Madison — Representative Amaad Rivera-Wagner joined members of Wisconsin’s first ever Legislative Hispanic Caucus at the State Capitol to open Hispanic Heritage Month with a celebration of the generations of Latino families whose work, culture, and courage have helped build Wisconsin. Hispanic Heritage Month began as a weeklong national observance in 1968 and was expanded to a month in 1988. It runs from September 15 through October 15, beginning alongside the independence anniversaries of several Latin American nations.

The federal government formalized “Hispanic” as a category intended to include people from many Spanish speaking countries and cultures. Latino communities took that label and built something larger: a community that works across differences while celebrating the food, music, dance, traditions, and stories woven into the American spirit.

“My family’s American story began when they left the shores of Puerto Rico to pick tobacco in western Massachusetts. Generations later, I married the son of Wisconsin dairy farmers and became the first person of color to represent Green Bay in the State Assembly,” Rivera-Wagner said. “Those journeys began in different places, but they share the same belief: hard work should mean something, and every generation should have the opportunity to build a better life.”

That story continues across Green Bay. Nearly one in five residents is Hispanic or Latino, and Latino students make up nearly one third of the Green Bay Area Public School District. Latino families are starting businesses, teaching children, caring for patients, producing food, and strengthening nearly every part of the region’s workforce and community.

But Rivera-Wagner said Hispanic Heritage Month must also be a time for reflection. Wisconsin’s minimum wage has remained at $7.25 for 17 years, while the median age of a first time homebuyer nationally has risen to 40. Milestones once expected from hard work now feel nearly impossible for too many families. “This month is a celebration, but it is also a call to action,” Rivera-Wagner said. “At a time when division has become the currency of politics, we are choosing community. Our diversity makes Wisconsin stronger. Together, we can build a future where hard work is rewarded, every child can see themselves in the halls of power, and every family has a real opportunity to thrive.”

The Legislative Hispanic Caucus was formed to elevate Latino voices across Wisconsin and advance policies that help working families build secure and prosperous futures.

Video of the Hispanic Heritage Month kick off at the State Capitol can be found at  https://wiseye.org/2026/09/15/news-conference-hispanic-heritage-month-2026/.