HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 10-05-2021; 4-a - Hispanic Heritage Month 1
ORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: October 5, 2021
Action Agenda
Item No. 4-a
SUBJECT: Hispanic Heritage Month
DEPARTMENT: Human Rights and Relations
ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT:
Renee Price, BOCC Chair, (919) 245-
Proclamation 2130
Annette Moore, (919) 245-2317
PURPOSE: To consider a proclamation designating September 15 through October 15, 2021 as
Hispanic Heritage Month in Orange County.
BACKGROUND: Hispanic Heritage Week began in 1968 under President Lyndon Johnson.
President Ronald Reagan extended Hispanic Heritage Week to 30 days in 1988. Hispanic
Heritage Month starts on September 15, as that date is significant to several Latin American
countries. Independence Day for the Latin American countries of Costa Rica, EI Salvador,
Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua is September 15. In addition, Mexico and Chile celebrate
their independence days on September 16 and 18, respectively. Dia de la Raza, recognized
throughout Spanish-speaking countries, celebrating Latin American heritage and cultural diversity
occurs on October 12.
In 1987, when Representative Esteban Torres of California proposed extending the week-long
celebration to a month, he noted that supporters of the legislation "want the Amerian people to
learn of our heritage. We want the public to know that we share a legacy with the rest of the
country, a Iegagy the includes artists, writers, Olympic champions, and leaders in business,
government, cinema, and science." ' Representative Torres' bill died in committee, but the Senate
passed a similar bill, and President Ronald Reagan signed it into law.
The 2021 theme for Hispanic Heritage Month is "Esperanza: A Celebration of Hispanic Heritage
and Hope." The theme invites everyone to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month and reflect on how
great tomorrow can be if we hold onto our resilience and hope. The theme encourages everyone
to reflect on the Hispanic community's past and future contributions.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no financial impact associated with consideration of the
proclamation.
' See https://history.house.gov/HistoricalHighlight/Detail/15032398402?ret=True(last reviewed 9/28/2021)
2
SOCIAL JUSTICE IMPACT: The following Orange County Social Justice Goal is applicable to
this item:
• GOAL: FOSTER A COMMUNITY CULTURE THAT REJECTS OPPRESSION AND
INEQUITY
The fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race or color;
religious or philosophical beliefs; sex, gender or sexual orientation; national origin or ethnic
background; age; military service; disability; and familial, residential, or economic status.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT: There is no Orange County Environmental Responsibility Goal
impact associated with this action.
RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board approve the Proclamation
and authorize the Chair to sign the Proclamation
3
ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH PROCLAMATION
WHEREAS, Hispanic Heritage Month heritage began as Hispanic Heritage Week, established by
legislation sponsored by Rep. Edward Roybal of Los Angeles and was signed into law by President
Lyndon B. Johnson in 1968; and
WHEREAS,in 1988,the commemorative week was expanded to a month-September 15 to October
15 -by legislation sponsored by Rep. Estaban Torres, amended by Sen. Paul Simon and signed into
law by President Ronald Reagan; and
WHEREAS, September 15 was chosen as the starting point for the commemoration because it is the
anniversary of the Cry of Dolores, early morning of 16 September 1810, which marked the start of
the Mexican War of Independence and thus resulted in independence for the New Spain Colony,
now Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, el Salvador, Costa Rica, Honduras and Nicaragua in 1821; and
WHEREAS, throughout the year and especially during Hispanic Heritage Month, Americans
embrace, honor and celebrate the Hispanic community and its traditions and contributions; and
WHEREAS, Orange County has a diverse population and Hispanic residents constitute the largest
ethnic group in Orange County; and
WHEREAS, the Hispanic residents in Orange County are a diverse group with roots stretching
throughout North, Central, and South America, and many trace their heritage to the original
indigenous peoples of Latin America and Africa; and
WHEREAS,many Hispanic people came to this country as immigrants and have fought for state and
national initiatives providing pathways to citizenship and protecting the right to vote - i.e.,
Dreamers, Temporary Protected Status holders, farmworkers, and essential workers; and
WHEREAS, throughout the history of the United States, members of the Hispanic community have
helped shape the social, political, and economic landscape of this Country and our community; and
WHEREAS, in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, members of the Hispanic community
helped keep our neighborhoods and communities vibrant and prosperous as our front-line workers,
teachers, business owners, scientists, soldiers, farmworkers, first responders, artists, activists,
colleagues, and friends;
NOW, THEREFORE, the Orange County Board of Commissioners does hereby proclaim September
15 through October 15, 2021, as Hispanic Heritage Month in Orange County, affirming the 2021
theme of"Esperanza: A Celebration of Hispanic Heritage and Hope," and calls upon all residents of
Orange County to celebrate this month through activities and programs that enlighten and inspire
our understanding of the amazing heritage of our Hispanic families, neighbors and friends.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF,this the day of October 2021.
Renee A. Price, Chair
Orange County Board of Commissioners