What is the Latino Community Like in Indianapolis?

The Latino community in Indianapolis has a long and rich history, with its roots stretching back to the 1940s and 1950s. A small enclave of Mexicans was established on the east side of downtown Indianapolis, and many of the first residents have shared their stories through oral histories. Jesús “Jesse” Quintana, one of these first residents, referred to this area as El Barrio. He and others remember people who lived near the intersection of Pine and Market Streets, including Noe Morales, Doña Francisca Méndez, Jose Riojas, Ernesto Cervantes, Paulina Zamora, Manuel and Adel Segovia.

Today, the Latino community in Indianapolis is thriving. The city is home to a diverse population of Latinos from all over Latin America, including Mexico, Colombia, Peru, Ecuador, and more. The city has a vibrant Latin American culture that can be seen in its restaurants, festivals, and events. The city also has a number of organizations dedicated to helping the Latino community.

These organizations provide resources such as job training, education programs, health care services, and more. They also work to promote cultural understanding and acceptance among all residents of Indianapolis. So while the Latino community in Indianapolis may not go as far back as northwestern Indiana, it is still an important part of the city's history and culture. It is a vibrant and diverse community that continues to grow and thrive.