Hispanic Heritage Month on Missouri’s Main Streets
October 11, 2024 | Logan Breer
Hispanic Heritage Month is between September 15th and October 15th, which is a time to celebrate the history, heritage, and contributions of American citizens and current residents from Mexico, Spain, the Caribbean, and South and Central America. This time of celebration and appreciation was ushered in by two of our former presidents, Lyndon B. Johnson and Ronald Reagan, alongside the elected officials of Congress. Each presidents’ words still ring true today as loudly as they did when first spoken by former president Lyndon B. Johnson in 1968, “It is with special pride that I call the attention of my fellow citizens to the great contribution to our national heritage made by our people of Hispanic descent—not only in the fields of culture, business, and science, but also through their valor in battle.”
Then followed by former president Ronald Reagan in 1987, “America’s Hispanic heritage is an indelible and invaluable part of our history and a vital part of the creative forces that are shaping our future.” The resilient perspectives and dreams of Hispanic-owned businesses create stronger and more vibrant historic commercial districts where dreams are pursued to create jobs and economic resiliency. Across Missouri there are amazing businesses located in Main Street communities that are outstanding partners and authentic downtown establishments that have the support of the community.
MMSC chooses to recognize the achievements and contributions of Missouri’s Hispanic citizens and residents during this time in honor of National Hispanic Heritage Month and every day of the year. Every resident should be recognized for their impact on our country as well as their local community. The board and committees of each Main Street program work best when it reflects the unique walks of life found in their community as the capacity for leadership is inside everyone. Local Main Street programs nominated the following businesses and individuals for their impact on the historic commercial district through their business and volunteer commitment, and they represent a
sample of those who leave their mark in the places they reside.
Concepcion Bridal – Sedalia Main Streets
The story of Concepcion Bridal as a successful bridal boutique in Sedalia, Missouri starts in Honduras. In Honduras, Telma Mejia helped her grandmother with Concepcion, a successful bridal store and family business. As Telma grew up, she promised her grandmother that she would open her own bridal boutique in America. Eventually, Telma would immigrate to the United States.
Thelma opened her first boutique in Downtown Sedalia. Her original location was in a building near 3rd and Ohio that didn’t even have space for a fitting room. This humble beginning did not stop Telma from dreaming of the possibilities for continuing the family tradition with her business. In 2006, Concepcion Bridal moved to 604 S. Ohio Avenue after Telma purchased the building saying, “It was through God and the encouragement from the Sedalia community.”
For the past 22+ years, Telma has displayed Concepcion’s name above the door and her grandmother’s picture proudly inside. Today, her business flourishes with the largest selection of wedding dresses, plus-size wedding gowns, bridesmaids’ dresses, and elegant evening gowns, which celebrate the individuality of those who come into Telma’s store. Joleigh Cornine, Executive Director of Sedalia Main Streets shares, “Sedalia Main Streets is very fortunate to have Concepcion Bridal in our district and to have Telma serve as a member of Sedalia Main Streets’
Organization Committee.”
La Bonita Café & Pupusas – Downtown Joplin Alliance
La Bonita Cafe & Pupusas is a new vendor that joined the Joplin Empire Market family. On Saturdays in the Joplin Empire Market’s café area, you can try their handmade, artisan El Salvadorian pupusas and refreshing drinks, like horchata and congas, from the Newton Kitchen serving window. La Bonita Café & Pupusas is a family businesses opened and operated by a mother and her two adult children, who have recently immigrated to the United States from El Salvador. Kristina Kosiorek, Downtown Joplin Alliance (DJA) Operations Manager, works with all the vendors of the Joplin Empire Market and getting to know this family well. Kristina shared that:
“Their goal is to open a restaurant on our Main Street in the very near future. La Bonita has become a fan favorite at the market as well as at our Third Thursday events, drawing in many new customers. We love that La Bonita brings authentic Central American flavors to this corner of Southwest Missouri and are happy to be assisting them in finding their forever home in our downtown district.”
These highlights are just the tip of the iceberg. Across the state, individuals contribute their unique talents and businesses for the success of their dreams and as a result of the overall success of Missouri’s historic commercial districts. We are truly better when we come together. If your business or organization is located in a Main Street community that has an agreement with MMSC, contact Logan Breer at logan@momainstreet.org for information on how to be highlighted in future #Mainstreetmonday posts as they are relevant.
