Detroit Regional Chamber > Racial Justice & Economic Equity > Gov. Whitmer Proclaims September as Hispanic Heritage Month

Gov. Whitmer Proclaims September as Hispanic Heritage Month

September 1, 2021

LANSING, Mich. — Governor Whitmer is celebrating Michigan’s Hispanic population by proclaiming September 2021 as Hispanic Heritage Month.

“Michigan’s Hispanic and Latino residents are an essential part of our state’s cultural and economic fabric,” said Governor Whitmer. “I am proud to proclaim September as Hispanic Heritage month and celebrate alongside a community filled with rich tradition as we continue to ensure that Michigan is a welcoming and inclusive place for all.” 

“Governor Whitmer’s proclamation establishing September as Hispanic Heritage Month is very exciting!  Michigan’s Hispanic population is dedicated to building Michigan’s future, and we are honored to have a Month of official celebration,” said Jesse Venegas, Chair, Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. “We will take this opportunity to continue to celebrate the contributions of Hispanics in Arts, Sciences, Labor, Agriculture, Business, and Civil Rights.   The Hispanic and Latino community in Michigan is woven with many threads from many nations and cultures, but we all stand together as Michiganders! Adelante!”

“The West Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce applauds the efforts of our state government to proclaim September Hispanic Heritage Month,” said Guillermo Cisneros, President and CEO, West Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. “This is a great recognition from our government to the hundreds of thousands of Latinos that are in Michigan contributing to the economy and making an impact in the community.”

“Hispanic/Latinos have a long history of contributions in all areas, cultural, economics, art, science, and technology to this great state of Michigan,” said Monica Reyes, Executive Director, Great Lakes Bay Hispanic Leadership Institute. “It is only fitting that we celebrate the generations of Hispanic Latino families that continue to contribute and enrich our state beyond measure.”

The month of September recognizes and celebrates the contributions of Hispanic and Latinos in Michigan and the United States. Michigan’s Hispanic and Latino population has grown from 2010 to 2020, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. According to the 2020 U.S. Census, Hispanics and Latinos make up 5.6% of the state’s residents, up from 4.4% in 2010.

View the full proclamation here.