To: Dale K. Weighill, Governmental Operations Committee Chairperson
From: Jerome Threlkeld, Organizational Development Coordinator
title
RE: Approval of a resolution recognizing September 15-October 15, 2025 as Hispanic Heritage Month in Genesee County
recommendation
BOARD ACTION REQUESTED:
Approval of a resolution recognizing September 15-October 15, 2025 as Hispanic Heritage Month in Genesee County
BACKGROUND:
One of the Genesee County Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Commission goals is to enhance the county’s reputation for being welcoming to all.
DISCUSSION:
Members of the Genesee County Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Commission meet with community members and groups to co-curate this resolution proposed to the Genesee County Board of Commissioners.
IMPACT ON HUMAN RESOURCES:
IMPACT ON BUDGET:
IMPACT ON FACILITIES:
IMPACT ON TECHNOLOGY:
CONFORMITY TO COUNTY PRIORITIES:
Inclusive, Collaborative Culture - Members of the Genesee County Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Commission meet with community members and groups to co-curate the resolutions proposed to the Genesee County Board of Commissioners.
resolution
TO THE HONORABLE CHAIRPERSON AND MEMBERS OF THE GENESEE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS, GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN
LADIES AND GENTLEMEN:
WHEREAS, beginning in 1968 under President Lyndon Johnson, the United States observed Hispanic Heritage Week, which was expanded to National Hispanic Heritage Month under President Ronald Reagan in 1988 and has been celebrated each year since from September 15 to October 15; and
WHEREAS, Hispanic Heritage Month serves to honor the culture and contributions of Americans whose roots include twenty primarily Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking countries throughout the Americas, many of which mark their independence from colonial Spain on September 15, 16, or 18; and
WHEREAS, Latinx/Hispanic-American people have made significant contributions to the history, art, economy, civil society, and military of the United States and that prior to the Mexican-American War, all or part of present-day Oklahoma, Colorado, Utah, New Mexico, Arizona, Nevada, Wyoming, and California were part of Mexico; and
WHEREAS, Latinx/Hispanic-American residents of Genesee County are a vibrant and valued part of our community who have helped revitalize neighborhoods, start small businesses, and contribute through cultural, educational, and social leadership across Genesee County; and
WHEREAS, the Latinx Technology and Community Center serves as a hub for Latinx families, providing resources that support education, workforce development, and cultural enrichment through programs focused on bridging the digital divide by offering technology access and training, supporting youth empowerment and leadership development, and partnering with schools, nonprofits, businesses, and government agencies to ensure equitable access to services; and
WHEREAS, the local branch of the American GI Forum (a congressionally-chartered Hispanic veteran and civil rights organization), led by advocates including Domingo Berlanga, Hector Garcia, and Sixto Olivo, championed the establishment of the Latinx Technology and Community Center, which today is led by Asa Zuccaro, who continues to be a strong voice for equity and cross-cultural collaboration in Genesee County, and Jose Lopez, a community organizer and mentor who leads outreach efforts that connect Latinx residents to essential services and civic opportunities; and
WHEREAS, cultural groups such as El Ballet Folklórico Estudiantíl, a dance and mariachi group led by Sue Quintanilla, are dedicated to increasing self-confidence and leadership for youth through education, practice of cultural heritage, values, arts and performance of Mexican traditions enrich our Genesee County community.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Genesee County Board of Commissioners hereby recognizes the month of September 15 to October 15, 2025, as Hispanic Heritage Month in Genesee County and encourages all county departments to engage in celebratory activities and appropriate recognitions, such as participation in community events, sharing stories, and learning about Latinx/Hispanic-Americans and the contributions they have made to our county and nation.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Genesee County Clerk/Register is directed to provide one copy of this Resolution to each city, village, and township within Genesee County and to each County Clerk in the State of Michigan.