Senator George Helmy Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month

Washington, D.C. – Senator George Helmy (D-NJ) today released the following statement to mark the beginning of Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs from September 15 to October 15, celebrating the heritage, culture, and contributions of Latinos across the United States of America.

“The Hispanic people and culture have played and continue to play a critical role in shaping the history of New Jersey and the United States,” said Senator Helmy. “I am proud to recognize and celebrate the incredible accomplishments of Latinos in our nation, and particularly recognize the strong, vibrant culture of our Latino communities in the Garden State. From legendary singer Celia Cruz to NFL Champion Victor Cruz, to countless community activists, New Jersey has no shortage of inspirational Latinos and Latinas that have called our state home.  I stand shoulder-to-shoulder with my colleagues in New Jersey and in Congress as we celebrate the incredible impact Latinos have had on our nation. It is my honor to not only recognize my Hispanic constituents, but to work on their behalf in the United States Senate.”

63.7 million Latinos call the United States home, and in 2021, New Jersey had the 7th largest Latino population in the nation, exceeding more than 2 million. More than 21% of the state’s population identifies as Hispanic, with 120,000 Hispanic-owned businesses representing about 14% of all small business owners and 20% of the local workforce identifying as Hispanic. New Jersey is also home to 23 Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs) and 16 emerging HSIs, serving over 301,743 students and 75,077 Hispanic students.

Senator Helmy will also be an original cosponsor of the forthcoming 2024 Hispanic Heritage Month Resolution, an annual bicameral and bipartisan resolution that celebrates the accomplishments of Hispanics in the United States.

“As a proud Latina, I know firsthand the power of our community to dream big, work hard, and overcome obstacles but there is still a lot more work to be done,” said New Jersey State Senate Majority Leader Teresa Ruiz. “In our country, Latinos are not just striving for a better quality of life— they are making it a reality and helping others rise with them. From those whose families have been here for generations to those who have recently arrived, Latinos have been an unstoppable force, driving progress and pushing our great American experiment forward. Latino Heritage Month is a powerful reminder of the strength, resilience, and brilliance of the Latino community. I am honored to stand alongside my colleagues to work tirelessly to ensure that every member of our community has the opportunity to reach their highest potential. Together, we are not just contributing to the story of America — we are writing it.”

“As we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, we commend Senator George Helmy for his unwavering support of the Hispanic small business community,” said New Jersey Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce President Carlos Medina. “His dedication to creating opportunities and fostering economic growth is truly commendable and reflects the spirit of inclusivity and progress that defines our heritage. We are grateful for his leadership and advocacy, and we look forward to continuing to work together to empower Hispanic entrepreneurs and strengthen our economy.”

“During Hispanic Heritage Month, we celebrate the invaluable contributions of Latinos, whose rich cultures and unwavering resilience continue to shape and enrich our communities and this country,” said Latina Civic Foundation Chair Andrea Martinez-Mejia. “As an organization promoting and empowering Latinas, we are very proud of the contributions Latinas are making every day; whose groundbreaking achievements and unyielding spirit inspire future generations. Let’s continue to celebrate, recognize and elevate the work and contributions of Hispanic Americans living in the United States.

“As a community-based organization, we are proud to call Senator George Helmy a champion of inclusivity and deeply appreciate his unwavering support for working-class Hispanic families,” said El Pueblo Unido of Atlantic City Executive Director Cristian Moreno-Rodriguez. “With the start of Hispanic Heritage Month—a time of unity and cultural celebration—his leadership is more important than ever in shaping a future where every member of the Hispanic community can live with dignity and thrive. We are honored to stand alongside Senator Helmy in this vital work as he continues to advocate for progress for all Hispanic community members across New Jersey.”