OFFICE OF THE MAYOR
CITY OF CHICAGO
LORI E. LIGHTFOOT
MAYOR
September 18, 2019
TO THE HONORABLE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHICAGO
Ladies and Gentlemen:
I transmit herewith, together with Alderman Maldonado, 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 15th through October 15th to recognize and celebrate the many contributions made by Hispanics and Latinos, which have shaped our society and culture, built and strengthened our Nation, and helped to make the United States a diverse, thriving, and vibrant democracy; and
WHEREAS, Hispanic Heritage Month has been celebrated in the United States for more than 30 years. The observance began in 1968 under President Lyndon Johnson as a one-week celebration called Hispanic Heritage Week. In 1988, thanks in large part to the efforts of Illinois Senator Paul Simon, the United States Congress passed and President Ronald Reagan signed into law Public Law 100-402, designating the "31 day period beginning September 15 and ending on October 15" as National Hispanic Heritage Month; and
WHEREAS, September 15 was chosen as the starting point for an annual celebration honoring Americans of Hispanic descent because it marks the anniversary of independence of five Latin American countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. Mexico, Chile, and Belize celebrate their independence days on September 16, September 18 and September 21, respectively; 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, and myriad accomplishments and contributions, of Hispanic and Latino Americans; and
WHEREAS, During National Hispanic Heritage Month, the Uni...
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