Title
Proclamation Declaring September 15 through October 15, 2017 as National Hispanic Heritage Month. (City Manager 2110)
Body
Proclamation
Whereas, Hispanic and Latino Americans represent a wide range of nationalities and backgrounds, with the majority of Mexican ancestry, and others tracing their ancestry to countries where they speak Spanish and countries in Latin America such as Chile, Columbia, Cuba, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Peru, and Puerto Rico. Hispanics represent approximately 17% of the United States’ population, the nation’s largest ethnic minority; and
Whereas, the values of the Hispanic and Latino communities as expressed by César Chávez - service to others, sacrifice, a preference to help the most needy, determination, non-violence, acceptance of all people, respect for life and the environment, celebrating community, knowledge, and innovation - are America's values; and
Whereas, In 2009, the Honorable Sonia Sotomayor became the first justice of Hispanic heritage to serve on the United States Supreme Court; there are currently 30 Hispanics serving in the House of Representatives and three in the Senate; and, in 2014, I became the City of Alameda’s first Mayor of Hispanic heritage; and
Whereas, like other Americans, many Hispanics and Latinos have overcome great obstacles to persevere and flourish in every sector of our society, however, Latinos still comprise less than one percent of CEOs at top Fortune 500 companies; and
Whereas, as Hispanics and Latinos continue to enrich our Nation's character and shape our common future, they strengthen America's promise and affirm the narrative of American unity and progress; and
Whereas, following Alameda Unified School District’s core value of “Everyone Belongs Here,” which the City joined, in 2016 when AUSD launched its Latino Achievement Roundtable, ALCANCE, whose mission is to promote a positive and successful educational experience for all Latinos in Alameda; and
Whereas, in 2016, the President of the United States declared September 15th - October 15th as a month to honor Hispanic heritage, asking us all to honor the invaluable ways Hispanics contribute to our common goals, to celebrate Hispanic culture, and to work toward a stronger, more inclusive, and more prosperous society for all.
Now, therefore be it resolved, that I, Trish Herrera Spencer, Mayor of the City of Alameda, hereby proclaim September 15 through October 15, 2017 to be
National Hispanic Heritage Month
in the City of Alameda and call on all residents to join me in recognizing the lasting contributions that Hispanics and Latinos have made in the past, and continue to make, to strengthen the fabric of American society.
Trish Herrera Spencer
Mayor