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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
HONORING NATIONAL HISPANIC AND LATINX/E HERITAGE MONTH
WHEREAS, National Hispanic and Latinx/e Heritage Month was founded to celebrate the diverse culture, extensive histories, and significant contributions of Hispanic and Latinx/e communities and takes place on a yearly basis from September 15th to October 15th; and
WHEREAS, Public Law 90-48 was passed in 1968 under President Lyndon Johnson, which celebrated one week of Hispanic and Latinx/e Heritage; and
WHEREAS, with the passage of Public Law 100-402, it was extended to a month in 1988 by President Ronald Reagan and was enacted into law on August 17, 1988; and
WHEREAS, the independence of Guatemala, Costa Rica, Honduras, Nicaragua, and El Salvador is celebrated on September 15th, followed by Mexico on September 16th, Chile on September 18th, and Belize on September 21st; and
WHEREAS, throughout the years, Hispanic and Latinx/e individuals have made notable cultural, economic, political and social contributions to the United States; and
WHEREAS, Hispanic and Latinx/e Heritage Month is celebrated nationwide through community gatherings, cultural events, festivals, and educational programs; and
WHEREAS, Hispanic and Latinx/e Heritage Month allows individuals to share their culture with one another and with the rest of the nation; and
WHEREAS, the population of Hispanic and Latinx/e people has increased over the years, with many arriving in large numbers to seek opportunities and work a variety of jobs, which have helped build and sustain this nation; and
WHEREAS, programs such as the Bracero Program in 1942 allowed Hispanics/Latinxs/es to migrate to the United States and work jobs that played an essential role in the economy; and
WHEREAS, according to the Pew Research Center, about 20% of the population in the United States is Hispanic, making it the second largest racial/ethnic group in the country; and
WHEREAS, Hispanic and Latinx/e Heritage Month acknowledges Hispanic leaders who have organized and fought for equal justice to ensure that all have an opportunity to thrive and grow; and
WHEREAS, the Hispanic and Latinx/e community is rich with activists, leaders, and community members who have fought on issues ranging from labor to immigration to environmental justice and more; and
WHEREAS, since January 2025, the Hispanic and Latinx/e community has been especially vulnerable to increased attacks from the federal governments, sparked by increased patrolling of immigration federal agents and a recent Supreme Court case that allows agents to stop individuals based on race, language, and occupation; and
WHEREAS, the Hispanic and Latinx/e community in Cook County has organized themselves to defend against deportations and violations of due process and uplift their constitutional rights; and
WHEREAS, Cook County is home to about 1.38 million Hispanic/Latinx/e residents, many of which reside in and shape vibrant communities throughout the County, such as Little Village, Pilsen, Melrose Park, Berwyn, Southeast Chicago, Albany Park, Logan Square, and Humboldt Park; and
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Cook County Board of Commissioners recognizes September 15th to October 15th as National Hispanic and Latinx/e Heritage Month to celebrate the work and dedication to the United States.
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