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Ludlow's Latinos: A Proud Community Article by Kyle Quinn
They’re the largest minority in America. They’re becoming a very powerful voting base. Their culture and customs have left an indelible mark on society. They are the Latinos of America. Of course, it is easy to view a group on the larger scale, but what are Latinos in America all about?
Philadelphia’s Ludlow community is a vibrant mix of cultures. On one corner, you’ll see a Japanese restaurant. The next block has murals painted of African-American kids playing together. The next will have a Ludlow Youth Community Center showing all different groups together. A further look will reveal Latino restaurants, a recreation center, churches and grocery stores all with a unique flavor of its own. However, they all have on thing in common: They serve the growing Latino population in Philadelphia’s Ludlow district. Latinos became the largest minority group in America in 2000, surpassing African-Americans. Their numbers are growing. In 2000, they made up 12.5 percent of the U.S. population and by 2006 that number rose to 14.8 percent, according to U.S. Census data. In Philadelphia, the numbers are similar. In 2000, they represented 8.5 percent of the population with that number growing to 10.5 percent by 2006.
David Cruz, owner of Dave’s Food Market at Sixth and Jefferson, has seen the growing number of Latinos at his store for years.
“This area used to be mostly blacks with only a few Latinos,” said Cruz, a native of the Dominican Republic. “Now it’s about 50/50 (Latinos and African-Americans).”
Cruz said that the area has “many Latino businesses” and is “happy to see new condos going up, because it will mean more business.”
Across the street is the Iglesia De Dios Pentecostal Church. Many Puerto Ricans in the area frequent the “Church of God”. Nearby at Sixth and Jefferson, Daniel’s Grocery Store shares a corner with Iglesia Pentecostal, another popular church in the area. On any given weekend morning, the area is bustling with patrons.
“We’re always getting people from the church in our store,” said Daniel Lozano, an employee of the grocery store. “The people in this area are very nice and we have no problem with them.”
Taco Riendo and Café Colao at the corner of Fifth and Thompson add a Latin spice to meals in the Ludlow area. They offer authentic Puerto Rican and Mexican dishes that are as delicious as they are affordable.
Corners like these are what hold this community together. The residents have their place in the area, and they feel at home. The growth of the Latino community will continue to build over time.
The Latino community in Ludlow was very evident during a walk past the Cruz Recreation Center located at Sixth and Master. In a Field of Dreams-esque moment, there was a softball team playing at the baseball field. Some family members and friends had gathered nearby, cheering on Los Caribeños during their first practice of the upcoming season.
The team is part of a league for men 50 and over. The first game is April 26, and the league games run until late October. In between the occasional fraternal jokes about how old everyone was getting, the frequent praise for a nice hit or catch and the intensity of batting practice, Jorge DeLeon had a lot to say about the team.
“We’re going after the championship this season,” said DeLeon, stopping only to jibe a fellow teammate. “I’m shooting for the all-star game, myself.” He's referring to the game that his Philadelphia team plays against its New York rivals. DeLeon said that men from all over the Caribbean come to play in this league.
Don’t try to tell DeLeon that the league is just for fun. “We have the league, playoffs, the championship and trophies. I’ve been doing this for 15 years.”
“I’m a Phillies fan, too. So are most of these guys out here. We all just love the game.”
They played well into the afternoon and early evening, only breaking for a quick soft drink. As the sun went down, they drifted off to their cars and headed home, much like the players disappeared into the Iowan cornfields in the Kevin Costner classic.
The Latino community in Ludlow is alive and well. They own businesses, run churches, and live and play in the neighborhood. The ever-present sound of Latin music flows throughout Ludlow. They’re certainly here to stay.
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