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Declaring September 15, 2019 through October 15, 2019 as Hispanic Heritage Month throughout the City of Philadelphia to honor the role that Hispanics have played and continue to play in the economic, cultural, and social development of our City and nation.
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WHEREAS, Each year, Americans observe National Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15 by celebrating the histories, cultures, and contributions of American Citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, Central and South America; and
WHEREAS, The term Hispanic or Latino, refers to Puerto Rican, South or Central American, or other Spanish culture or origin regardless of race. On the 2010 Census form, people of Spanish, Hispanic and/or Latino origin could identify themselves as Mexican, Mexican American, Chicano, Puerto Rican, Cuban, or another Hispanic, Latino, or Spanish origin; and
WHEREAS, The day of September 15th is significant as it's the anniversary of independence for many Latin American countries like Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on September 16 and September18, respectively. Also, Columbus Day or D?a de la Raza, which is October 8, falls within this time of observation; and
WHEREAS, The observation started in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson and was later expanded by President Ronald Regan in 1988 to cover a 30-day period which was later enacted into law on August 17, 1988 to recognize Hispanic Ancestry and recognize the many accomplishments and contributions made by Hispanics nationwide; and
WHEREAS, Today, 58.9 million people or 18% of the American population are of Hispanic or Latino origin. This represents a significant increase from 2000, which registered the Hispanic population at 35.3 million or 13% of the total U.S. population; and
WHEREAS, According to the 2010 U.S. Census here in Philadelphia, Hispanics make up 12.3...
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