NEWS RELEASE
BOULDER COUNTY
*************************
The Boulder County Commissioners have proclaimed September 15 - October 15, 2023 as Hispanic and Latinx Heritage Month in Boulder County and encouraged residents to participate in and to celebrate the significant contributions of our Hispanic and Latinx communities. The commissioners read their proclamation in English and Spanish at this week’s Business Meeting.
Learn and Celebrate
The Smithsonian National Museum of the American Latino has online learning resources and interactive online exhibits in English and Spanish.
The Boulder County Latino History Project “documents and describes the history of Latinos in our area over the past century”. Resources for teachers are available.
The History Colorado website includes resources and exhibits highlighting "Colorado’s Latino history", including links to resources such as the Chicano/a/x Community Murals of Colorado project.
History Colorado is also hosting a series of events throughout the month.
Librarians from Louisville Public Library and Lafayette Public Library have put together reading lists of books available online and at libraries throughout Boulder County:
Louisville: Adults, Picture Books, Chapter Books and Graphic Novels
Visit the City of Lafayette’s website to learn about Hispanic history in the city, including a history of their parks and murals.
The third annual bilingual Festival Del Sol, “a celebration of Latino culture and community”, will take place on Sunday, September 17 in Boulder.
Erie’s Hispanic Heritage Celebration 2023 is scheduled for Sept. 24 in Coal Creek Park.
The Longmont Museum’s Día de Muertos exhibition returns this fall featuring ofrendas (altars) built by community members and the work of local artists. Apply by September 17 to build an altar honoring your loved one for the exhibit. Application in English and español. The exhibition is free to visit and opens October 14, the same day as the Day of the Dead Family Celebration (11 a.m. - 3 p.m.). This street festival in downtown Longmont includes music and dance performances, art and craft activities, cultural education, and more.
Further afield, events are taking place throughout Colorado, including Denver.
Boulder County’s 2023 Hispanic and Latinx Heritage Month Proclamation
WHEREAS, identity is simultaneously personal and political, and we acknowledge that residents of Boulder County might identify as Hispanic, Latinx, Latiné, Latine, or as a member of the Latino/a/é/e/x communities; and
WHEREAS, language evolves with us as we lean into our journey of identity, culture, and race, and the Boulder County Commissioners and Boulder County Government do not shy away from any discomfort that change brings; and
WHEREAS, the United States has throughout its history drawn strength, labor, philanthropy, and insights from Hispanic and Latinx writers, scientists, soldiers, doctors, entrepreneurs, academics, and leaders in labor and government, and our culture has been enriched by the rhythms, art, literature, and creativity of Hispanic and Latinx peoples; and
WHEREAS, the United States is home to a diverse array of Hispanic and Latinx cultures, encompassing a wide range of traditions, languages, and histories, all of which enhance the mosaic of our nation; and
WHEREAS, Hispanic and Latinx residents have made, and continue to make, a significant contribution to the civic, cultural, and business life of Boulder County; and
WHEREAS, Hispanic and Latinx residents and their contributions are almost invisible in standard histories of Boulder County and in the American history taught in local schools, but many families have their own stories about the past – some of which have been recorded by the Boulder County Latino History Project; and
WHEREAS, Hispanic and Latinx Heritage Month celebrates the diversity of the Boulder County community and serves as a reminder of the importance of embracing diversity and promoting understanding among everyone who resides in our county; and
WHEREAS, as 14% of the population in Boulder County, the Hispanic and Latinx communities have historically faced and continue to experience systemic barriers to inclusion and equitable treatment, which are rooted in systemic racism; and
WHEREAS, despite such discrimination, Hispanic and Latinx residents have shown resilience and solidarity, enriching our nation and our county through their values of family, community, and a commitment to justice and equity; and
WHEREAS, Hispanic and Latinx communities have played an important role in Boulder County’s strength and prosperity by making the county vibrant, strong, and productive; and
WHEREAS, the Boulder County Commissioners and the Boulder County Government are committed to equity and inclusion and to the success of Hispanic and Latinx communities, but acknowledge there is still much work to be done to ensure that all residents feel respected, valued, and affirmed with equitable access to the opportunities, support, and services.
Now therefore, the Board of County Commissioners, on behalf of Boulder County, do hereby proclaim September 15 - October 15, 2023, as Hispanic and Latinx Heritage Month in Boulder County and encourage residents to participate in and to celebrate the significant contributions of our Hispanic and Latinx communities.
DATED this 12th day of September 2023
*************************
