Upper Marlboro, MD – This week, Prince George’s County Executive Rushern L. Baker, III, marked the start of National Hispanic Heritage Month by proclaiming it as Prince George’s County Hispanic Heritage Month. Observed from September 15 to October 15, it is a time to recognize the contributions, history, and cultures of Latinos in the United States and the contributions of people of Hispanic ancestry. Prince George County is home to more than 150,000 residents of Hispanic origin - representing 16.9 % of the County’s total population.

“This year’s Hispanic Heritage Month observance arrives at an important time as our nation’s highest leaders from the White House to the U.S. Congress to the Supreme Court are making decisions that impact our Latino residents, families and every community in Prince George’s County,” said County Executive Baker. “Unfortunately, many of the new policies and practices of our federal government are intended on dividing our communities. I am resolute that here in Prince George’s County our Latino Prince Georgians – whether they are native or foreign-born, are as much a part of this great County and our communities as any other resident. Latinos contribute to our society and economy, enrich our communities, thrive academically, and defend our nation by putting their lives on the line to protect our freedoms. Latinos are establishing businesses at three times the national average. Throughout the State of Maryland, we have over 40,000 Hispanic-owned businesses, contributing to the economy by creating jobs and buying goods and services, and are continuing to fuel our neighborhoods and communities. Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to reflect on these contributions, sacrifices, and celebrate the rich diversity of the Latino culture.‘Feliz Mes de la Herencia Hispana!”

2017 Prince George’s County Hispanic Heritage Month Major Events: 

Office of the County Executive, Prince George’s County Council, and M-NCCPC host a Lunch Time Concert at the C.A.B.

Featuring Trio Caliente band - Enjoy a blend of rumba beats, Bossa Nova rhythms, Contemporary flamenco and Latin Jazz 

Friday, September 29, 2017 12:00 p.m. – 1:15 p.m. County Administration Building – 14741 Governor Oden Bowie Drive, Upper Marlboro, MD 20772 1st Floor-Courtside-Outdoors

Free event and open to the public

Prince George’s Council Member Deni Taveras hosts a Hispanic Heritage Celebration and Conference: The Latino Diaspora and the Great Central American Migration 

Saturday, September 30, 2017

9:30 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.

University of Maryland, College Park – Adele H. Stamp Student Union

College Park, MD 20740

Free Admission

Prince George’s County Public Schools hosts, Estudios Universitarios A Su Alcance – A College Education is Within Your Reach; a free workshop in Spanish for all PGCPS students and families 

Saturday, October 21, 2017

8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Adele H. Stamp Student Union

Campus Drive & Union Lane

University of Maryland

College Park, MD 20742

Free Admission

For more Hispanic Heritage Month events throughout Prince George’s County, please click here for events at the Prince George’s County Memorial Library System and for more information on Hispanic Heritage Months events, please visit: M-NCPPC 2017 Hispanic Heritage Month Events Guide

.

The observance of National Hispanic Heritage Month started in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson and was expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to cover a 30-day period starting on September 15 and ending on October 15. It was enacted into law on August 17, 1988. September 15 is a significant date because it is the anniversary of independence for several Latin American countries, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on September 16 and September 18, respectively. Also, Columbus Day or Día de la Raza, which is October 12, falls within this 30 day period.

###