BOARD AGENDA MEMORANDUM
SUBJECT:
Title
Resolution Declaring September 15 to October 15, 2019 as National Hispanic Heritage Month.
End
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
Adopt the Resolution DECLARING SEPTEMBER 15 TO OCTOBER 15, 2019, AS NATIONAL HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH.
Body
SUMMARY:
Each year, Americans celebrate the culture, heritage and contributions of Americans whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America during National Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15.
The Organization for Latino Affairs (OLA) has celebrated National Hispanic Heritage Month with presentations and events at Valley Water to increase awareness of the diversity of Hispanic and Latino cultures and to recognize the contributions of Hispanic- and Latino-Americans, as well as their important presence within Santa Clara County.
This year's theme is "The Afro-Latin Connection," which emphasizes the African heritage in the Caribbean and Latin America countries including shaping the Hispanic and Latin identity and culture.
In observance of this theme, ABE and OLA hosted a multi-cultural musical event celebrating the fusion of African and Latin culture. The event took place at the Headquarters' patio on Wednesday, September 25, 2019. The event educated, inspired and guided others as they learned the different history's behind various Afro-Latin dances and foods.
Some facts about Hispanic Heritage month and Hispanics and Latinos in America:
* Begun in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson, the celebration was expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to cover a 30-day period.
* The start date for the month-long honoring of Hispanic Americans, September 15, is significant because it is the anniversary of independence for Latin American countries Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on September 16 and September 18...
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