Founded in 1995 by visionary community leaders Esperanza Velásquez and Elsa Baughman, the Mississippi Hispanic Association represents a grassroots movement born from the recognition that Mississippi's Hispanic population needed unified representation and support. What began as discussions at a local restaurant in 1993 evolved into a formally incorporated nonprofit organization that has served Jackson, MS and surrounding communities for nearly 30 years. MHA's mission centers on encouraging and supporting cultural, educational, and community service activities that help Hispanic residents integrate while maintaining their heritage and addressing community-specific concerns. The organization's founding board members and current leadership, including Chair Esperanza Velásquez, bring deep personal commitment and professional expertise to their volunteer roles—none receiving compensation, instead driven by dedication to justice and equality for the Hispanic community. MHA operates with the understanding that education, cultural celebration, and community voice are essential to thriving Hispanic communities. The association's various programs, from the Paco Rosales Scholarship to the Reading Program, reflect this holistic approach to community support. Based in Jackson, Mississippi, MHA stands as a testament to immigrant leadership and community-driven solutions, embodying the principle that organized, passionate voices can create meaningful change and foster genuine integration while honoring cultural identity.
Jackson, MS