September 15th marks the beginning of National Hispanic Heritage Month. It celebrates contribution of American citizens from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America. September 15th is significant because it marks the anniversary of independence for Latin American countries Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. Independence Day for Mexico and Chile are celebrated on September 16th and September 18th followed by Columbus Day on October 14th. Latino Americans are now a population of over 50 million, the largest minority group in the US.
Did you know that the largest numbers of Puerto Ricans, Dominicans and Ecuadorians are located in the Northeast? The Largest Puerto Rican and Dominican populations are in Bronx County while Queens County in New York contains the largest Ecuadorian population.
Senator Joseph Addabbo, Jr from District 15 in Queens representing Howard Beach, Ozone Park, Woodhaven and the Rockaways was honored by the Association of Mutual Help Unity and Solidarity, (AAMUS) during Hispanic Heritage Month for his work with the Latino community. Another special Latino contributing to Queens County is Assemblyman Jose Peralta. Peralta is a first generation Dominican American. He says that the constant flow immigrants into Queens “are the economic engine that is vital for the borough”.
From Rita Moreno the first Hispanic actress to win an Oscar, to actor John Leguizamo Queens County is home to many famous Latino Americans. Cross Bay Physical Therapy is proud to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month! We are grateful for all of our wonderful Hispanic American staff and patients that come to our office in Howard Beach making our multi-cultural facility so special.
By Benjamin Bieber