Subject
title
Proclamation Declaring September 15, 2026 - October 15, 2026, as National Hispanic Heritage Month.
end
Department
City Clerk/Director of Council Operations Office
Recommendation
Staff recommends that the Mayor and Council read, approve, and present proclamation to Olga T. Leigh, Legal Executive Assistant, City Attorney's Office.
Discussion
The theme for Hispanic Heritage Month 2026 is: “Raíces y Futuro: Honoring Our Roots, Building Our Future.” This theme emphasizes the importance of recognizing our cultural foundations while looking ahead to shape a better future. It highlights the contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities through strong traditions, creativity, leadership, and innovation.
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 proclaim this proclamation annually.
Public Notification and Engagement
During the National Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15, 2026 - October 15, 2026), communities gather to share their diverse and rich cultural history and 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.