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1 <br /> ORANGE COUNTY <br /> BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS <br /> ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT <br /> Meeting Date: October 1, 2024 <br /> Action Agenda <br /> Item No. 4-c <br /> SUBJECT: Hispanic Heritage Month Proclamation <br /> DEPARTMENT: Office of Equity and Inclusion <br /> ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT: <br /> Proclamation Paul Slack, (919) 245-2317 <br /> PURPOSE: To approve a proclamation designating September 15 through October 15, 2024 as <br /> Hispanic Heritage Month in Orange County. <br /> BACKGROUND: Hispanic Heritage Month, observed from September 15 to October 15, began <br /> as a week-long celebration in 1968 under President Lyndon B. Johnson. The initial focus was to <br /> honor the contributions of Hispanic Americans to the United States, marking the anniversaries of <br /> independence for several Latin American countries. In 1988, President Ronald Reagan expanded <br /> the celebration to a full month, recognizing the growing significance and impact of Hispanic and <br /> Latinx communities in shaping American culture and society. <br /> This observance highlights the rich history, diverse cultures, and achievements of Hispanic <br /> Americans, reflecting their integral role in the nation's development. It encompasses the <br /> anniversaries of independence for Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua <br /> on September 15, Mexico's Independence Day on September 16, and Chile's Independence Day <br /> on September 18. <br /> In the 1988 White House Hispanic Heritage Week proclamation by President Reagan (the final <br /> week-long celebration before the month long celebration began in 1989), he stated that "All <br /> America is becoming ever more aware of the contributions that Hispanics have made to American <br /> life, American culture, and America's destiny. The strength of your heritage gives you hope for <br /> your children. For, as someone once said, "If only we are faithful to our past, we shall not have to <br /> fear our future." This proclamation along with the education and celebration that go along with it <br /> will draw us nearer to Reagan's goal of us being faithful to our past. <br /> The theme for Hispanic Heritage Month 2024 is "Pioneers of Change: Shaping the Future <br /> Together." This theme encourages the community to celebrate and honor Hispanic and Latinx <br /> individuals who have been instrumental in shaping the history of the United States, while also <br /> inspiring collaborative efforts towards positive change and future growth. <br />