RESOLUTION FOR BOARD MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 7, 2023
Title
RESOLUTION sponsored by the Board of Commissioners recognizing National Hispanic Heritage Month and honoring the Chicago Latino Caucus Foundation
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WHEREAS, National Hispanic Heritage Month, commonly referred to as Latinx Heritage Month, is a celebration of the innumerable contributions of people of Hispanic ancestry. During this time of acknowledgement, the traditions and culture of people with lineage from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America are honored; and
WHEREAS, national recognition began on September 17,1968, when Congress passed Public Law 90-498 as a Joint Resolution authorizing and requesting the office of the President to issue an annual proclamation to designate the week including September 15th and 16th as National Hispanic Heritage Week in honor of the extraordinary role of Hispanic Americans. President Lyndon B. Johnson issued the first proclamation, Proclamation 3869, the same day; and
WHEREAS, the dates of September 15th and 16th were chosen specifically to incorporate the independence anniversaries for Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua, which are on September 15th, and the anniversary for Mexico, which is on September 16th; and
WHEREAS, on August 17,1988, Public Law 90-498 was amended by Public Law 100-402 by the 100th Congress to proclaim September 15th through October 15th as National Hispanic Heritage Month. President George H.W. Bush issued the first proclamation on September 14, 1989; and
WHEREAS, additionally, the Latin American countries of Chile and Belize celebrate their independence on September 18th and September 21st respectively, which occur during National Hispanic Heritage Month; and
WHEREAS, as estimated from the 2020 United States Census, 25.3% (1.31 million) of the population of Cook County is of Hispanic origin. In Cook County, Latinx communities have formed financially and ethnically vibrant neighborhoods; and
WHEREAS, as a sanctuary city, Chicago has welcomed approximately 13,000 migrants of Hispanic descent in the past year; and
WHEREAS, the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (District) celebrates the vast contributions made by Latinx residents in our communities and recognizes the hard work and dedication of our Latinx staff members; and
WHEREAS, in honor of National Hispanic Heritage Month, the District will be hosting several events including a Business Reception on September 25th, which will be followed by a panel discussion, and Stewardship Day on October 21st; and
WHEREAS, the District honors the contributions of the Chicago Latino Caucus Foundation (Foundation). Created by the Chicago City Council Latino Caucus, the Foundation seeks to increase the percentage of Latinos that pursue higher education by providing scholarships, internships, and mentoring opportunities for Latino youth in Chicago; and
WHEREAS, in 2018, the Foundation introduced the Leadership Academy. The seven-month program includes classroom training, one-on-one mentoring, and a weekend retreat. The Leadership Academy has experienced significant success as the majority of the participants have gone on to earn a bachelors degree or higher; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that we, the Board of Commissioners of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago, on behalf of ourselves and our staff, do hereby recognize National Hispanic Heritage Month and honor the Chicago Latino Caucus Foundation; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this Resolution be spread upon the permanent Record of Proceedings of the Board of Commissioners of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago and that a copy of same, suitably engrossed, be presented to the Chicago Latino Caucus Foundation.
Dated: September 7, 2023