TOWN OF FAIRFAX PROCLAMATION
NATIONAL HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH
WHEREAS, it is important to recognize and celebrate the contributions of the Hispanic, Latino/a/e/x, Chicano/a/e/x, and Indigenous people of the Americas community; and WHEREAS, in September 1968, President Johnson proclaimed Hispanic Heritage Week, which was expanded by Congress in 1989 to a month-long celebration; and WHEREAS, Marin County history records early Spanish settlements, with many Spanish names still gracing our County as the names of our cities, towns, streets and neighborhoods; and WHEREAS, the month of September is a significant month in the history of Latin America, as it marks the anniversary of the independence of Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Mexico, and Chile; and
WHEREAS, Spanish is a beautiful, expressive, and versatile language that is the native language of more than 500 million people from all over the world; and WHEREAS, one out of five residents in Marin County self-identifies as Hispanic, Latino/a/e/x, Chicano/a/e/x, or Indigenous people of the Americas, and many US-born citizens in Marin proudly celebrate their ancestry from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America, and South America; and WHEREAS, the success of Hispanic, Latino/a/e/x, Chicano/a/e/x, and Indigenous of the Americas residents is vital to our continued local, regional, and national prosperity, and we must ensure that they are empowered with the tools and opportunities they need to thrive. These residents work, contribute, and play in our society to continually shape the way we move forward most diversely and equitably; and
WHEREAS, all residents are encouraged to deepen their understanding of Hispanic, Latino/a/e/x, Chicano/a/e/x, and Indigenous peoples of the Americas culture and heritage by visiting museums, participating in cultural events, and engaging with literature and articles that explore Hispanic history and culture; and
WHEREAS, the Town Council of the Town of Fairfax recognizes and celebrates the contributions of the Hispanic, Latino/a/e/x, Chicano/a/e/x, and Indigenous of the Americas community to Fairfax, including their contributions to the arts, culture, education, business, public health, government, and sports;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT HEREBY PROCLAIMED, by the Town Council of the Town of Fairfax that September 15 - October 15, 2023 is National Hispanic Heritage Month in the Town of Fairfax.
Signed and dated this 4th day of October 2023,
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Chance Cutrano, Mayor of Fairfax
AGENDA ITEM #16