African-American, Hispanic Pastors Do Better With Millennials, But Still Face Challenges

Pastor Barry Wright at Destiny Ministries in Orange Park, Fla., addresses youth during Sunday worship. (Jeff Brumley/ABPnews/Herald)

Some African-American and Hispanic pastors say Millennials are not leaving their churches like they are white evangelical congregations. But some also say ethnic churches face their own pitfalls in retaining younger members.

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By The Brand Planners

Hispanic and Hipster blend into such a smooth portmanteau it’s like the words were designed with the other in mind. Say it with us. Hiiiisssspppeeerrr. Feels right, doesn’t it? We think so, too. We also think that something so drenched in divine design deserves attention. The Hisper has escaped the limelight for far too long.

Today, we change that. Today, we share with you 11 ways to spot a Hisper.

1. Surrounded by guebrros*? Hisper. (*guerro bros)

2. Looking more flamboyant and colorful than his Hispanic ancestors? Hisper.

3. Staring off pensively and appearing misunderstood among Hispanic family? Hisper.

4. Fedora? Wait, straw fedora? Hisper.

6. Being Hispanic at Coachella? Hisper.

7. Wearing abuela’s duds at a tacky Christmas sweater party? Hisper.

8. Toting a Nikon? Hisper.

9. Red pants, gregarious dancing, and the only wedding guest making direct eye contact with the professional photographer? Hisper.

10. Is this real life? Flannel. Checkered print. Pre-rolled sleeves. Ain’t nobody got time to roll J.Crew button up shirt sleeves in the mornin’! Hisper.

11. Does summer caj apparel consist of fedora + Sperry’s + J.Crew button up (presumably pre-rolled)? Hisper. Hide yo kids. Hide yo wife.

A Pew Hispanic Center study last year revealed that the rate of Hispanic college enrollment grew by 24% from 2009 to 2010, driving enrollment among total U.S. 18- to-24-year-olds to an all-time high of 12.2 million. According to this study, 32% of Latinos in this age group were enrolled in college – up from 27% in 2009 and 13% in 1972. Much of this growth was at community colleges. Among young Hispanics in college in 2010, 46% were at two-year colleges and 54% were at four-year colleges.   The study cites a few reasons for the increase. First, the population of young Hispanics has grown at a faster rate than other demographics. Second, more young Latinos are finishing high school and eligible for college. In 2010, 73% graduated from high school – up from 70% in 2009. The share of young Hispanic high school grads attending college also rose, from 39% in 2009 to 44% in 2010. Third, the pace of enrollment has risen since the recession first began in 2007. Historically high unemployment levels are leading more young Latinos to higher education.

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Source: Pew Hispanic Center, “Hispanic College Enrollment Spikes, Narrowing Gaps with Other Groups,” August 2011; Pew Hispanic Center, “Between Two Worlds: How Young Latinos Come of Age in America,” December 2009; Experian Simmons, Winter 2012 NCHS Adult Survey 12-month.