Morris County Observes National Hispanic Heritage Month

Published on September 16, 2022

Celebrated Sept. 15 Through Oct. 15

The Morris County Board of County Commissioners proclaimed Sept. 15 through Oct. 15 to be National Hispanic Heritage Month 2022 in Morris County via resolution adopted unanimously by the board this week.

“We recognize this period each year to celebrate the culture, heritage and countless contributions of those whose ancestors were indigenous to North America as well as Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America and South America,” said Commissioner Director Tayfun Selen.

The celebration runs from the middle of September to the middle of October because during that four-week period, Mexico along with several nations in Central America and South America celebrate their Independence Days.

“In adopting this resolution tonight, we encourage all residents to celebrate the historic contributions made by Hispanics to our diverse American community,” Director Selen added.

Explore the National Hispanic Heritage Month website: https://www.hispanicheritagemonth.gov/

The text of Resolution 2022-824 is below.

WHEREAS, National Hispanic Heritage Month is recognized each year to celebrate the culture, heritage and countless contributions of those whose ancestors were indigenous to North America as well as Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America and South America; and

WHEREAS, the recognition began in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon B. Johnson and was expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to National Hispanic Heritage Month to recognize Hispanics each year from September 15 through October 15; and

WHEREAS, the four-week period is significant because September 15 is recognized as Independence Day in the Latin American countries of Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua, and because Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on September 16 and September 18, respectively; and

WHEREAS, the 2022 theme, “Unidos: Inclusivity for a Stronger Nation,” encourages us to ensure that all voices are represented and welcomed to help build stronger communities and a stronger nation; and

WHEREAS, we also recognize this time as a period to reflect on the legacy of Hispanic people who have influenced our nation’s history and serve today as leaders in all aspects of life across the United States; and

WHEREAS, people identifying as Hispanic make up more than 14 percent of the diverse and wide-ranging Morris County population, and the number of Hispanic residents grew by nearly 36 percent between 2010 and 2020; and

WHEREAS, Morris County recognizes and honors the many ways that Hispanics have enriched the fabric of our society throughout America as they have continued their rich tradition of significant and diverse contributions to the cultural, educational, economic and political vitality of Morris County and all of New Jersey.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Morris County Board of County Commissioners proclaims September 15 through October 15, 2022, as Hispanic Heritage Month 2022 in Morris County and encourages all residents to celebrate the historic contributions made by Hispanics to our diverse American community.