7th Annual Festival Latino of Southern Virginia Celebrates Hispanic Culture in Martinsville

Economic Growth and Regional Demographics

According to U.S. While the overall population in Martinsville-Henry County decreased by more than 10,000 residents, the Hispanic population grew by more than 2,300 people. In the year 2000, Hispanic residents accounted for 2.3 percent of Martinsville’s population, but that figure rose to 10 percent. Henry County saw its Hispanic population expand from 3.5 percent in 2000 to 7.9 percent in 2025. Eli Salgado, executive director of the Southern Virginia Latino Association, stated that the prominence of the local manufacturing industry has driven much of this population growth. Salgado also pointed to ties of familiarity, noting that once an individual or family settles in the area, others frequently follow to join people they already know.

Origins and Nonprofit Expansion

The organization traces its beginnings to 2013, when Salgado shared his story at an Organizing for Action event in Rocky Mount as a “dreamer,” someone brought to the United States as a child under the federal DREAM Act, short for Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors. He subsequently formed MHC Dreamers, an activism group for immigrants. As the group organized local meetings, members recognized an expanding need to bridge the gap between resources and the Latino community. The group rebranded as the Southern Virginia Latino Association in 2016 amid skepticism and fear surrounding a new administration. By 2018, the association incorporated as a nonprofit organization operating entirely on volunteer labor without paid staff. The group currently maintains three operational teams focused on personal professional development, health and well-being, and government and legal navigation.

Community Impact and Festival Outreach

The annual festival provides a direct channel for residents to connect with local resources. Last year’s event drew approximately 850 attendees and generated more than $9,000, according to Salgado. The celebration takes place immediately following the start of National Hispanic Heritage Month. Volunteers from diverse backgrounds contribute to the association’s mission. Courtney Younger, a healthcare worker who joined the health and well-being team to help bridge local divides, explained her motivation: It’s just a big part of my heart, she said. Younger applies her professional expertise to assist community members in navigating healthcare.