Fourteen years ago, Montgomery County became the first in the nation to proclaim the month of September as African Heritage Month... As the son of a Nigerian father, this celebration is important to me as we continue to honor the diverse cultures within the African diaspora and their contributions to our county and nation.This year, we will recognize African leaders from five different countries, celebrating their achievements in the fields of music, dance, art, culinary arts and designing traditional African attire. Montgomery County is home to more than 54,000 Africans, who make up 15 percent of the overall immigrant population. African Heritage Month is an opportunity to recognize one of our biggest strengths in Montgomery County, our rich diversity.”
- Councilmember Will Jawando
 

Each year, the Council commemorates this important month by recognizing and celebrating the contributions of individuals who have brought aspects of African culture to the County, contributing to the region’s diversity and rich cultural traditions.
This year's theme was “The African Influence in Montgomery County and the U.S. focused on African art, dance, food, fashion and music.” 

Watch the 2nd Annual  African Heritage Month celebration here:

And you can watch more of the County's celebrations of diversity here: