Hispanic Heritage Month

GTP HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH

COVERAGE

Each year, Americans observe National Hispanic Heritage Month from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, by celebrating the histories, cultures, and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America.

This year, Topeka’s Hispanic community had additional reasons to be proud. According to 2020 census data, Shawnee County reached a historic high population of 178,909, driven in part by a 23.6% increase in residents who identify as non-white Hispanic. The growth is attributed to the community’s business opportunities, affordability and Mexican heritage, which drives annual celebrations like Fiesta Mexicana, one of the Midwest’s largest Mexican festivals.

“The people of Topeka pride themselves on being an inclusive and welcoming community,” said Glenda Washington, chief equity and opportunity officer for the Greater Topeka Partnership and senior vice president of GO Topeka’s division of Women and Minority Business Development. “Our non-white Hispanic growth, as well as growth of those who identify as two or more races, reflect trends we see nationally. What sets Topeka and Shawnee County apart from many communities, is that we see this diversification as a strength. Our future may look different than our past, but that future will bring so many more voices to the table.”

Topeka has implemented many initiatives to support its growing Hispanic community. Business owners along the East 6th Hispanic Corridor are supported by the Greater Topeka Partnership team, which coordinates visits with Spanish-speaking staff to offer resources and support. Students have access to career training, English as a Second Language services and educational resources through Washburn Tech East, a new $6 million extension campus of Washburn University and Washburn Tech. Built with funds from GO Topeka, the extension was designed with input from community leaders and is strategically located in East Topeka, a location home to predominantly African American and Hispanic communities.

“I’m not surprised that our Hispanic population is increasing,” said Pedro Concepcion, owner of Topekabased business consulting company K.I.T Solutions. “I was born in Mexico and moved to Topeka from Chicago. Not only did I meet other young Hispanic professionals, but the city also propels my culture and heritage forward, giving me the opportunity to grow while embracing my potential as a leader.”

From art murals to the Mexican rodeo, Hispanic heritage is prevalent throughout the city. La Comunidad, a new exhibit on display through Nov. 21, featured visual and performing arts from Topeka’s Hispanic artists. Fiesta Mexicana, Topeka’s biggest summertime celebration, is known for its authentic Mexican food offerings and performances. Through Visit Topeka, the capital city also recently became one of the first Midwestern cities to make its visitor’s guide available in Spanish. Many Hispanic immigrants have also found success in Topeka, with Hispanic-owned businesses from a variety of industries, including hospitality and marketing, calling the Kansas capital their home.

“It’s wonderful to watch our Hispanic population grow, though the news isn’t a total surprise given our history and leadership,” said Michelle CuevasStubblefield, senior vice president of strategy for the Greater Topeka Partnership. “Topeka has long been home to Hispanic immigrants, some of which were part of the city’s founding along with freed slaves and abolitionists.”

“The model Topeka represents reveals a city that is embracing its diverse, increasingly bilingual population,” Cuevas-Stubblefield added.

According to the 2020 census, Topeka’s diversity also increased among other races: Its Asian population grew by 21.1% and its Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander population grew by 36.1%. The population of mixed-race individuals doubled, with two or more races increasing by 157% and three or more races following closely behind at nearly 89% growth.

“It’s exciting to see a Midwestern city become a melting pot of individuals from an array of backgrounds,” said Freddy Mawyin, senior economic advisor of the Greater Topeka Partnership, whose family emigrated from South America. “With the resources the city offers, we expect to watch these