Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month:
Serving and Leading Our Nation with Pride and Honor
By Vice Mayor Felicia M. Brunson
Each year, Americans observe National Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15, by celebrating the histories, cultures and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America.
The observation started in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson and was expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to cover a 30-day period starting on September 15 and ending on October 15. It was enacted into law on August 17, 1988, on the approval of Public Law 100-402.
The day of September 15 was significant because it is the anniversary of independence for Latin American countries Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on September 16 and September18, respectively. Also, Columbus Day or Día de la Raza, which is October 12, falls within this 30 day period.
The term Hispanic or Latino, as defined by the U.S. Census Bureau, refers to Puerto Rican, South or Central American, or other Spanish culture or origin regardless of race. According to the 2010 Census, 50.5 million people or 16% of the population are of Hispanic or Latino origin. This represents a significant increase from the 2000 Census, which registered the Hispanic population at 35.3 million or 13% of the total U.S. population. In the City of West Park, there are 4091 Hispanic residents which make up 28.9% of our city.
West Park, I am happy to join in this celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month to remember the vast accomplishments of the Hispanic community. We honor the dedication of Hispanics for making important economic, social, and political contributions.
Remember to contact me at City Hall with your ideas, suggestions or concerns. I represent you and appreciate your input into the continued success of our beloved city. I can be reached at (954) 889-4164 or email fbrunson@cityofwestpark.org.
It saddens me that only two groups, African Americans and Hispanics are celebrated in this way with a full month each. What about other groups who have contributed tremendously to this country like the Chinese, the Jews, and the Irish? Why aren't there months for those groups, too? I believe celebrating like this should be for every group or for no group in particular. There's just something terribly off balance about how this has turned out.