RESOLUTION
BY COUNCIL PRESIDENT COLLINS-BELLAMY, MAJORITY LEADER RUBBO, MAJORITY WHIP NORMAN, MINORITY LEADER BREEN, COUNCILMEMBERS PINEDA-ISAAC, DIAZ, AND MERANTE:
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A RESOLUTION BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF YONKERS DECLARING SEPTEMBER 15TH TO OCTOBER 15TH HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH IN THE CITY OF YONKERS
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WHEREAS, National Hispanic Heritage Month is traditionally observed from September 15th to October 15th of each year; and
WHEREAS, National Hispanic Heritage Month celebrates the contributions that people of Spanish, Mexican, Caribbean, Central and South American ancestries have made to our great City and Nation; and
WHEREAS, National Hispanic Heritage Month initially started as Hispanic Heritage Week in 1968, it was later turned into a 30-day national celebration and was enacted into law in 1988; and
WHEREAS, the 2020 US Census showed that Hispanics and Latinos make up a fast-growing, multiracial group; and
WHEREAS, in 2020, 62.1 million people identified as Hispanic or Latinos – 18% of the US population – a number had grown 23% since 2010, while comparatively, the US population not of Hispanic or Latino origin grew just 4.3%, census data shows; and
WHEREAS, between 2010 and 2020, just over half of the total US population growth (51.1%) was due to growth among Hispanics or Latinos, per the Census Bureau; and
WHEREAS, this immense growth is just another reason why Hispanic Heritage Month is important, as Hispanics or Latinos comprise of approximately 18% of the population and therefore require representation, as well as the celebration and understanding of such communities that make up a large portion of the country’s population; and
WHEREAS, projections indicate that by 2065, the Hispanic and Latino population in the United States is projected to grow to 107,000,000, and will comprise more than 24% of the total United States population; and
WHEREAS, National Hispanic Heritage Month seeks to emphasize the contributions that Hispanic and Latino Americans have made to American society; and
WHEREAS, Hispanic Heritage Month acknowledges their contributions made in the Military, the Arts, Education, Entertainment, History, Law, Literature, Medicine, Music, Politics, Science, Sports, and other fields; and
WHEREAS, Hispanic and Latino Americans harbor a deep commitment to family and community, an enduring work ethic, and a perseverance to succeed and contribute to society; and
WHEREAS, Hispanic and Latino Americans reflect dedication and willingness to add to the American dream and the American way of life; and
WHEREAS, it is the sense of this Legislative Body to commend Hispanic and Latino Americans for their contributions in the past and for continuing to develop American society as we move forward in the 21st century; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Yonkers City Council hereby proclaims September 15th to October 15th as “Hispanic Heritage Month” in the City of Yonkers.