Our Mission
To promote and support meaningful participation of Hispanics in the life of Southwest Michigan.
Our Vision
That the Hispanic American Council be the leading organization for addressing issues involving Hispanics in Southwest Michigan.
Our Values
The Council holds these values in all of our endeavors:
- Respect for Human Dignity
- Service and Leadership
- Genuine Collaborations
- Education and Entrepreneurship
- Diverse Cultures and Traditions
- Right to Self-Defined Quality of Life
Our History
The Hispanic American Council has been advocating and providing culturally sensitive services for Hispanics for over 25 years. In the early 1970’s, a group of Hispanics affiliated with St. Joseph’s Catholic Church met regularly to recite the rosary and discuss issues affecting the Hispanic community.
When a public official made a "racial remark" this group organized into The Spanish-Speaking Steering Committee to educate the community about Hispanics, their needs, and their contributions to Kalamazoo.
This committee grew into the Hispanic American Council and became a 501(c)3 organization in January 1981 and a United Way Agency in 1986.