Governor Proclaims Hispanic Heritage Month 2023

WHEREAS, Hispanic Heritage Month, established nationally in 1988 by Public Law 100-402, honors the culture, history, and achievements of Hispanic people, recognizing Latinos, Latinx, Latiné, Hispanics, and Latin American people in the United States for 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, the Hispanic and Latino people of North Carolina are integral to the growth and development of our state, bolstering the economy as business leaders and entrepreneurs, cultivating a strong agricultural industry, enriching our schools and education system, and serving as leaders in our community; and

WHEREAS, over the last 30 years, the Latino population has been the fastest-growing population demographic in the state; by 2020, there were 1,118,596 Latino North Carolinians, or 10.7 percent of the overall population 17 percent of the population of children under the age of 18 in North Carolina.; and

WHEREAS, on October 5, 2017, Governor Cooper signed Executive Order 23, establishing the Governor´s Advisory Council for Hispanic and Latino Affairs; and

WHEREAS, the national theme of this year's Hispanic Heritage Month, Latinos: Driving Prosperity, Power, and Progress in America, recognizes and highlights the important economic, social, and cultural contributions Hispanic and Latino people have made to every facet of American life; serving in both the public and private sectors, in our country's military, as elected officials and civic leaders, and as community advocates; and

WHEREAS, the State of North Carolina is proud of our diverse population and encourages North Carolinians to celebrate our Latino, Latinx, 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 September15 – October 15, 2023, as “HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH” in North Carolina, and commend its observance to all citizens.