During the mid-1990's, the Latino population began to increase dramatically in the metro Birmingham area. Isabel Rubio, then a social worker at UAB, took note of this influx and posed the question: Who, if anyone, was working with immigrant Latinos to make sure they were supported in transitioning to life in an unfamiliar society? As a result, the Hispanic Interest Coalition of Alabama (¡HICA!) was created in 1999 to address concerns relating to healthcare access, education, economic development, legal issues and community outreach for immigrant Latinos.
¡HICA! is a community development and advocacy organization that champions economic equality, civic engagement, and social justice for Latino and immigrant families in Alabama.
¡HICA! envisions an Alabama in which everyone has full and equal participation in our state's civic, cultural, social, and economic life. Hispanic and immigrant families are empowered to integrate, engage, and lead their communities to reach their families' aspirations.
Birmingham, AL