WHEREAS, Hispanic Heritage Month in the United States began as a week-long celebration in 1968 and was expanded to a month long celebration in 1988; and

 

WHEREAS, Hispanic Heritage Month provides an opportunity to recognize the immense contributions of Latino and Hispanic Americans to the Commonwealth of Virginia and the United States of America; and

 

WHEREAS, Virginia’s Hispanic communities have contributed significantly to the Commonwealth’s economic, cultural, educational, civic, military, and community life, strengthening our neighborhoods and enriching the Commonwealth’s shared identity; and

 

WHEREAS, the Hispanic communities of Virginia reflect a rich diversity of ancestry, including Afro-Latino and Indigenous Latino peoples whose histories, cultures, traditions, and contributions are integral to the broader story of the Americas; and whose experiences embody generations of resilience, cultural preservation, community leadership, and service that continue to enrich the Commonwealth of Virginia; and

 

WHEREAS, the Commonwealth’s Hispanic and Latino population is approximately 12 percent of the total population—one of the fastest-growing demographics in Virginia; and

 

WHEREAS, Hispanic Heritage Month provides an opportunity for all Virginians to learn from and celebrate the stories, achievements, traditions, and enduring contributions of Hispanic and Latino people;

 

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Abigail D. Spanberger, Governor, do hereby recognize September 15 – October 15, 2026, as HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH in the COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of all our citizens.