RESOLUTION FOR BOARD MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 19, 2024
Title
RESOLUTION sponsored by the Board of Commissioners recognizing National Hispanic Heritage Month and honoring the Latino Policy Forum (As Revised)
Body
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 month 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 day 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, proclaiming September 15th through October 15th as National Hispanic Heritage Month. The amendment became effective on January 1, 1989; and
WHEREAS, the expansion of National Hispanic Heritage Week to National Hispanic Heritage Month incorporated the Latin American countries of Chile and Belize, who celebrate their independence on September 18th and September 21st respectively; and
WHEREAS, the theme for the 2024 celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month is “Pioneers of Change: Shaping the Future Together”; 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 employees; and
WHEREAS, in honor of National Hispanic Heritage Month, the District will be co-hosting the following events: the Latinx Business Reception on October 10th and Latinx Stewardship Day on October 19th; and
WHEREAS, the District is proud to honor the contributions of the Latino Policy Forum, an organization that strives to achieve positive change in the Latino community through its advocacy work. The Latino Policy Forum focuses on numerous issues including immigration, education, and affordable housing; and
WHEREAS, through its commitment, dedication, and leadership, the Latino Policy Forum has empowered and inspired numerous families, organizations, and individuals within the Latino community; and
WHEREAS. additionally, the District congratulates Sylvia Puente, the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Latino Policy Forum, on her upcoming transition to Senior Advisor; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Puente has diligently served the Latinx populace for almost sixteen years, working to spearhead valuable improvements throughout Chicagoland and beyond; 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 Latino Policy Forum; 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 Latino Policy Forum.
Dated: September 19, 2024