As the first Hispanic woman elected to the Osceola County Commission, I’m proud of my role and I understand the significance of living in a community that is as diverse as Osceola County.
If you “Google” why is diversity important, the top search result will tell you that “Diversity brings in new ideas and experiences, and people can learn from each other.”
In Osceola County, we are very fortunate to have these opportunities to learn together while experiencing new ideas and cultures.
The start of Hispanic Heritage Month on Sept. 15 is a good time to focus on our diversity and on our Hispanic communities – which at 54.3 percent, according to the 2020 Census – now make up the majority of our population. Hispanics are great entrepreneurs and have improved the economic landscape of our community, and will continue to do so.
Osceola grew by 45 percent from 2010 to 2020 and a large part of that was fueled by Hispanics. Many, like myself, are proud to identify as Puerto Ricans.
I’ve watched our community grow in the 20 years I’ve lived here. Being Boricua doesn’t just mean coming from the island, it is a cultural, racial and ethnic state of mind.
I can’t help but go back to my youth and growing up in New York City where neighborhoods guaranteed exposure to the American melting pot. The mix of cultures was never ending. Every day we’d flood out on the streets, into buses and subways and head to work and schools.
Here in Osceola, the daily grind may be different, but the mix of cultures is just as important to us. People come here from all over the world and they bring their culture, language and traditions — along with new and different ideas with them.
Hispanics in Osceola are not just Puerto Ricans. Our Hispanic community includes Venezuelans, Colombians, Mexicans, and those from the Dominican Republic, Cuba, Ecuador, Costa Rica, Bolivia, Peru, Chile, Paraguay, Uruguay and Argentina.
Think about all those countries being represented here. These folks all work hard and display a love of country and a deep commitment to faith and family that are cornerstones of American life and our community. The contributions of Hispanics in Osceola County are important. Even as we move forward, we must always celebrate our past and embrace the future.
Earlier this year, I teamed up with the Escuela de Bomba y Plena for an event at the 65th Infantry Regiment Veterans Park. And I hope to host another in the near future. For those unfamiliar with it, Bomba is an emblematic Puerto Rican vibrant, energetic dance genre that emerged on the island 400 years ago.
Another event that has long held an important place in our local celebrations is Viva Osceola. The free festival is celebrating its 29th year on Oct. 9 at the Kissimmee Lakefront Park. Thousands will gather for music, food and fellowship.
And at Osceola Arts, there are three amazing exhibits — HISPANIC DNA, Mi Tierra/Motherland and DIASPORA — on display through Nov. 5. Osceola Arts exhibitions are free and open to the public. Learn more at www.osceolaarts.org.
Hispanic Heritage Month commemorates the influence and contributions of Hispanics to American society and here in Osceola. You don’t need “Google” in Osceola to tell you that “diversity brings in new ideas and experiences, and people can learn from each other.” We live it every day.
Viviana Janer is the Osceola County district 2 commissioner and the Commission Vice Chair.
