Commission declares Hispanic Heritage Month throughout Wayne County

Published on September 21, 2023

Wayne County commissioners have declared the period through Oct. 15 as Hispanic Heritage Month in the county.

"This is a time to celebrate the achievements of all those who trace their heritage to Mexico, Central America, South America, the Caribbean and elsewhere," said Commissioner Cara A. Clemente (D-Lincoln Park) in proposing the resolution.

The 2020 U.S. Census indicates that more than 155,000 Wayne County residents claim Hispanic or Latino heritage, a figure representing roughly 6.6 percent of the total county population.

"These are people who have made a significant contribution to this county and we honor their achievements,'' commission Chair Alisha Bell (D-Detroit) said. National Hispanic Heritage Month is observed from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15 each year with this year's theme being, "Latinos: Driving Prosperity, Power and Progress in America."

The dates are significant with Sept. 15 marking the independence of Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua, Sept. 16 marking Mexican independence and Sept. 18 marking independence in Chile.

A copy of the resolution follows:

RESOLUTION
By Commissioner Clemente

WHEREAS, each year Americans observe National Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15 by celebrating cultures, histories and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors emigrated from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America; and

WHEREAS, National Hispanic Heritage Month serves as a reminder of how much strength we draw as a nation from our immigrant roots and values as a nation of immigrants; and

WHEREAS, Hispanic Americans have been integral to the prosperity of the United States and their contributions are immeasurable, embodying the best of American values and leaving an indelible mark on the culture and economy of the nation; and

WHEREAS, the observation had its origin in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson and was expanded in 1988 by President Ronald Reagan to cover a 30-day period, beginning on September 15 and concluding on October 15; and

WHEREAS, the day of September 15 is significant because it marks the anniversary of independence for Latin American countries Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua, September 16 marks Mexico's independence and September 18 marks the independence of Chile; and

WHEREAS, with National Hispanic Heritage Month enacted into law on August 17, 1988, this year's theme of "Latinos: Driving Prosperity, Power and Progress in America" highlights the support for Latinos in areas of jobs and the economy, climate, education, and mental health and wellness; and

WHEREAS, a diverse background brings with it a wealth of ideas and perspectives and as an entire community benefits from greater solutions that address concerns from all people; and

WHEREAS, these improved decisions often support the greater good and minimize the negative impacts to marginalized communities and people of color and lead to building stronger communities and a stronger nation; and

Now therefore be it

RESOLVED, that the Wayne County Commission on this 19th day of September 2023 proclaims September 15 through October 15, 2023, as National Hispanic Heritage Month and calls upon public officials, educators and residents of Wayne County to honor our fellow Americans for their rich history and culture in helping make this the greatest nation in the world.

Commission declares Hispanic Heritage Month throughout Wayne County(PDF, 180KB)