Prince William County Government: Board Proclaims Sept. 15 Through Oct. 15 As Hispanic Heritage Month

Press release from Prince William County Government:

Tuesday, 07 Sep 2021

Hispanic Heritage Month celebrates the achievements of contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. It was first recognized as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson in 1968. In 1988, under President Ronald Reagan, the recognition was extended to become Hispanic Heritage Month.

Every year since then, the United States Congress has designated, and presidents have proclaimed Sept. 15 through Oct. 15 as Hispanic Heritage Month.

The Prince William Board of County Supervisors recently followed suit and proclaimed Sept. 15 through Oct. 15 as Hispanic Heritage Month and urged residents to join in the County’s celebrations of the rich heritage Hispanics bring to the County.

Hispanics account for 25 percent of Prince William County’s population. They enrich the County’s culture and society with their contributions as communities of faith, strong family values, hard work, and patriotism. Hispanics continue to produce leaders, entrepreneurs, innovators, artists, athletes, scientists, musicians, public servants and serve as members of our nation’s armed forces.

The rich history and different cultures and racial make-ups of the various Hispanic communities contribute to Prince William County’s rich diversity. Although they were disproportionally affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, Hispanics continued to work in high-risk jobs in the service and manufacturing industries and helped the local economy function.

This press release was produced by Prince William County Government. The views expressed here are the author’s own.