News Summary
The Jacksonville Jaguars, in collaboration with local organizations, are celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15. The initiative includes food distributions, youth camps, and scholarship recognitions to honor the cultural contributions of the Hispanic community in Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia. Key programs include the ‘Por La Cultura’ initiative highlighting Latino NFL players and the ‘NFL Latino Youth Honors’. Events like the food distribution at Englewood High School aim to address food insecurity while fostering community engagement.
Jacksonville – The Jacksonville Jaguars and various local organizations are partnering to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs from September 15 to October 15. This initiative aims to honor the cultural contributions and independence celebrations of several Latin American countries while engaging the community through a series of events and programs. Key activities include food distributions, youth camps, and scholarship recognitions, all designed to uplift and support the Hispanic community in Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia.
Community Engagement and Recognition
Throughout September and October, the Jaguars will highlight the rich cultural heritage of Latino players within the NFL through a program called Por La Cultura. This initiative connects Latino NFL players with their countries of origin, enabling them to engage with fans and raise awareness of the sport, creating connections that extend beyond borders.
A key aspect of the Jaguars’ celebration is the NFL Latino Youth Honors, presented by Proctor & Gamble. Local young athletes representing the Jaguars include Paola Cruz-Ramos from Crescent City Jr-Sr High School and Harrison Garrido from Creekside High School, both receiving recognition for their contributions to youth sports.
Significant Community Events
To kick off Hispanic Heritage Month, the Jaguars Foundation collaborated with Verizon to host a food distribution event on September 14, 2024, at Englewood High School. This event successfully served over 375 Hispanic families, addressing food insecurity and providing essential support.
The Jaguars’ season opener against the Cleveland Browns on September 15, 2024, also featured a ceremony recognizing scholarship recipients from the First Coast Hispanic Chamber of Commerce as well as the NFL Latino Youth honorees. This was an important occasion that celebrated educational achievements within the community.
Youth Initiatives and Creative Engagement
On September 16, 2024, over 240 elementary school students participated in the SOMOS DUUUVAL Youth Football Camp, led by Jaguars Legend Jorge Cordova. The camp provided young participants with football drills and the opportunity to engage with professional athletes, fostering sportsmanship and teamwork.
Additionally, the Duval County Public Schools is promoting a Hispanic Heritage Month essay contest for students in grades 4 through 12. This contest encourages students to explore and write about significant contributions from notable Hispanic and Latino figures, with winners to be honored at a luncheon on October 15, 2024.
Upcoming Celebrations and Support for Local Businesses
The Jacksonville Onslow Chamber of Commerce is organizing a Hispanic Heritage Celebration scheduled for September 21, 2024. This event is projected to attract over 2,000 attendees and will feature 55 vendors, showcasing local Hispanic businesses. Volunteers, including Cristina Fernandez from the Onslow Latino Hispanic Association, have created culturally significant items like star-shaped piñatas for the celebration, demonstrating the community’s engagement and creativity.
Supporting Hispanic Entrepreneurs
In March 2024, Yanira “Yaya” Cardona was appointed as Jacksonville’s first Hispanic Outreach Coordinator. Cardona’s role focuses on connecting the Hispanic community with vital resources, supporting small business registration, and encouraging entrepreneurial growth. Under her guidance, the success rate of Hispanic business registration has significantly improved, rising from less than 1% to a more successful rate.
To further assist the Hispanic community, Cardona has implemented ongoing programs, including monthly resource forums conducted in Spanish and the creation of a comprehensive guide aimed at enhancing access to information and support for Hispanic residents.
Overall, the Jacksonville Jaguars and community organizations are making significant strides in celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month while fostering cultural pride and community support throughout the region.
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Additional Resources
- Jacksonville Jaguars – NFL Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration
- News4Jax – Yaya Cardona Helping the Hispanic Community
- WITN – What to Expect at Hispanic Heritage Celebration
- SI – AEW Match Prior to Jaguars Home Opener
- USTA Florida – Edgar Pabon Hispanic Heritage Month Spotlight
Author: STAFF HERE JACKSONVILLE WRITER
The JACKSONVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREJacksonville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Jacksonville, Duval County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, Riverside Arts Market, and World of Nations Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce and JAXUSA Partnership, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and entertainment that power the local economy such as CSX Corporation, Baptist Health, and VyStar Credit Union. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
