Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month with GCRTA

Honoring Culture, Community, and Contribution

At the heart of Cleveland’s story, you can find the Clark-Fulton neighborhood, where you’re welcomed by a vibrant blend of cultures, each telling its own beautiful story. As the lively rhythms of Hispanic and Latino traditions fill the air, Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (GCRTA) proudly joins the nation in celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15th to October 15th. This is a time to honor the rich traditions, histories, and contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities that have shaped Cleveland and the country.

A Journey Through History

Hispanic Heritage Month began in 1968 as a week-long celebration, initiated by President Lyndon B. Johnson, and expanded to a month in 1988 under President Ronald Reagan. It offers us a chance to reflect on the profound impact Hispanic and Latino cultures have had on society.

Why does it begin on September 15th? This date commemorates the independence anniversaries of five Latin American countries—Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua—with Mexico and Chile celebrating shortly after, on September 16th and 18th.

Connecting Cultures Through Transit

Hispanic and Latino heritage has also left an indelible mark on public transit. Leaders like Nuria Fernandez made history as the first Afro-Latina and woman of color to lead the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), while Yvette Trujillo became the first Latina elected as International Executive Vice President of the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU).

Here in Ohio, Monica Tellez-Fowler became the state’s first Latina transit CEO (COTA) in March 2024. And closer to home, GCRTA celebrates Joshua Miranda, who became our inaugural Director of Management Information Services in 2023. These leaders are shaping the future of transit and embody the strength and influence of Hispanic and Latino heritage.

At GCRTA, we also recognize the contributions of our Hispanic and Latino employees through the “Latinos Unidos” employee resource group, which fosters networking, professional development, and connection to the broader Hispanic and Latino community.

A City Where Hispanic Culture Thrives

We’re more than just a transit system—we’re a bridge connecting Cleveland’s diverse communities. As we celebrate the legacy of Hispanic and Latino culture in Transit, we eagerly anticipate our newest MetroHealth Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project. The MetroHealth BRT project, based on the 25Connects study, aims to transform the West 25th Street corridor into a reliable transit route, improving accessibility and fostering equitable economic growth. This initiative will have a significant impact on the majority Hispanic and Latino neighborhood by enhancing transportation services and infrastructure, making the area more reliable and reducing travel times. With partners like the Young Latino Network, GCRTA is ensuring that the community's voices shape the project, promoting culturally competent and equitable engagement throughout the process. We take pride in serving a city where Hispanic and Latino culture thrives, from the lively Clark-Fulton neighborhood to the bustling markets, festivals, and celebrations that bring people together.

Celebrate with Us

We invite you to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month by joining local events, exploring Hispanic art, music, and cuisine, and learning more about the remarkable contributions of Hispanic and Latino individuals to our community. Furthermore, let us take you there!

Thank You for Riding with Us

As we honor Hispanic Heritage Month, we thank our riders for being part of this journey. Your support enables us to serve and connect the diverse communities of Greater Cleveland. Let’s celebrate together!