The Board of Larimer County Commissioners proclaimed September 15, 2024 through October 15, 2024 Hispanic Heritage/Latiné Month in Larimer County at their regular Administrative Matters Meeting. 

Hispanic-Latiné Month was established in 1968 to recognize and celebrate the traditions and culture of Hispanic Latinés in the United States. 
“It’s an honor and pleasure to recognize and elevate this wonderful heritage, tradition and culture in our county,” said Larimer County Commissioner Jody Shadduck-McNally. 

“There are a lot of great organizations in our community that serve the Latiné and Hispanic communities but also the whole community with the work that they do. We’re happy to celebrate the culture they bring to Larimer County as we celebrate diversity,” said Larimer County Commissioner Kristin Stephens.

PROCLAMATION

Declaring September 15 – October 15, 2024 as Hispanic Heritage/Latiné Month in Larimer County, Colorado

WHEREAS, the celebration of Hispanic/Latiné Heritage Month, was established in 1968 to recognize and celebrate the traditions and culture of Hispanic/Latinés in the United States. The timing was selected because the anniversaries of independence for several Latin American countries are in mid-September; and

WHEREAS, there are a variety of labels used to describe the population; we distinguish the community as Latiné, a term inclusive of the entire population as well as being gender neutral. Hispanic defines the population with lineage from a Spanish-speaking nation. Latino identifies the community with ancestry from the Americas and is a gender-specific term. Latinx is a gender-neutral term but is not a Spanish word; and

WHEREAS, the United States Census Bureau approximates the Hispanic/Latiné population in the United States to be greater than 62 million people, at 18.9%. Locally, Larimer County’s Hispanic/Latiné population constitutes just under 45,000 or 12.4%, thus the biggest racial or ethnic minority group in Larimer County; and

WHEREAS, the Hispanic/Latiné community has a centuries long history of actively participating in all segments of the community thus, enormously enhancing the vitality, strength and productivity of our county; and

WHEREAS, Larimer County’s Hispanic/Latiné population have shown unyielding courage and resolute resilience to address prejudice and discrimination; they remove barriers through activism and advocacy, and strive to achieve equity for all residents in Larimer County; and

WHEREAS, in accordance with the 2024 Hispanic/Latiné Heritage Month nationwide theme, Pioneers of Change: Shaping the Future Together, encapsulating the “spirit of innovation, resilience, and unity that define the Hispanic/Latiné experience”, we ask Larimer County residents to recognize the significant achievements of the Hispanic/Latiné community in the economic, political and social growth of Larimer County; and

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED BY THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS Of LARIMER COUNTY, COLORADO THAT:

• September 15 – October 15, 2024 be recognized as “ Hispanic/Latiné Heritage Month” in Larimer County; and
• Larimer County welcomes residents to participate in the schedule of activities to acknowledge and celebrate the contributions of Hispanic/Latinés to our lives throughout our county, state, and nation.

Done this 24th day of September 2024, in Fort Collins, Colorado, by the Board of County Commissioners of Larimer County, Colorado.

THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF

LARIMER COUNTY, COLORADO

John Kefalas, Chair