Springfield Cultural Arts Foundation

Enjoy food, drinks and merchandise from local, Black-owned businesses at the 2026 Springfield Black Expo, taking place from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 19, at Comer Cox Park.

Happy Hispanic Heritage Month! This month, from September 15 to October 15, we celebrate the rich cultures, histories, and contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans. The observance began in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon B. Johnson and was expanded to a month-long celebration in 1988 by President Ronald Reagan.

The dates are significant; September 15 marks the anniversary of independence for several Latin American countries, including Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. Mexico's Independence Day is celebrated on September 16, and Chile's follows on September 18. 🇨🇷 🇸🇻 🇬🇹 🇭🇳 🇳🇮

This month is an opportunity to honor the diverse traditions, languages, and achievements of Hispanic communities across the United States. From art and music to science and politics, Hispanic Americans have made profound contributions that enrich our society.✨

Support Hispanic-owned businesses, and participate in local events that showcase this vibrant heritage. Embracing and understanding these cultures fosters unity and appreciation in our multicultural society. 🎊 💃🏻

Jovita Idár was born on September 7, 1885, in Laredo, Texas. She was an important journalist, activist, educator, and suffragist who dedicated her life to fighting for justice and equality.

Idár grew up in a family that valued education and community service. Inspired by her parents, she developed a passion for writing and social issues from a young age. Her experiences as a Mexican American shaped her understanding of the discrimination many in her community faced.

Jovita began her career as a journalist, writing for newspapers like La Crónica and El Progreso. She used her platform to address crucial topics such as discrimination, women's rights, and the Mexican Revolution. She believed in the power of the press to hold the powerful accountable and often wrote about the struggles faced by her community.

In 1911, Idár played a key role in organizing the First Mexicanist Congress. This event aimed to empower Mexican Americans and encourage them to stand up against injustice. She also founded La Liga Feminil Mexicanista, an organization that advocated for women’s rights and education in Laredo.

During the Mexican Revolution, Jovita volunteered with the Cruz Blanca, a group that provided medical assistance to wounded soldiers. She crossed the border to help those in need.

In 1917, Jovita moved to San Antonio, where she opened a small school called an escuelita to educate young Mexican American children. She wanted to make sure they had the same opportunities as others. Later, she worked as a translator at the county hospital, helping Spanish-speaking patients communicate with doctors.

In 2023, Jovita Idár was honored as the second Latina and the first Tejana featured on a U.S. coin, recognizing her incredible contributions to journalism and activism.✨

Join us ! We will have a booth. 🎉🎉🎉🎉

Did you know that Springfield is hosting the Women’s Professional Baseball teams?! ⚾️

Catch the final regular season matchups:
📅 Sept. 2 — San Francisco vs. Boston
📅 Sept. 3 — New York vs. Los Angeles
📅 Sept. 4 — San Francisco vs. New York
📅 Sept. 5 — Los Angeles vs. Boston
📅 Sept. 6 — Boston vs. San Francisco

Get out to the ballpark and catch the action before the postseason is here before you know it! Tickets available through our upcoming events page: https://www.visitspringfieldillinois.com/EventDetails/?id=39519

Mark your calendars! 📆