This weekend, Cherokee Street between Gravois and Jefferson will be officially designated as a Hispanic/Latino cultural district known as “La Calle Cherokee.”

The area, known for a proliferation of Latino-owned businesses and street festivals, will be unveiled as such during the annual Fiestas Patrias celebration observing Mexican Independence Day.

Joining St. Louis on the Air to discuss the importance of the designation and the celebration were:

• Anne McCullough, Director, Cherokee Street Business Association
• Carlos Restrepo, Membership Manager, Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
• Martha Leticia Seitz, Executive Director, Latinos en Axion

"This puts the area on the map officially," Restrepo said of the cultural designation. "On the map, it used to be called 'Little Mexico,' but we want to honor all Hispanic and Latino businesses on the street. We didn't want it to be exclusive, calling it 'Little Mexico,' but by calling it 'La Calle Cherokee,' we still kept the name of the street and gave a nod to Hispanic and Latino business owners who are there."

Listen to the full discussion of the Hispanic and Latino history of Cherokee Street as well as the celebration going on this weekend:

Related Event

What: Fiestas Patrias STL
When: Saturday, Sept. 16 from 10 a.m. – 11 p.m.
where: Cherokee Street
More information.

St. Louis on the Air brings you the stories of St. Louis and the people who live, work and create in our region. St. Louis on the Air host Don Marsh and producers Mary Edwards, Alex Heuer and Kelly Moffitt give you the information you need to make informed decisions and stay in touch with our diverse and vibrant St. Louis region. 

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