Bienvenidos todos de mi comunidad! Don’t worry, that’s all the Spanish for this newsletter. As we enter September, we’d like to honor Latine Heritage Month. This month-long celebration begins on September 15 and ends on October 15. It begins mid-month to include many Independence Day anniversaries, including Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua on September 15, as well as Mexico on September 16 and Chile on September 18.

Latine Heritage Month (pronounced la-tee-ney), originally recognized as Hispanic Heritage Month, reflects a growing movement toward inclusivity and equity. While “Hispanic” had been widely used to describe Spanish-speaking communities, it excludes Indigenous, Afro-Latine, and non-Spanish-speaking groups like Brazilians. At ReWork, we use Latine to honor the full spectrum of identities within the Latin American community, embracing a gender-neutral term rooted in cultural inclusivity. Just as the fight for labor rights demands fairness for all workers, the shift to Latine reflects our commitment to acknowledging the diversity and dignity of all people within this vibrant community.

The fight for labor rights has long been a crucial part of Latine heritage, particularly in California. From the Oxnard Strike in 1903 to the Delano Grape Strike in 1965, Latine activists and workers have been at the forefront of campaigns for safer workplaces and equitable wages. Labor Day, which we recently observed, serves as a reminder of those historic struggles and the ongoing efforts to create a more just and fair society. Latine workers, especially farmworkers, fought for the basic rights that many of us now take for granted—fair pay, safe conditions, and the right to organize. The legacy of their activism continues to inspire the work we do at ReWork to ensure equitable labor practices across the Bay Area.

Our team at ReWork is dedicated to advancing this mission. In fact, a meager 7% of Latines have graduate degrees, which can lead to absences in job parity and opportunity. My own grandmother and father had to pick tomatoes in Sacramento in the earliest stages of their working careers to make ends meet. With a lack of workplace protections and despite not smoking a day in her life, she battled cancer to the very end of her life.

At ReWork the Bay, we believe in building an equitable future for everyone, and this mission cannot be realized without recognizing and supporting the Latine community’s fight for justice. Latine Heritage Month is not only a time to celebrate rich cultural contributions but also to recommit to the ongoing work of equity and inclusion for all.

Let’s continue to celebrate this legacy and honor the many Latine leaders and workers in la raza who have made—and continue to make—history. Latine Heritage Month reminds us that the struggle for equity is far from over, and ReWork is committed to being part of that ongoing fight, ensuring that all workers, especially those from historically marginalized communities, have the opportunity to thrive. If you would like an opportunity to be involved in this meaningful work, visit us to learn more.

In Solidarity,

​​​​​​Brianna, Janelle, + Rob

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