Agenda Summary
title
Recognizing Hispanic Heritage Month and the contributions of Somerville’s Hispanic, Latin American, and Caribbean communities.
body
Official Text
WHEREAS: Hispanic Heritage Month provides an opportunity to celebrate the histories, cultures, traditions, achievements, and contributions of Hispanic, Latin American and Caribbean people in Somerville and throughout the United States; and
WHEREAS: Somerville’s Hispanic, Latin American and Caribbean community represents a rich diversity of countries, cultures, traditions, music, food, languages, and lived experiences, each contributing to the cultural fabric and vitality of our city; and
WHEREAS: This diverse community enriches our city every day as business owners, teachers, healthcare workers, lawyers, construction workers, parents, students, artists, organizers, public servants, community leaders, and neighbors; and
WHEREAS: Somerville’s Hispanic, Latin American and Caribbean community brings enormous knowledge, professional experience, entrepreneurship, cultural awareness, traditions, creativity, resilience, and a deep commitment to family and community to our City; and
WHEREAS: Generations of Hispanic, Latin American and Caribbean families have made sacrifices to create opportunities for their children and future generations, while preserving and sharing the cultures, traditions, and values that connect families to their heritage; and
WHEREAS: Somerville recognizes that Hispanic, Latin American and Caribbean residents belong in every part of the civic life of our community-in our neighborhoods, schools, businesses, community organizations, cultural institutions, and in the places where decisions about the future of our city are made; and
WHEREAS: Meaningful inclusion requires not only celebrating diversity, but also listening to the voices, ideas, experiences, aspirations, and leadership of Hispanic, Latin American and Caribbean residents and ensuring opportunities for community members to participate in and help shape the decisions that affect their families and neighborhoods; and
WHEREAS: When we listen to our Hispanic, Latin American, and Caribbean community, we hear not only about challenges and barriers, but also ideas, dreams, hopes for our children, and a shared commitment to making Somerville a stronger, more welcoming, and more inclusive community; and
WHEREAS: Hispanic Heritage Month is an opportunity to honor parents and grandparents, to recognize the sacrifices of those who came before us, to celebrate children and the future they represent, and to recognize the extraordinary diversity that exists within the Hispanic, Latin American and Caribbean community itself; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT
RESOLVED: That the Somerville City Council hereby recognizes and celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month and honors the many contributions of Hispanic, Latin American, and Caribbean residents to the social, cultural, educational, economic, and civic life of the City of Somerville; AND BE IT FURTHER
RESOLVED: That the City Council affirms the importance of ensuring that Hispanic, Latin American, and Caribbean residents have meaningful opportunities to have their voices heard, participate in civic life, assume positions of leadership, and help shape the future of the community they call home; AND BE IT FURTHER
RESOLVED: That the Somerville City Council celebrates the families, children, elders, entrepreneurs, workers, educators, artists, advocates, organizers, and community leaders who preserve and share Hispanic, Latin American, and Caribbean cultures and traditions and who contribute each day to the strength and diversity of Somerville; AND BE IT FURTHER
RESOLVED: That the Somerville City Council extends its appreciation to all those who work to build connections across cultures and generations and joins the community in proudly celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month.