Draft Proclamation
City of SantaClara
WHEREAS, each year, federal and local government s observe National Hispanic Heritage Month between September 15 to October 15, paying tribute to the generations of Hispanic Americans who have positively influenced and enriched our nation and society; and
WHEREAS, National Hispanic Heritage Month started in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson and was expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to a 30-day period starting on September 15 and ending on October 15; and
WHEREAS, National Hispanic Heritage Month was enacted into law on August 17, 1988, and has been recognized annually since; and
WHEREAS, September 15 th is a significant starting date for National Hispanic Heritage Month because it is the anniversary of independence for the Latin American countries of Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua; in addition, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence on September 16
th and September 18th, respectively; and
WHEREAS, Hispanic and Latinx residents represent the thir d largest racial/ethnic group in the county, making up a quarter of Santa Clara County’s residents, and make up over 15 percent of residents of the City of Santa Clara; and
WHEREAS, the 2024 theme “Pioneers of Change: Shaping the Future Together,” recognizes all the Hispanic and Latinx people who have been trailblazers, paving the way for future generations;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, LISA M. GILLMOR, by virtue of the authority vested in me as Mayor, and on behalf of the City of Santa Clara and the entire City Council, proclaim September 15 - October 15, 2024, as
HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH
in the City of Santa Clara and encourage the community to observe this month by learning more about the rich history of the Hispanic and Latina/o community and their significant contributions to our nation’s history.
Given under my hand and the Seal of the City of Santa Clara, California, this 10 th day of September 2024.
LISA M. GILLMOR
MAYOR
City of Santa Clara
Proclamation