The City of Rockville to Proclaim September 15th-October 15th As Hispanic Heritage Month

The City of Rockville will proclaim September 15th-October 15th as Hispanic Heritage Month. According to the City of Rockville, the 2023 Hispanic Heritage Month Theme has been selected. This year’s theme is: “Latinos: Driving Prosperity, Power, and Progress in America.”

Per the City of Rockville: Hispanic Heritage Month originally started with one week of commemoration when it 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. His aim was 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 is set as the starting date for the month as it 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 16th, 18, and 21st. Hispanic, Latinx, and Latino-identified Americans have been an 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.

During the month of September, 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, and International Night, encourages participation to highlight this valuable segment of the population.

Source: https://nationaltoday.com/hispanic-heritage-month/”