title
WHEREAS, in 1968, President Lyndon Johnson began the observance of Hispanic Heritage Week, which was expanded in 1988 by President Ronald Reagan to cover a 30-day period starting on September 15 and ending on October 15; and,
body
WHEREAS, the celebration begins September 15 because it signifies the anniversary of independence for the Latin American countries of Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua and Costa Rica; and,
WHEREAS, in addition, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on September 16 and September18, respectively, and Belize proclaims their day on Sept 21; and,
WHEREAS, Americans observe National Hispanic Heritage Month by celebrating the histories, cultures and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America; and,
WHEREAS, the Hispanic American population reached 60.6 million in 2019, making Hispanics the nation’s second fastest-growing ethnic group after Asian Americans; and,
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby recognize our Hispanic-American citizens and honor the achievements of Hispanic Americans throughout our country; and,
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby declare, September 15 - October 15, 2020 to be “Hispanic Heritage Month” in the City of Pittsburgh.