HISPANIC AND LATINO HERITAGE MONTH
2024
BY THE GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA
A PROCLAMATION
WHEREAS, Hispanic Heritage Month, established nationally in 1988 by Public Law 100-402, honors the culture, history, and achievements of Latinos, Latiné, Hispanics, and Latin American people in the United States, recognizing their many contributions to American society; and
WHEREAS, throughout September, Chile, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, and Nicaragua celebrate the anniversaries of their independence; and
WHEREAS, Latinos in North Carolina are integral to the growth and development of our state, contributing to the vibrant and inclusive fabric of North Carolina through their rich cultural heritage and linguistic diversity; bolstering the economy as business leaders, entrepreneurs, and artists; cultivating strong industries in agriculture, manufacturing, construction, research and development, finance, technology and more; enriching our schools, education and healthcare systems; participating in public service and civic affairs; and serving as leaders in our community; and
WHEREAS, over the past 30 years, the Latinos are the fastest-growing population demographic; North Carolina’s Latino population is greater than one million people, and now comprises 11.4 percent of the state’s population, up from 10.7 percent in 2020; and
WHEREAS, on October 5, 2017, Governor Cooper signed Executive Order 23, establishing the Governor´s Advisory Council for Hispanic and Latino Affairs to advise the Governor on issues related to the Latino community in North Carolina and support the State efforts to promote cooperation and understanding between the Latino community, the general public, and state, federal, and local services; and
WHEREAS, the national theme of this year's Hispanic and Latino Heritage Month, Pioneers of Change: Shaping the Future Together, encapsulates the spirit of innovation, resilience, and unity that defines the Latino experience and recognizes all the Latinos who have been trailblazers and game changers, paving the way for future generations; and
WHEREAS, the State of North Carolina is proud of our diverse population and encourages North Carolinians to celebrate our Latino, Latiné, Hispanic, and Latin American community by participating in events held to commemorate this special occasion;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, ROY COOPER, Governor of the State of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim September 15 – October 15, 2024, as “HISPANIC AND LATINO HERITAGE MONTH” in North Carolina, and commend its observance to all citizens.
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Roy Cooper
Governor
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Great Seal of the State of North Carolina at the Capitol in Raleigh this fifteenth day of September in the year of our Lord two thousand and twenty-four and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-ninth.