During the Sept. 20, 2022, City Council meeting, Iowa City Mayor Bruce Teague proclaimed Sept. 15 - Oct. 15 as National Hispanic Heritage Month. The proclamation can be found here.
National Hispanic Heritage Month began as Hispanic Heritage Week in 1968 under President Lyndon Johnson. In 1988, President Ronald Reagan expanded the observance to cover a 30-day period starting on Sept. 15 and ending on Oct.15.
Sept.15 is independence day for the Latin American countries of Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on Sept. 16 and Sept. 18, respectively.
Latinos have made innumerable contributions to the Iowa City community, and it is important the City recognize and celebrate the diverse histories and cultures of the Latino population. This observance affords special opportunities to become more knowledgeable about Hispanic heritage and to honor the many Hispanics who have contributed to the progress of Iowa City, the state, and the nation.
For resources and a list of ways that you can observe Hispanic and Latino Heritage Month, please see the Iowa Department of Human Rights/Office of Latino Affairs' Newsletter.
Original source can be found here.
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