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A CEREMONIAL RESOLUTION
21-274
IN THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
September 20, 2016
To recognize Hispanic Heritage Month by honoring the histories, cultures, and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America.
WHEREAS, Hispanic heritage was first observed in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon B. Johnson;
WHEREAS, Hispanic Heritage Week was expanded to a month by President Ronald Reagan on August 17, 1988;
WHEREAS, Hispanic Heritage Month is observed from September 15 to October 15;
WHEREAS, September 15 is significant because it is the anniversary of the independence of Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua;
WHEREAS, September 16 and September 18 are significant because Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on those dates, respectively;
WHEREAS, Hispanic Heritage Month extends to October because October 12 is Día de la Raza;
WHEREAS, many Hispanic Americans are the descendants of the Arawaks (Puerto Rico), the Aztecs (Mexico), the Incas (South America), the Maya (Central America), and the Tainos (in Cuba, Puerto Rico, and other places), and many came from Africa and Spain;
WHEREAS, the Mayor’s Office on Latino Affairs was established in 1976 by the Council as a key component of the District of Columbia Latino Community Development Act, D.C. Law 1-86, and consequently strengthened the relationship between the community and the Mayor, the Council, District government agencies, private businesses, and community-based organizations;
WHEREAS, Pedro Casanave was a Spanish merchant who became the fifth mayor of Georgetown (modern-day District of Columbia);
WHEREAS, notable Hispanic Americans include Franklin R. Chang-Díaz (Costa Rican American, astronaut), Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (Cuban American, congresswoman), Fernando Bujones (Cuban American, ballet dancer), Nancy Lopez (Mexican American, professional golfer), Ellen Ochoa (Mexican American, astronaut), Sandra Cisneros (Mexican American, author), and Sonia Sotomayor (Puerto Rican American, Supreme Court Justice,); and
WHEREAS, Hispanics have had a profound and positive influence on the United States and the District through centuries-old traditions and customs that are embraced and valued in the District.
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, That this resolution may be cited as the “Hispanic Heritage Month Recognition Resolution of 2016”.
Sec. 2. The Council of the District of Columbia recognizes the exceptional contribution of Hispanic residents during Hispanic Heritage Month.
Sec. 3. This resolution shall take effect immediately upon the first date of publication in the District of Columbia Register.
