(formerly known as Hispanic Heritage Month)
The concept to recognize Hispanic/Latinx achievements, first introduced in June 1968 by California congressperson, George E. Brown sought to acknowledge the contributions of the folks he represented who were living in East Los Angeles and the San Gabriel Valley. Brown wished to highlight the important roles played by Hispanic and Latinx people, regardless of specific ethnicity or specific cultural norms throughout the history of America.
Representative Henry Gonzalez of Texas meets with President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1968 at the White House.
Less than three months later, on September 17, 1968, the U.S. Congress passed Public Law 90-48 that authorized the president to officially proclaim a nationwide commemorative week-long celebration of the contributions and achievements of a diverse Hispanic population as Hispanic Heritage Week starting on September 15th. President Lydon B. Johnson issued the first Hispanic Heritage Week proclamation the same day. It called upon all Americans to observe such a week with appropriate ceremonies and activities.
In 1988, President Ronald Reagan expanded the week to a 30-day recognition that would cover September 15 to October 15. His action was enacted into law on August 17, 1988, with the approval of Public Law 100-402.
From 1513 to 2021, there is crucial evidence of Hispanic/Latinx contributions to the overall welfare and development of the United States that are all too often buried, purposely overlooked, or simply disregarded in the teaching of American history.
HTCJP understands that recognition of all the diverse “communities” that form the American character enables and emboldens a more purposeful and strong nation especially in times of social distancing and partisan political debate. And more importantly, such recognition should not be necessarily dependent on any residential presence of the group who is central to the core essence of the national recognition.
We trust all city and county agencies and organizations will recognize our Latinx neighbors in the remaining days approaching October 15th and plan for a variety of organizationally-driven public recognitions in 2022.
