Dated: September 13, 2023
IN RECOGNITION OF SEPTEMBER AS
NATIONAL HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH
WHEREAS, National Hispanic Heritage Month began as a way to promote the history, culture, and contributions of Hispanic Americans – specifically those whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America; and WHEREAS, Hispanic Heritage Month started in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon B. Johnson and was expanded to cover a thirty-day period starting on September 15 and ending on October 15. Hispanic Heritage Month was enacted into law on August 17, 1988, on the approval of Public Law 100-402; and
WHEREAS, the day of September 15 is significant because it is the anniversary of independence for Latin American countries Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on September 16 and September 18 respectively; and
WHEREAS, this year’s theme is “Todos Somos, Somos, Uno: We Are All, We Are One,” which acknowledges the differences each group brings to the table while encouraging communities to stand as, “one community, one people, and one vision,” despite differences in their cultures, skin colors, and points of view; and
WHEREAS, one in five, or sixty-two million Americans identify as Hispanic, making Hispanics the largest ethnic minority. By the year 2060, 27.5% of America’s population will be Hispanic; and
WHEREAS, Hispanic Americans have been integral to the prosperity of the United States.
As legislators, artists, judges, farmworkers, musicians, and activists, their contributions to the nation are immeasurable, and they embody the best of American values; and WHEREAS, Hispanic Americans have enhanced and shaped our national character with centuries-old traditions that reflect the multi-ethnic and multicultural customs of their communities, while adding their own distinct and dynamic perspectives to the story of our country.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of South San Francisco does hereby recognize September as National Hispanic Heritage Month - a time to reflect on the Hispanic American community and how it has left an indelible mark on the U.S. culture and economy.
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Buenaflor Nicolas, Mayor
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Mark Nagales, Vice Mayor
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Mark Addiego, Councilmember
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James Coleman, Councilmember
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Eddie Flores, Councilmember