SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA September 19, 2024 – During this week's Council meeting, the Council issued a proclamation recognizing Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15-October 15. The proclamation (in both English and Spanish) celebrates the valuable contributions of the Hispanic community in San Juan County and encourages all residents, businesses, and visitors to acknowledge, share stories, and participate in local events that honor the important community and cultural contribution of our Latino friends, neighbors, and businesses.
“This proclamation recognizes our local Hispanic community and sets the stage for future work the County needs to do to support our Latino residents,” said Council Chair Jane Fuller. “We’re grateful for all the great work that is happening at local resource centers, churches, clinics, schools, libraries, and other community spaces with our Latino family, friends, and neighbors.”
A Brief History
National Hispanic Heritage Month, which begins each year on Sept. 15, celebrates U.S. Latinos, their culture, and their history. Started in 1968 by Congress as Hispanic Heritage Week, it was expanded to a month in 1988. The celebration begins in the middle rather than the start of September because it coincides with national independence days in several Latin American countries: Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua and Costa Rica celebrate theirs on Sept. 15, followed by Mexico on Sept. 16, Chile on Sept. 18 and Belize on Sept. 21. And on October 12, Dia de la Raza (Race Day) is also celebrated. It’s celebrated this day because it is also Columbus Day, and it recognizes the mixed indigenous and European heritage of Mexico.
Learn more about the history of National Hispanic Heritage Month here: https://www.hispanicheritagemonth.gov/
Latinos in San Juan County
Latinos are the largest and fastest growing minority group in the United States. Hispanic or Latino residents are the second largest group in San Juan County and Spanish is the second most spoken language. 7% of San Juan County residents are Hispanic or Latino and 5% speak Spanish according to the 2022 census. The contributions of our Latino residents to our County are diverse and dynamic. We are proud to celebrate their heritage and are grateful to be able to share in it.
San Juan County is fortunate to work alongside the Hispanic community on a variety of projects including bilingual dental clinics and public health initiatives, and is grateful for the opportunity to continue building relationship with local partners.
County Resources for Spanish-Speakers
San Juan County encourages all residents to learn about Hispanic Heritage Month, engage in conversations with Latino friends and neighbors, and patron Latino businesses in an effort to make our islands an inclusive and welcoming space for all.
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