Subject
title
Proclamation Declaring September 15, 2025 – October 15, 2025, as National Hispanic Heritage Month.
end
Department
City Clerk/Director of Council Operations Office
Recommendation
Staff recommends the Mayor and Council read and approve the proclamation, and present it to Teresa Rosales, Department of Public Works Permit Technician.
Discussion
The 2025 Hispanic Heritage Month Theme this year is: "Collective Heritage: Honoring the Past, Inspiring the Future." Hispanic Heritage Month originally started with one week of commemoration and was first introduced by Congressman George E. Brown in June 1968. With the civil rights movement, the need to recognize the contributions of the Latin community gained traction in the 1960s. Awareness of the multicultural groups living in the United States was also gradually growing.
Two heavily Latinx and Hispanic populated areas, the San Gabriel Valley and East Los Angeles, were represented by Brown. He aimed to recognize the integral roles of these communities in American history. Observation of Hispanic Heritage Week started in 1968 under President Lyndon B. Johnson and was later extended to a 30-day celebration by President Ronald Reagan, starting on September 15 and ending on October 15. It was enacted into law via approval of Public Law 100-402 on August 17, 1988.
September 15 starts Hispanic Heritage Month. This date is important for many reasons. It is the independence anniversary for Latin American countries El Salvador, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, and Honduras. From here onwards, the independence days of Mexico and Chile fall on September 16 and September 18, respectively. The month marks the anniversary of the independence of five Latin American countries, including Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua; all of whom declared independence from the former colonial power, Spain, on September 15, 1821. Mexico, Chile, and Belize celebrate Independence Day on September 16, 18, and 21.
Hispanic, Latinx, and Latino-identified Americans have been integral to the prosperity of the U.S. Their contributions to the nation are immeasurable, and they embody the best of American values. The Hispanic American community has left an indelible mark on the U.S. culture and economy.
Mayor and Council History
The Mayor and Council present this proclamation annually.
Public Notification and Engagement
During National Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15 – October 15), communities come together to share their diverse and rich cultural heritage. The City of Rockville, Maryland, through its annual programs like Hometown Holidays, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. celebration, Senior Center Festival, and International Night, encourages participation to highlight this valuable community.