The Bears are proud to join the national celebration of Latino Heritage Month 2023 from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, to honor Latino history and culture as well spotlight those who are a part of both the Chicago Bears and Latino communities.
The Bears are dedicated to creating meaningful dialogue and connections within the Latino community not just during Latino Heritage Month, but throughout the entire year. The Bears remain committed to collaborating with Latino leaders and organizations, striving to create an equitable future and a diverse talent pool filled with more inclusive and inspiring initiatives and opportunities.
These are a few ways to join in celebrating Latino Heritage Month as the organization honors Latino culture and promote diversity and inclusion in the spirit of football and community.
Community Engagement
The Bears will have a series of moments for the Chicagoland community to engage with the club throughout Latino Heritage Month:
- On Sept. 16, the Chicago Bears Drumline, brought to you by Shell, will participate in the Mexican Independence Day Parade in Little Village. The Bears partner, Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana Chevy Dealers, will supply a Chevy truck to tow the Bears float during the parade.
- The Chicago Bears are also organizing Mini Monsters clinics, brought to you by Advocate Children's Hospital, in predominantly Latino communities, including Round Lake, Ill., and Elgin, Ill. These clinics aim to educate primary level students about the significance of healthy eating, physical activity, and proper hydration through engaging in non-contact football drills. The Round Lake and Elgin communities have nearly 50% Latino population.
- On Sept. 22, the Bears will host 25 members from the Enlace Chicago organization to watch Bears practice, share lunch and then meet and greet the team after practice. Enlace Chicago is an organization dedicated to addressing community priorities and needs in Little Village. Their primary focus areas include education, community health, immigration and violence prevention.
- On Sept. 29, Round Lake High School is set to host the High School Latino Heritage Game. This event will feature both girls flag football and boys varsity high school football. Former Chicago Bears legend, Roberto Garza, is set to attend, speak with players and attendees and sign autographs.
Latino Heritage Month Game: vs Denver Broncos on Oct. 1
During the Bears' home game against the Denver Broncos Oct. 1, as part of the Latino Heritage Month celebration, fans can expect:
- Traditional Latin music throughout Soldier Field, with performances by the all-women Mariachi Group, Mariachi Sirenas, at the Ultimate Tailgate, the Latin rock band Sin Anestesia in the Fan Zone and a Latin DJ at the Dr Pepper Patio.
- The national anthem will be performed by Mexican American Jesus Ramos, a Pilsen native who is making a name for himself in the Mariachi musical scene and is a Canadian Pacific Railroad Police Special Agent.
- Game highlights featuring the team's Spanish-language broadcast.
- A special collection of Bears merchandise has been designed and will be available for fans in both the Bears' in-stadium and online Pro Shop starting in early October in celebration of Latino Heritage Month.
- The Spanish translation of "Bear Down" will be shown on ribbon panels for fans to sing along.
- Evolución Latina Dance Company will be performing a seven-minute halftime show that will feature traditional dances from South America, Dominican Republic, & Puerto Rico. Evolución Latina Dance Company is a world class Chicago-based educational organization committed to nurturing artistic excellence and innovation. ELDC is led by Jose Serrano, a multiple-time World Latin Dance Champion and a former principal dancer with the Columbia City Ballet.
- Finally, the Bears will honor two exceptional Latino high school students with the Latino Youth Leader Award, and they will serve as honorary captains. This accolade recognizes students who excel academically, demonstrate outstanding community service, advocate for the Latino community, exhibit strong leadership qualities, display exemplary character and show resilience in the face of challenges.
Internal Highlights
The Bears maintain a commitment to creating a diverse, equitable and safe workplace for all staff. For Latino Heritage Month, the Bears will highlight that commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion within the organization through a range of cultural initiatives, including:
- Partnering with local museums and community organizations to host informative educational sessions at Halas Hall. These sessions are intended to provide informative and educational content for staff to learn and understand more about the Latino culture and history.
- Bears staff will have the opportunity to take salsa dancing classes at Halas Hall in collaboration with a local dance studio.
- Culinary offerings at Halas Hall will also expand by introducing and recommitting to Latino flavors to the team's menu.
To follow along with us during Latino Heritage Month, visit ChicagoBears.com or follow the team on social media.