Hispanic Heritage Month, celebrated each year from September 15 to October 15, is a time to honor the rich tapestry of cultures, traditions, and history that Hispanic and Latino* communities bring to the United States. This gives us an opportunity to reflect on the contributions and challenges faced by Hispanic communities across the country, including right here in Mecklenburg County.
Mecklenburg County is home to a vibrant Latino community that significantly enriches the cultural landscape of our region. As of the latest census data, individuals of Hispanic or Latino origin make up approximately 14% of the county’s population, a figure that continues to grow. Members of this dynamic community contribute to all sectors, from business and education to arts and public service.
Here are five of the many influential Latinos in Charlotte-Mecklenburg today:
- Rosalia Torres-Weiner: An “ARTivist” (artist and activist) known for her murals and artwork that shed light on immigrant issues and stereotypes.
- Jose Hernandez-Paris: The executive director of the Latin American Coalition, a prominent nonprofit organization offering resources and services to Hispanic families.
- Federico Rios: Instrumental in establishing Charlotte’s first Office of Equity, Mobility, and Immigrant Integration.
- Paloma Fernández Sánchez: A professor at UNC Charlotte who mentors students and encourages them to embrace their Spanish language and heritage.
- Adrian Maldonado: Chair of the North Carolina Democratic Party Hispanic Caucus, working to increase Latino political engagement and representation.
Of course, working quietly behind the scenes and contributing to the well-being of our community are thousands of other less known but equally talented Hispanic men and women.
Despite their contributions and growing influence, many Latino families in Charlotte and across the country face substantial challenges, including economic hardship and barriers to accessing essential services. At Crisis Assistance Ministry, where about 13% of the people we serve identify as Hispanic or Latino, we support struggling families by providing housing stability through emergency financial assistance, essential household goods, and resources aimed at fostering self-sufficiency.
While individuals and families of all backgrounds may find themselves in need of support from Crisis Assistance Ministry, Latino families often face unique challenges, and Hispanic Heritage Month is a fitting time to focus on some of those barriers to economic security.
Income and Wage Disparities
According to the Census Bureau, the 2023 median incomes of Hispanic ($65,540) and Black ($56,490) households were not statistically different from 2022 and remained the lowest among all race and ethnic groups, while median white household income increased by 5.7% to $89,050.
Additionally, according to a July 2025 report issued by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, median weekly earnings of Hispanics who worked full time ($947) were lower than those of Blacks ($991), Whites ($1,225), and Asians ($1,553).
Employment and Job Security
In their 2025 report, the Latino Data Collaborative highlighted that the Latino contribution to the U.S. economy, as measured by the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), has grown over 50% since 2015, compared to just 17% for non-Latinos, reflecting growing Hispanic participation in the workforce.
However, many Latinos still work in lower-wage, less secure industries like agriculture, construction, and hospitality, which exposes them to economic vulnerabilities, as outlined by the Latino Donor Collaborative in their 2025 U.S. Latino GDP Report.
Homeownership and Wealth Building
According to the Treasury Department’s fact sheet, An Economy that Works for Latino Families Works for Everyone, Latino homeownership rates have improved, increasing from 44% in 2013 to 51% in 2022, which has contributed significantly to increases in median household wealth for Latino families. In comparison, the homeownership rate is 46.3% for Black households and 73.2% for white households.
Despite this progress in homeownership, research by the Urban Institute shows that Latino median household wealth in 2022 ($227,544) was still substantially less than white households ($1.36 million), highlighting persistent wealth gaps tied to historic and systemic barriers.
Immigration and Legal Status Impact
Legal status and immigration issues heavily influence access to formal employment, social services, and healthcare for many Latino families, contributing to economic instability and marginalization.
Axios’ “Immigration crackdown ripples through economy” and Investopedia’s “4 Ways Trump’s Immigration Crackdown Is Reshaping the Economy” are two recently-published analyses of current conditions.
While Latino families have made noticeable economic progress, including rapid GDP growth and rising homeownership, they continue to face systemic economic challenges, including persistent income and wealth gaps, job insecurity in vulnerable sectors, and a precarious political climate.
This Hispanic Heritage Month, and throughout the year, we at Crisis Assistance Ministry honor the hardworking Latino families we are privileged to serve. The Charlotte community is enriched and strengthened our city’s Hispanic residents and their innumerable contributions.
For more information and celebration, visit the Smithsonian’s Hispanic Heritage Month Resources page.
*Here we use the terms “Hispanic” and “Latino” interchangeably. For a discussion of the use of these terms and others when referring to this diverse population, please see this explainer from the Cambio Center at the University of Missouri.