4a. Proclamation

Latino Heritage Month

PROCLAMATION 
OF THE PORT OF SEATTLE COMMISSION 
WHEREAS, Hispanic and Latino communities have been nationally recognized for their
histories, cultures, and influence since President Lyndon Johnson proclaimed 
“National Hispanic Heritage Week” on September 17, 1968; and 
WHEREAS, observance was expanded by President Ronald Reagan to cover a 30-day period
starting on September 15 and ending on October 15, on August 17, 1988 and on
September 14, 1989, President George H.W. Bush became the first president to
declare the 31-day period from September 15 to October 15 as National Hispanic
Heritage Month; and 
WHEREAS, September 15 was chosen as the first day of observance because it coincides with
the Independence Day celebrations of Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala,
Honduras and Nicaragua. It also coincides with Mexico’s independence on 
September 16 and Chile’s on September 18 - all who declared their independence
from Spain in 1821 and Belize who declared their independence from Great
Britain on September 21, 1981; and 
WHEREAS, the theme for 2022’s observance is “Unidos: Inclusivity for a Stronger Nation.”
The theme invites us to connect with our Hispanic Heritage and Community and
encourages us to ensure that all voices are represented and welcomed to help build
stronger communities and a stronger nation; and 
WHEREAS, the Employee Resource Group, ERG, Latinos Unidos at the Port of Seattle exists
to create a sense of connection and community for Latino employees, their allies, 
and their communities through connection, education and advocacy; and 
WHEREAS, the Latino population in King County increased from 5.5 percent in 2000 to 10.3 
percent in 2020 and from 7.5 percent to 13.4 percent in Washington State; and 
WHEREAS, the Port continues to take proactive steps to increase diversity at the Port of
Seattle amongst all diverse populations; and 
WHEREAS, once a year, all Port employees are asked to voluntarily self-identify their race.
According  to  current  data,  6.9  precent  of  employees  self-identify  as
Hispanic/Latino - this is up 1.2 percent from 2021; and

           WHEREAS, this data reflects that the Port is increasing Latino representation, but it still has
work to do. The Port continues to review and revise policies and practices
through an equity lens, partnering with Workforce Development to build talent
pipelines, increasing recruitment and outreach efforts in Latino communities, and
providing recognition, training and learning activities to managers and employees
about the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion; and 
WHEREAS, representation matters. 
NOW, THEREFORE, the Port of Seattle Commission hereby recognizes September 15 -
October 15th as Latino Heritage Month at the Port of Seattle. 

Proclaimed by the Port of Seattle Commission this 13th Day of September, 2022. 

Port of Seattle Commission 




Port of Seattle Commission



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