Beginning Sept. 15 and ending Oct. 15, Hispanic Heritage Month is an annual observance recognizing the rich histories, cultures, and accomplishments of Latinx Americans in Michigan and across the nation. Hispanic Heritage Month commemorates the anniversaries of independence for many Central American countries, including Sept. 15 for Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua; Sept. 16 for Mexico; Sept. 18 for Chile; and Sept. 21 for Belize.
In Michigan history, fewer than 20 Hispanic individuals have ever been elected to serve in the state Legislature, including Sens. Mary Cavanagh (D-Redford Twp.), Darrin Camilleri (D-Trenton), and Erika Geiss (D-Taylor).
“Hispanic Heritage Month holds deep meaning for me as the son of a Latina and Michigan’s youngest Latino legislator. It’s a time to honor the contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities, whose resilience and leadership have shaped our state and nation,” said Sen. Camilleri, Vice Chair of the Michigan Legislative Latino Caucus (MLLC). “While this month brings attention to our achievements, recognition must continue every day. We’ve made progress, but there’s more work ahead. This is a time to unite, share our stories, and ensure our voices are heard and celebrated year-round.”
After making history as the first Latinx woman to serve in the Michigan Senate, Sen. Geiss drew inspiration from her heritage as the granddaughter of Panamanian immigrants to spearhead policies and investments that uplift communities of color and historically underserved populations. Sen. Cavanagh, the youngest Latina ever elected to the Michigan Senate and Chairwoman of the Michigan Legislative Latino Caucus, proudly uses her lived experiences as the daughter of a Mexican immigrant to influence positive change for Michigan’s Latinx communities, including supporting legislation focused on immigrants’ rights and language accessibility supports. Similarly, Sen. Camilleri uses his platform to advocate for the unique needs and desires of his community, uplifting working-class families and supporting legislation to build up our state’s Latinx residents.
@bp_garza Midway through Hispanic Heritage Month, I want to take a moment to honor Belda Garza, the first Latinx person to serve in the Michigan State Legislature. Her groundbreaking leadership paved the way for so many of us to follow in her footsteps. pic.twitter.com/78fuZpiE0D
— Mary Cavanagh (@SenMaryCavanagh) October 1, 2024
Hispanic Heritage Month is an opportunity to explore the indelible impact Latinx Americans have had on the prosperity of our nation. From shaping American sports histories to influencing society through creative art contributions to transforming communities through civil rights activism, Hispanic Americans have long contributed to the social, economic, and cultural fabric of our nation and state.
On Oct. 8, 2024, the Michigan Senate voted to pass Senate Resolution 142, sponsored by Sen. Cavanagh, to designate Sept. 15 through Oct. 15, 2024, as Hispanic Heritage Month in the state of Michigan. The resolution pays tribute to the integral role that generations of Latinx folks have played in growing and enriching our state and nation, and it encourages people of all backgrounds to learn more about Hispanic American experiences and histories. Senate Democrats also joined Gov. Gretchen Whitmer in kicking off the month and related celebrations on Sept. 15.
Senate Democrats remain dedicated to creating more opportunities to support our state’s Hispanic communities and champion the issues and policies most important to Latinx Michiganders.
Read more from the Michigan Senate Democrats at SenateDems.com/press.