820-2023

Proclamation

Proclaim September 15-October 15, 2023 to be Latinx Heritage Month

Placed on File

Whereas, we are proud to recognize and celebrate Latinx Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15 every year; and

Whereas, National Hispanic Heritage Month began more than half a century ago as a week-long celebration in 1968. In 1988 it was extended to be a month long, celebrating the stories, literature, cultures, arts, music, and contributions of those whose ancestors came from Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. Also, to honor the anniversaries of the independence of Latin American countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Mexico, Chile and Belize, as well as to honor Mexico's Day of the Race; and

Whereas, the Hispanic and Latine community is the largest community of color in the city of Portland and in Oregon. Whose history and make-up is rich and diverse with many being Indigenous, immigrants, refugees, and descendants of Africa and Asia, who speak many languages other than Spanish as their first language. Latine communities are often frontline essential workers; farmworkers, community health workers, educators and are and have been critical contributors in all professions to the well-being of this city; and

Whereas, the Latine community has created and established institutions in order to resist inequality and to advocate for themselves; and

Whereas, “Si Se Puede” lives alongside values of family and community, how we honor and remember our ancestors; connection to our African, Asian, and Indigenous roots; traditions of organizing; and community gatherings have served as models for resistance against injustice; and

Whereas, despite the contributions and accomplishments, systemic racism persists in the United States and in the world, generating continued resistance that calls for a united front and lasting institutional and societal change for the freedom of our Black brothers, sisters, and siblings; thus, bringing freedom to all; and

Whereas, Latinx PDX, a City of Portland Employee Resource Group, deeply values the contributions that members of the Hispanic and Latinx community make to the social, economic, physical, and cultural well-being, and overall prosperity, of the city of Portland; and

Whereas, Latinx PDX serves as a bridge to cultivate a sense of belonging and joy between the Latinx community and our neighbors of all backgrounds, to support their well-being and provide authentic cultural enrichment and education through events, workshops, community training, and much more; and

Whereas, we encourage all Portlanders to join our commitment against racism, xenophobia, and hate, and to build a united community and embrace “your fight is my fight” for a more peaceful and just world; and

Whereas, we are committed to supporting and strengthening our Latinx community through our ongoing partnerships, which foster cultural understanding and deepen our appreciation for the wide range of contributions our Latinx community brings to our quality of life both in our community and across the country; and

Whereas, today, we celebrate, and welcome all to celebrate with us, and continue to support our communities as we build a stronger nation through inclusion and unity today, and beyond. Si Se Puede!

Now, therefore, I, Ted Wheeler, Mayor of the City of Portland, Oregon, the “City of Roses,” do hereby proclaim September 15-October 15, 2023, to be

Latinx Heritage Month

In Portland and encourage all residents to observe this month.

Agenda Items

Placed on File

Contact

Requested Agenda Type

Time Certain

Date and Time Information

Requested Council Date
Requested Start Time
3:00 pm
Time Requested
20 minutes
Confirmed Time Certain