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6 <br /> the increase in pressure on the services the Compass Center provides and the funding and will <br /> keep that in mind going forward. <br /> c. Hispanic Heritage Month Proclamation <br /> The Board approved 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 /> Travis Myren introduced Paul Slack, Chief Equity and Inclusion Officer, and described his <br /> professional background to the Board. <br /> Paul Slack introduced Marlyn Valeiko, Language and Community Specialist. Marlyn <br /> Valeiko and Chair Bedford read the following proclamation in Spanish and English, respectively: <br /> ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS <br /> HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH PROCLAMATION <br /> WHEREAS, Hispanic Heritage Month began as Hispanic Heritage Week to honor the culture, <br /> history, achievements, and contributions of Hispanic people, recognizing Latinos, Latinx, <br /> Hispanics, and Latin American people in the United States, was established by legislation <br /> sponsored by Representative Edward Roybal of Los Angeles and was signed into law by <br /> President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1968; and <br /> WHEREAS, in 1988, the commemorative week was expanded to a month — September 15 to <br /> October 15 — by legislation sponsored by Representative Estaban Torres, amended by Senator <br /> Paul Simon, and signed into law by President Ronald Reagan; and <br />