RESOLUTION NO. 240858

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Sponsor(s):  Councilmembers Johnathan Duncan and Crispin Rea

RESOLUTION - Honoring Kansas City’s Latino/Hispanic/Latinx employees and residents for their contributions to Kansas City’s vibrant culture, declaring Hispanic Heritage Month 2024 in Kansas City, and authorizing the City Manager to fly the Hispanic Heritage Flag during Hispanic Heritage Month.

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WHEREAS, Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated nationwide from September 15 to October 15, paying tribute to Americans from Mexico, Spain, the Caribbean, and Central and South America who have contributed greatly to our society, and who represent many different countries, backgrounds, and cultural experiences that create a vibrant and strong community; and

WHEREAS, Kansas City has an especially vibrant Latino and Hispanic community, with 11% of our population being Hispanic, and is represented by many dedicated community organizations, including but not limited to: Guadalupe Center, Mattie Rhodes Center, Advocates for Immigrant Rights and Reconciliation (AIRR), Chicano Center for the Arts, Revolución Educativa, Latinx Education Collaborative, and many more; and

WHEREAS, Vamos KC, the employee resource group supporting the City’s Hispanic/Latino/Latinx employees, inspires, empowers, and equips our workforce to achieve excellence and to develop a network of employees that celebrate Latino culture and promote the cultural diversity and professional development of its members; and

WHEREAS, the City acknowledges the importance of the Hispanic community in and for the City, providing support, cultivating a sense of belonging, and increasing satisfaction for City employees and residents of Kansas City; and

WHEREAS, the City previously adopted the Hispanic Heritage Flag, which was created by St. Louis artist Jose Garza and represents justice, perseverance, sacrifice, family bonds, courage, energy, and prosperity of the Hispanic community; and

WHEREAS, flying the Hispanic Heritage flag during Hispanic Heritage Month honors the beauty, value, and long history of Hispanic people in Kansas City; NOW, THEREFORE,

BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF KANSAS CITY:

That the Mayor and Council hereby honor Kansas City’s Latino/Hispanic/Latinx employees and residents for their contributions to Kansas City, declare Hispanic Heritage Month be observed from September 15 to October 15, and authorize the City Manager to fly the Hispanic Heritage Flag at City Hall; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this Resolution be spread upon the Minutes of the Council in testimony thereof and that a copy hereof be presented to VAMOS KC with the appreciation of the Mayor and Council for the diversity and culture that is being brought to our community.

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