795-2022

Proclamation

Proclaim September 15 to October 15, 2022 to be Latinx Heritage Month

Placed on File

Whereas, for over fifty years Latinx Heritage Month has been celebrated nationwide from September 15 to October 15 to honor and recognize the diverse Latinx cultures who bring a rich combination of language and cultural histories; and

Whereas, Latinx Heritage month is held in recognition of the significance of September 15 because it is the anniversary of independence for Latin American countries Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. And, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on September 16 and 18, respectively; and

Whereas, Portland community members, a vibrant and thriving community, self-identify as Latinx, Latine, Latino, Latina, Hispanic, Chicano, Chicana, Indigenous, Afro-Latinos, or with their Country of origin or heritage; and

Whereas, the rich tapestry of Latinx culture is multiracial, multicultural and multilingual; and

Whereas, many Latinx people trace their roots to the Indigenous peoples of the Americas, European settler colonialists, Africans who were kidnapped, trafficked and enslaved in the Americas and Asians who immigrated to the Americas; and

Whereas, the Latinx population, representing the largest ethnic minority in the United States, celebrates the histories, cultures, and contributions of people who trace their ancestors to the Caribbean, Central America, North America, South America and all over the world; and

Whereas, we celebrate the diversity of all who identify under the Latinx umbrella; and

Whereas, the Latinx community has been integral to and have participated in the creation of this nation for generations—well before its founding—even as they have grappled with relative invisibility, outright rejection of their place in society and internal struggles about their own identity in this country; and

Whereas, Latinx people, along with Black, Indigenous and People of Color communities, are part of the essential workforce that continue to keep our city and nation operating. They drive our economy as workers, owners and entrepreneurs. They are the force of social and political change as advocates, activists and elected officials. They innovate as teachers, scientists and engineers. They enrich the arts as artisans,  musicians, poets, storytellers, actors and directors. They ensure our health and basic human needs as grocery store workers, truck drivers, agricultural workers, day laborers, sanitation workers, childcare providers, caretakers, nurses, doctors and so many others; and

Whereas, to help connect more Latinx people to City jobs and to support them throughout their careers with the City, the Latinx PDX City Employee Affinity Group was re-established in 2014. Latinx PDX has reached over 100 employees and continues to grow; and

Whereas, Latinx PDX City employees stand in solidarity with Black, Indigenous and People of Color communities, and all marginalized groups who face discrimination and underrepresentation in our city and globally; and 

Whereas, Latinx PDX City employees are committed to continue working in unity with our respective bureaus and colleagues Citywide to dismantle the systems of oppression that make civic engagement and participation difficult for Black people, Indigenous peoples, and all communities of color.

Now, Therefore, I, Ted Wheeler, Mayor of the City of Portland, Oregon, the City of Roses, do hereby proclaim September 15 to October 15, 2022 to be Latinx Heritage Month and encourage all residents to observe this month.

Agenda Items

Placed on File

Contact

Ness Zolan

Director of Legislation & Creative Economy Advisor

Requested Agenda Type

Time Certain

Date and Time Information

Requested Council Date
Requested Start Time
10:05 am
Time Requested
15 minutes
Confirmed Time Certain