SAN ANTONIO — We’re a day out from Hispanic Heritage Month, with celebrations going on until Oct. 15. As Sept. 15 comes around, we begin to hyper focus on the contributions of Hispanic Americans. During its observance, the nation recognizes the cultural influence and histories of American citizens whose ancestry dates back to Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America.
Many companies are partnering with members of the LatinX or Hispanic community, one being Target. In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, the big retailer is using its platform to showcase Latino-owned brands, even partnering with creators in the Texas community to shelve their products at its stores.
Running as a limited collection at Target, JZD is a Latina-led apparel shop in Brownsville, Texas. Jen and Vero Zeano, both Mexican Americans, founded this brand to serve as empowerment to Latinas through South Texas-styled clothing and accessories.
“It’s important to celebrate intersectionality and diversity in our community because all of our experiences and paths are different. We should honor, respect and celebrate those differences in order to fully represent our community,” said the Zeanos.
Daniela Jordan-Villaveces, a Colombian living in Los Angeles, California, brings her vibrant Latino-inspired designs to the shelves of Target. She has mugs, decorative pillows, clothing, etc., that showcases her artwork.
“I would love for my art to bring joy to people, so that we live our lives with happiness and the understanding that we’re in this together,” Jordan-Villaveces said.
Gabriel García Román, a Mexican American photographer and visual artist in New York City, depicts Latino-heritage in his collaborative items with Target, which includes a skateboard and notebook.
“I grew up with little to no visual representation of my community and I am changing that with every piece of artwork I put out into the world,” shared Román.
Jen White-Johnson gives the Afro-Latino perspective in celebration of her roots through a partnered wardrobe with Target.
“I want my Afro-Latinas to feel seen, validated, represented and prideful in celebrating their curls and skin color. We need to amplify the parts of our natural beauty that aren’t always celebrated,” White-Johnson said.
Alex Izaguirre “Mamút” is a Venezuelan-born graphic designer and illustrator who’s using his T-shirt designs to represent Hispanic Heritage Month. There’s even a baby bodysuit included, so the whole family can express their LatinX pride.
“Latino Heritage Month is not only a celebration of our heritage but also a reminder and a call for visibility. We have so much more to offer than cliches and stereotypes, and I think it’s a starting point to feature and celebrate the lives and works of the present and past generations who didn’t have the opportunity,” Mamút explained.
Jackie Rivera, a Mexican American artist, pulls up to the Target scene with her 70s-inspired designs that embody her heritage.
Rivera said: “I’ve always felt drawn to art since I was a child. I find a lot of joy in interpreting my life experiences through my art. I am incredibly inspired by other female artists of color who have paved the way for others. Representation matters!”
This collaborative project is to offer customers quality products while spotlighting Latino-owned and founded brands that illustrate the essence of these communities and their culture.