OFFICE OF THE MAYOR
CITY OF CHICAGO
LORI E. LIGHTFOOT
MAYOR
September 21, 2022
10 THE HONORABLE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHICAGO
Ladies and Gentlemen:
I transmit herewith, together with Aldermen O'Shea, Cappleman, Ramirez-Rosa, Rodriguez, Burnett, Villegas, Napolitano, Mitts, Ervin. Brookins, Dowell. Tunney, Hadden, Silverstein, Sadlowski-Garza, King, Vasquez, Reilly, Gardiner, Lee, Martin, Tabares, La Spata, Cardenas, Sigcho-Lopez, Maldonado, Reboyras, Cardona and Rodriguez-Sanchez, a resolution commemorating Hispanic Heritage Month.
Your favorable consideration of this resolution will be appreciated.
Very truly yours.
RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, the United States observes National Hispanic Heritage Month every year from September 15 through October 15 to recognize and celebrate the immense contributions of Hispanic and Latino peoples, who have shaped our society and culture, and helped to make the United States a diverse, thriving, and vibrant democracy; and
WHEREAS, in 1988, thanks in large part to the efforts of Senator Paul Simon from Illinois, the United States Congress passed Public Law 100-402, authorizing the President of the United States to designate September 15 through October 15 as "National Hispanic Heritage Month"; and
WHEREAS, today, National Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated nationwide at local festivals, art shows, conferences, community gatherings, and other events emphasizing the rich history, culture, and traditions of Hispanic and Latino peoples; and
WHEREAS, Illinois has the fifth largest population of Hispanics and Latinos in the continental United States, and Latino and Hispanic-owned businesses represent a major economic engine in the City of Chicago; and
WHEREAS, nearly 820,000 Chicago residents, including more than 150,000 Chicago Public Schools students, identify as Hispanic or Latino; and
WHEREAS, the Chicago City Council Latino Caucus is made up of 13 members of the City Council and represents a diverse group of neighborhoods and communities across Chicago while advocating for the interests and advancement of Hispanics and Latinos; and
WHEREAS, the City recognizes that diversity is one of Chicago's greatest strengths, and remains committed to being a "Welcoming City" for all its residents; and
WHEREAS, the City is firmly devoted to responding to the needs of asylum seekers and has worked with County and State leaders, and in partnership with community organizations, to welcome migrants seeking sanctuary; and
WHEREAS, the City embraces persons from all states and territories, and has begun mobilizing its response to support those affected by the 2022 hurricane season; and
WHEREAS, National Hispanic Heritage Month provides Chicagoans with an opportunity to reflect on our shared history and to celebrate the rich mosaic of peoples and cultures that have built and strengthened our City, and that have contributed to our collective fight for equality and justice; now, therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED, that we, the Mayor and Members of the City Council of the City of Chicago, assembled this twenty-first day of September, 2022, do hereby reaffirm our prior designation of September 15 through October 15 as Hispanic Heritage Month in the City of Chicago, and encourage all Chicagoans to acknowledge the impact Hispanic and Latino peoples have had on our great City.