Hispanic Heritage celebration proves Latino population is everywhere

by Marisa Treviño of Latina Lista

It always strikes me funny that people unfamiliar with Latinos in Dallas think we all should live in the same pocket of the city. Yet, the reality is that Latinos are EVERYWHERE.

From Rockwall to Cedar Hill to North Dallas to Fair Park. Yes, Fair Park too. Popularly perceived as an African-American community, Latinos have been making their homes in this part of town.

In fact, according to the 2000 U.S. Census, more than 28 percent of Fair Park and South Dallas is Latino. The Latino population is growing enough in this area that Fair Park community leaders are hosting the 2nd Annual Hispanic-Heritage Celebration at the Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center tomorrow, Thursday, at 6 p.m.

Dallas City Council members, Pauline Medrano and Carolyn R. Davis will host the event that has the theme: “Unidad/Unity: A Celebration of Hispanic Heritage and Health."

The organizers want to address the growing diversity in their neighborhoods by addressing the escalating diabetes problem among Latinos. So, the event will feature local medical experts, fun activities and food — healthy food, of course.

And in keeping with the get-fit theme, the evening will be rounded out with a little "salsa aerobics."