Chicago City Council September 14th, 2016
Hispanic Heritage Month Resolution
WHEREAS, from September 15, 2016, through October 15, 2016, the United States and the City of Chicago celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month;
WHERES, September 15th was chosen as the starting point for the great celebration because it is the anniversary of independence of five countries, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico celebrates their independence on September 16th, Chile on September 18th and Belize on September 21st;
WHEREAS, the Hispanic community in metropolitan Chicago numbers over 2 million people or over 20% of the region's total population. This represents the largest ethnic or racial group in metropolitan Chicago;
WHEREAS, the Hispanic population of the Chicago area is, by itself, 15th among all the metropolitan areas in the country. Hispanic Chicago is approximately the same size as metropolitan San Antonio or Indianapolis;
WHEREAS, Hispanics make up over 45% of Chicago Public School students, comprising the largest ethnic group within Chicago Public Schools;
WHEREAS, the Chicago Hispanic population is made up of many beautiful cultures including Cubans, Dominicans, Guatemalans, Mexicans, Peruvians, Puerto Ricans, Salvadorans, and many others;
WHEREAS, high concentrations of Hispanic businesses have revived declining commercial districts in some neighborhoods and created new ones in others. There are some 50,000 Hispanic-owned businesses generating nearly $10 billion in revenues;
WHEREAS, Hispanic Communities have sparked revitalization in many great neighborhoods across Chicago including Belmont Cragin, Hermosa, Humboldt Park, Little Village, Pilsen, and many others;
WHEREAS, Chicagoans of all races and ethnicities benefit from having Hispanic family, friends, coworkers and neighbors;
Gilbert Villegas Alderman, 36th Ward
BE IT RESOLVED, That we, the Mayor, the Latino Caucus and all the members of the City Council of the City of Chica...
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