HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 10-01-2024; 4-c - Hispanic Heritage Month Proclamation 1
ORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: October 1, 2024
Action Agenda
Item No. 4-c
SUBJECT: Hispanic Heritage Month Proclamation
DEPARTMENT: Office of Equity and Inclusion
ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT:
Proclamation Paul Slack, (919) 245-2317
PURPOSE: To approve a proclamation designating September 15 through October 15, 2024 as
Hispanic Heritage Month in Orange County.
BACKGROUND: Hispanic Heritage Month, observed from September 15 to October 15, began
as a week-long celebration in 1968 under President Lyndon B. Johnson. The initial focus was to
honor the contributions of Hispanic Americans to the United States, marking the anniversaries of
independence for several Latin American countries. In 1988, President Ronald Reagan expanded
the celebration to a full month, recognizing the growing significance and impact of Hispanic and
Latinx communities in shaping American culture and society.
This observance highlights the rich history, diverse cultures, and achievements of Hispanic
Americans, reflecting their integral role in the nation's development. It encompasses the
anniversaries of independence for Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua
on September 15, Mexico's Independence Day on September 16, and Chile's Independence Day
on September 18.
In the 1988 White House Hispanic Heritage Week proclamation by President Reagan (the final
week-long celebration before the month long celebration began in 1989), he stated that "All
America is becoming ever more aware of the contributions that Hispanics have made to American
life, American culture, and America's destiny. The strength of your heritage gives you hope for
your children. For, as someone once said, "If only we are faithful to our past, we shall not have to
fear our future." This proclamation along with the education and celebration that go along with it
will draw us nearer to Reagan's goal of us being faithful to our past.
The theme for Hispanic Heritage Month 2024 is "Pioneers of Change: Shaping the Future
Together." This theme encourages the community to celebrate and honor Hispanic and Latinx
individuals who have been instrumental in shaping the history of the United States, while also
inspiring collaborative efforts towards positive change and future growth.
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FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no financial impact associated with consideration of the
proclamation.
ALIGNMENT WITH STRATEGIC PLAN: This item supports:
• GOAL 5: PUBLIC EDUCATION/ LEARNING COMMUNITY
OBJECTIVE 1. Foster collaborative relationships with formal and informal educational
organizations and agencies to provide opportunities for community members to meet,
connect, and learn together.
• GOAL 6: DIVERSE AND VIBRANT ECONOMY
OBJECTIVE 1. Provide family-oriented and inclusive programming or other cultural events
for residents and visitors.
RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board approve the proclamation
and authorize the Chair to sign the Proclamation.
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ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH PROCLAMATION
WHEREAS, Hispanic Heritage Month began as Hispanic Heritage Week to honor the culture,
history, achievements, and contributions of Hispanic people, recognizing Latinos, Latinx,
Hispanics, and Latin American people in the United States, was established by legislation
sponsored by Representative 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 Representative Estaban Torres, amended by Senator
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 and Latino residents
constitute a large and diverse 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, the national theme of this year's Hispanic Heritage Month, "Pioneers of Change:
Shaping the Future Together", is intended to capture the spirit of leadership, perseverance,
ingenuity and collaboration by Hispanic and Latino people in the United States and abroad; and
WHEREAS, throughout the history of the United States, members of the Hispanic and Latino
community have helped shape the social, political, and economic landscape of this Country and
our community;
NOW, THEREFORE, we, the Orange County Board of Commissioners, do hereby proclaim
September 15 through October 15, 2024, as Hispanic Heritage Month in Orange County,
affirming the 2024 theme of "Pioneers of Change: Shaping the Future Together" and call 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.
This the 1 st day of October, 2024.
Jamezetta Bedford, Chair
Orange County Board of Commissioners