Aguirre Introduces Proclamation Recognizing Latino Heritage Month

Press release from Canek For Council:

Oct. 6, 2020

For the second year in a row, Councilman Canek Aguirre has introduced a proclamation to formally recognize September 15 through October 15 as Latino Heritage Month in the City of Alexandria.

The Alexandria City Council will vote on Aguirre’s proclamation at tomorrow’s October 6 Legislative Meeting. The meeting will be held electronically via video conference and will be broadcast locally on Comcast channel 70, streamed on the City’s website, and can be accessed via Zoom.

“This Latino Heritage Month it is important to not only highlight the contributions of Latinos throughout our nation's history, but also recognize the impact COVID-19 has had on the Latino community and the vital role many have played as essential workers in keeping our economy moving," said Councilman Aguirre.

The text of the proclamation can be found here and below:

WHEREAS, the Commonwealth of Virginia is home to over 800,000 Virginians of Latino descent, and has the 15th largest Latino population in the country; andWHEREAS, more than 25,000 Latinos call Alexandria home, making up 17 percent of the City population and must be properly counted in the 2020 Census; and

WHEREAS, in 2020 Latinos continue to make great strides in public office and civil rights issues supporting the fight for justice and equity for all, successfully advocating for the historic passage of in-state tuition and drivers’ privilege cards for all immigrants regardless of citizenship status; and

WHEREAS, Latinos make significant contributions through their leadership in government, protecting freedoms as part of our military, helping feed our community through agriculture, inspiring children as educators, helping fight against the COVID-19 pandemic as healthcare professionals, and advancing society through science and technology; and

WHEREAS, it is in part due to these extraordinary contributions that Latinos have borne a particularly heavy burden during the COVID-19 pandemic; and

WHEREAS, the overwhelming number of Latinos who work on the front lines of the fight against COVID-19 risk increased exposure to the virus; and

WHEREAS, coupled with generational health disparities, Latinos have faced devastating, disproportionate impacts due to this disease; and

WHEREAS, this Latino Heritage Month, we somberly acknowledge these harms stemming from social and racial inequities and continue our commitment to tackling these disparities during this unprecedented health and economic crisis and beyond; and

WHEREAS, as we continue to fight this pandemic together and look towards a brighter, more equitable future, we also honor the resilience of the Latino community; and

WHEREAS, diversity is one of Alexandria’s greatest strengths and the Latino community contributes to that strength every day; and

WHEREAS, understanding, tolerance, and acceptance of the diverse populations living in our communities is especially critical during this era; and

WHEREAS, the City of Alexandria will join with the rest of the country in celebrating the 52nd National Latino Heritage Month by commemorating essential contributions, sacrifices, and accomplishments that Latino people have made to the United States throughout our nation’s history; and

WHEREAS, as we build an inclusive community that works for all, we encourage our citizens to participate in virtual and other safe celebrations of Latino heritage in Alexandria this month.

This press release was produced by Canek For Council. The views expressed here are the author's own.