National Hispanic Heritage Month is observed in the United States from September 15 through October 15. Over the course of the month, the histories, cultures and contributions of those whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, Central and South America are celebrated. This includes generations of Hispanic American residents of the City of Boston who, for many years, have positively influenced and enriched Boston’s economy and cultural landscape.

The Boston Local Development Corporation has been proud to include many of these Boston job creators as clients. Most recently Patty Martin, with BLDC assistance, realized her dream of owning her own hair salon. Her already highly successful Love and Mercy Salon is located on the ground floor of the Aloft Hotel on D St. in South Boston.

The BLDC also provided a loan when Miguel Fuentes, then owner of Fuentes Market, was the only store in Mission Hill that offered a variety of both Latino and American groceries while providing fresh vegetables and meat to that community. Miguel retired not too long ago, but the business is still going strong.

Another client, Freddy Blanco, the owner of Don Quijote Market, has been a fixture in the South End for almost 40 years. He has always offered his neighbors a variety of reasonably priced groceries, fresh produce and meat, Spanish language newspapers and magazines, sometimes on credit when his customers need it.

Before Downtown Crossing became the dynamic restaurant environment it is today, the BLDC assisted Henry Herrera when he made the leap from food carts to a sit down restaurant. Herrera’s Mexican Grill remains a popular spot for burritos and quesadillas in Downtown Crossing.

The Board of Trustees and staff of the BLDC is proud of these and all of our other client’s contributions to making Boston a better place to live and work.

For more information, visit www.hispanicheritagemonth.gov