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1 <br /> ORANGE COUNTY <br /> BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS <br /> ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT <br /> Meeting Date: October 5, 2021 <br /> Action Agenda <br /> Item No. 4-a <br /> SUBJECT: Hispanic Heritage Month <br /> DEPARTMENT: Human Rights and Relations <br /> ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT: <br /> Renee Price, BOCC Chair, (919) 245- <br /> Proclamation 2130 <br /> Annette Moore, (919) 245-2317 <br /> PURPOSE: To consider a proclamation designating September 15 through October 15, 2021 as <br /> Hispanic Heritage Month in Orange County. <br /> BACKGROUND: Hispanic Heritage Week began in 1968 under President Lyndon Johnson. <br /> President Ronald Reagan extended Hispanic Heritage Week to 30 days in 1988. Hispanic <br /> Heritage Month starts on September 15, as that date is significant to several Latin American <br /> countries. Independence Day for the Latin American countries of Costa Rica, EI Salvador, <br /> Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua is September 15. In addition, Mexico and Chile celebrate <br /> their independence days on September 16 and 18, respectively. Dia de la Raza, recognized <br /> throughout Spanish-speaking countries, celebrating Latin American heritage and cultural diversity <br /> occurs on October 12. <br /> In 1987, when Representative Esteban Torres of California proposed extending the week-long <br /> celebration to a month, he noted that supporters of the legislation "want the Amerian people to <br /> learn of our heritage. We want the public to know that we share a legacy with the rest of the <br /> country, a Iegagy the includes artists, writers, Olympic champions, and leaders in business, <br /> government, cinema, and science." ' Representative Torres' bill died in committee, but the Senate <br /> passed a similar bill, and President Ronald Reagan signed it into law. <br /> The 2021 theme for Hispanic Heritage Month is "Esperanza: A Celebration of Hispanic Heritage <br /> and Hope." The theme invites everyone to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month and reflect on how <br /> great tomorrow can be if we hold onto our resilience and hope. The theme encourages everyone <br /> to reflect on the Hispanic community's past and future contributions. <br /> FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no financial impact associated with consideration of the <br /> proclamation. <br /> ' See https://history.house.gov/HistoricalHighlight/Detail/15032398402?ret=True(last reviewed 9/28/2021) <br />