Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month in DC with WHUT

Every September 15 through October 15, we join in honoring Hispanic Heritage Month—a chance to celebrate the history, culture, and everyday contributions of Hispanic communities here in Washington, DC and across the country. At WHUT, we see this month as a time to lift up the voices that have shaped our city and to share the stories that connect us all.

Source:  ecarrera

DC’s Hispanic Legacy

Washington, DC’s Hispanic community has long been a force for progress, creativity, and justice. Leaders like Sonia Gutierrez, who expanded the Carlos Rosario International Public Charter School, have transformed opportunities for immigrants across the city. Institutions like the Latin American Youth Center (LAYC) have guided generations of young people with mentorship, advocacy, and resources. And stages like GALA Hispanic Theatre continue to showcase the artistry and storytelling power of Latin America right in the heart of Columbia Heights.

Movements That Inspire

Organizing for Housing Rights

In the 1970s and 80s, tenants in Mount Pleasant began organizing to demand safe, affordable housing. Building by building, Latino families worked together to resist eviction, push for repairs, and fight displacement. Their activism helped lay the groundwork for stronger tenant protections across the city.

May 5, 1991: A Community Stands Up

The struggle for justice came into sharp national focus on May 5, 1991, when the police shooting of a young Salvadoran man in Mount Pleasant sparked days of protest. Latino residents, already facing housing insecurity and systemic inequality, poured into the streets to demand dignity, safety, and recognition.

While some headlines focused only on the unrest, the heart of the moment was a community calling out for fair treatment. Those demonstrations connected the housing fight with broader struggles against discrimination, policing, and displacement. Mount Pleasant became a symbol of Latino resilience in DC—a neighborhood where community organizing and cultural pride stood hand in hand.

Supporting Hispanic-Owned Businesses

Celebrating heritage also means investing in community. This month, consider dining at or shopping from a Latino-owned business in DC:

• Grab pupusas at El Tamarindo in Adams Morgan.

• Enjoy Dominican flavors at Los Hermanos in Columbia Heights.

• Stop by the Peruvian Brothers food truck or cafe for a taste of Peru.

What to Watch on WHUT

As your local PBS station, WHUT is proud to bring Latino stories into your living room all month long. Tune in for:

Leguizamo Does America

• “Leguizamo Does America” Marathon: All six episodes back-to-back — a road trip through Latino communities with actor John Leguizamo.

• “VOCES: Omara – Cuba’s Legendary Diva”: A tribute to Omara Portuondo, the beloved singer of the Buena Vista Social Club.

• “Moving Together”: A beautiful exploration of dance and music collaboration across cultures.

• “American Experience: The War on Disco”: A look at the cultural forces behind disco’s rise — and the backlash that followed.

• “La Manplesa”- A collective memory of Mt. Pleasant's Salvadoran community and the May 1991 rebellion

Check out our programming schedule to plan your watchlist.

This Latino Heritage Month, we invite you to celebrate with us—through food, art, advocacy, and storytelling. From DC’s historic neighborhoods to your WHUT screen, these stories remind us that Latino heritage is a vital part of the American story.