Shout Out = A Proclamation from Mayor John Giles Celebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month Here in Mesa

With some friendly good-natured persuasion Mayor John Giles signed a Proclamation [ See document farther on in this post - please note there is no version in Spanish ] in a timely manner yesterday to honor and recognize diversity in this city of over 460,000 people including hundreds and thousands of citizens from countries in Central and Southern America who have established families, homes and businesses here.

Some joined indigenous native peoples hundreds of years ago along with later pioneer arrivals to settle here creating their futures through decades of development on the land.
Together we can build a stronger diverse future . . .
Conjuntos Todo Es Possible

HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH
During National Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15 to October 15) we recognize the contributions made and the important presence of Hispanic and Latino Americans to the United States and celebrate their heritage and culture.
Hispanics have had a profound and positive influence on our country through their strong commitment to family, faith, hard work, and service. They have enhanced and shaped our national character with centuries-old traditions that reflect the multiethnic and multicultural customs of their community.
Hispanic Heritage Month, whose roots go back to 1968, begins each year on September 15, the anniversary of independence of five Latin American countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. Mexico, Chile and Belize also celebrate their independence days during this period and Columbus Day (Día de la Raza) is October 12.
The term Hispanic or Latino, refers to Puerto Rican, South or Central American, or other Spanish culture or origin regardless of race.

On the 2010 Census form, people of Spanish, Hispanic and/or Latino origin could identify themselves as Mexican, Mexican American, Chicano, Puerto Rican, Cuban, or "another Hispanic, Latino, or Spanish origin."
Today, 55 million people or 17% of the American population are of Hispanic or Latino origin.

Here in Mesa it is 25%.

This represents a significant increase from 2000.
Share in this special annual tribute by learning and celebrating the generations of Hispanic and Latino Americans who have positively influenced and enriched our nation and society

Here is the English-only Proclamation