Fiscal Note
No fiscal impact.
Title
Recognizing September 15, 2024, through October 15, 2024, as Hispanic Heritage Month
Body
WHEREAS, each year, the United States recognizes the economic, cultural, and social contributions that Hispanic/Latinx/e peoples have brought to our nation; and,
WHEREAS, the rich and distinctive culture of the Hispanic/Latinx/e community has always been an integral part of our country's identity; and,
WHEREAS, this month represents the anniversary of independence for Chile, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, México, and Nicaragua; and,
WHEREAS, Hispanic Heritage Month extends to October as October 12th is Día de la Raza; and,
WHEREAS, according to United Nations, there are 826 different Indigenous groups in Latin America and the Caribbean; and,
WHEREAS, many Latinx/e in the American continent are the descendants of Indigenous groups and their diverse tribes, such as the Arawak (Colombia and Venezuela), Aztecs/Mayans (Mexico and Central America), the Incas (South America), and the Taino (Cuba, Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, Haiti, and Jamaica), in addition to the many Latinx/e who share additional cultural roots, including African or Afro-Latinx/e and Asian-Latinx/e; and,
WHEREAS, some Latinx/e have lost the ability to speak ancestral native languages such as Quechua, Quiche, Nahuatl, Aymara, and others as these languages were replaced by the Spanish language during the colonialization of present day Central and South American and Caribbean countries, while others have lost or never acquired the ability to speak Spanish due to language suppression efforts here in the United States, where Latinx/e are still told to “speak English” despite the fact that the U.S. has no official language and that Spanish was the first non-native language spoken on the American continent; and,
WHEREAS, one-third of the present-day United States was internationally recognized as Mexico prior to the end of the Mexican-American war in 1848 and was inhabited by free people of Indigenous, African, and Mexican descent when Latinx/e were able to cross the Rio Grande border freely; and,
WHEREAS, while Latinx/e people had their land taken away, they have won the struggle of cultural survival; and,
WHEREAS, based on 2020 Census data, the Hispanic/Latinx/e population of the United States totals 62.1 million, which represents 19% of our population, and in 2021 the population grew to 62.5 million, making Hispanic/Latinx/e people the nation’s largest ethnic or racial minority; and,
WHEREAS, based on 2020 Census data, the Hispanic/Latinx/e population of Wisconsin was 447,290, almost 8% of the state’s population and a growth of over 100,000 from 2010; and,
WHEREAS, the Hispanic/Latinx/e population of Dane County totals almost 42,000, of which the City of Madison is home to 23,408, an increase of over 7,000 people since 2010; and,
WHEREAS, according to the Latinos Leadership Institute, Latinx/e current purchasing power is a $1.7 trillion market, and their spending power is rising - with 6% compounded annual growth in the last decade, compared to 3% for the non-Latinx/e White population; and,
WHEREAS, Hispanic Heritage Month is one of enormous pride for Hispanics/Latinx/e living in the United States as the Hispanic and Latinx/e culture has had a profound and positive influence on our country and community through their strong commitment to family, faith, hard work, and selfless service; and,
WHEREAS, Madison is fortunate to count among its population a dynamic Hispanic/Latinx/e community that plays an important role in our city's economy and society; and,
WHEREAS, we encourage all Madisonians to recognize and applaud the many contributions made by our Hispanic/Latinx/e community to enhance the quality of life in every aspect of our city and that have contributed to our collective fight for equality and justice; and,
WHEREAS, whether their ancestors have been here for generations, or if they are among our newest residents, we recognize that Hispanic Heritage is American Heritage, and that our brothers and sisters in the Hispanic American community represent a rich history of country and culture;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Mayor and Common Council recognize the month of September 15, 2024, through October 15, 2024, as Hispanic Heritage Month in the City of Madison.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Mayor and Common Council congratulate our Hispanic/Latinx/e community on this significant month and thank them for their contributions to the vibrancy of the City of Madison.