AGENDA ITEM #7.k
Proclamation in Recognition of
A PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING NATIONAL
HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH
WHEREAS, from September 15 to October 15 each year, Americans observe National Hispanic Heritage Month, a time to celebrate the heritage, history, traditions, and cultural diversity of Hispanic Americans, whose heritage is rooted in Spain and 19 countries and territories: Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Paraguay, Chile, Argentina, Uruguay, Cuba, Puerto Rico, and the Dominican Republic; and WHEREAS, the observance begins on September 15 to mark the day five Latin American nations — Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua — celebrate their independence from Spain, with Mexico celebrating on September 16 and Chile on September 18, and the 30-day period also encompasses Día de la Raza in midOctober; and WHEREAS, the national observance began in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon B. Johnson and was expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to a full 30-day period, enacted into law on August 17, 1988, upon approval of Public Law 100-402; and
WHEREAS, each year the President of the United States issues a proclamation at the start of the observance, and the National Council of Hispanic Employment Program Managers leads the process to select the annual theme used by federal agencies and organizations throughout the month; and
WHEREAS, the 2026 national theme, "Pioneers of Change: Shaping the Future Together," honors the leaders, innovators, and changemakers whose contributions continue to inspire future generations and invites all of us to build a stronger, more inclusive future together; and
WHEREAS, Hispanic and Latino Americans have shaped every dimension of American life — in science, medicine, public service, the military, business, education, agriculture, labor, sport, and the arts — and their languages, faith traditions, food, music, and enduring commitment to family and community continue to enrich us; and AGENDA ITEM #7.k
WHEREAS, the Hispanic and Latino members of the Town of Fairfax, California strengthen our workplace and our community each day through their service, leadership, and dedication, and their contributions deserve recognition and celebration; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Town Council of the Town of Fairfax hereby proclaims September 15 through October 15, 2026, as National Hispanic Heritage Month in the Town of Fairfax, California, and we call upon all members of the community to observe this month with appropriate ceremonies, programs, and activities that honor the history, culture, and countless contributions of Hispanic Americans.
Signed on this 2nd day of September 2026
Stephanie Hellman
Mayor of Fairfax