Goshen, N.Y. – Orange County Executive Steven M. Neuhaus and the County’s Human Rights Commission is proudly recognizing National Hispanic Heritage Month, which is observed each year from September 15th to October 15th.
Hispanic Heritage Month honors the cultures and contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans, celebrating the heritage rooted in all Latin American countries.
“Hispanic Heritage Month encourages us to highlight and learn about the many contributions that Hispanics have made in communities throughout Orange County,” Neuhaus said. “Latinos have played an important role in every aspect of our community, including the arts, medicine, government and business. We are proud of the County’s rich and diverse Hispanic culture and heritage.”
Started in 1968 by Congress as Hispanic Heritage Week, it was expanded to a month in 1988. The celebration begins in the middle rather than the start of September because it coincides with national independence days in several Latin American countries: Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua and Costa Rica celebrate their independence on September 15th, followed by Mexico on September 16th, Chile on September 18th and Belize on September 21st.
Inaudy Esposito, Executive Director of the Orange County Human Rights Commission, noted that residents can use Hispanic Heritage Month as an opportunity to support Hispanic businesses and charities, enjoy cuisine from any of the countries that are being celebrated and take time to learn about their cultures.
“As a proud Latina, I join County Executive Neuhaus in celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month,” said Esposito, a native of the Dominican Republic. “As we recognize and support the diverse cultures and extensive contributions of Latinos in our community, I encourage everyone to celebrate with us by researching influential Latinos in our history and learning more about the many different cultures and traditions.”
For more information, contact Justin Rodriguez, Assistant to the County Executive for Communications and Media Relations at 845.291.3255 or jrodriguez@orangecountygov.com.
###