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Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month

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WFTV 9 Family Connection is proud to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month!

Each year, Americans acknowledge and embrace Hispanic heritage from September 15th to October 15th. It is a month where we are encouraged to celebrate and learn about the histories, cultures and the many contributions of American citizens with late ancestors that have came from places like Mexico, South America, Spain and the Caribbean.

The ritual was started in 1968 and was originally known as Hispanic heritage week. Under Reagan's presidency however, it was extended and made to last for a 30-day period instead. It is no coincidence that Hispanic heritage month kicks off on September 15th, as it is the anniversary of independence for many Latin American countries like Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Honduras, El Salvador and Guatemala.

This month's challenge for anyone should be to get out and embrace the culture in any way you'd like. There are delectable dishes to try, dynamic music to be heard and much information to be learned about some of the people in your very own community.

We'll introduce you to local Hispanic leaders, business owners and residents who are making an impact in our community. Look for our special PSA's on-air and online.

The first person we introduce you to is Betty Martinez Lowery,Community Relations, Manager for Walt Disney World.

Betty Martinez Lowery has more than 25 years of experience within the field of education, public and human relations. Mrs. Lowery and her team strive to develop strategies for community outreach that will make the greatest impact on the community. Through a variety of programs created and managed by the community relations department, Walt Disney World Resorts extends a hand to those in need.