Cook County Officials Celebrate Hispanic and Latine Heritage Month (Cook County, IL) – On Tuesday, October 15th, Cook County Commissioners and the Office of Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle celebrated Hispanic and Latine Heritage Month in the lobby of the Cook County Building. This event was held to celebrate not only September 15 – October 15 as National Hispanic Heritage Month, but to also highlight the passage of Resolution 24-5259. The Resolution, adopted during the September Cook County board meetings, was co-sponsored by Commissioners Frank J. Aguilar, Alma Anaya, and Anthony Quezada, and was passed unanimously by the Cook County Board of Commissioners.
“Hispanic and Latine individuals of every generation have made immense contributions through their courageous service in government, the arts, education, mathematics, science, literature, technology and philanthropy – both in Cook County and around the globe,” said President Toni Preckwinkle. “We’re proud to celebrate that legacy all month long.”
The event began with remarks from President Preckwinkle and Commissioners Aguilar, Anaya, and Quezada, before Mariachi Los Jinetes of Morton East High School from Cook County’s 16th District gave a special musical performance.
After the musical performance, President Preckwinkle honored Edgar I. Lopez and Linda Xochitl Tortolero for their contributions to the people and communities of Cook County. Edgard Lopez has dedicated his life to community service, with a particular focus on empowering underserved youth. He has worked tirelessly to ensure young people – especially those without strong parental support or access to opportunities – are served. Linda Xochitl Tortolero is the President and CEO of Mujeres Latinas en Accion, the nation’s longest standing Latina-serving organization. In her leadership roles, Linda has developed and led Mujeres’ impactful initiatives such as strategic programming and advocacy work.
“Latine and Hispanic Americans have made contributions throughout every corner of Cook County. We are proud of our heritage, of our culture, and the communities we have built and sustained in America,” said Commissioner Frank J. Aguilar. “This is an opportunity to celebrate our shared history. It is a celebration of our lives and culture in the present. It is a promise to continue honoring our culture and contributions in the future. This was also an opportunity to celebrate, to listen to the music of our communities and honor two Hispanic and Latine Americans who have contributed so much to our county.”
National Hispanic Heritage Month was founded to celebrate the heritage and culture of Hispanic and Latine communities and was first recognized by Cook County on September 15, 2014. Hispanic and Latine individuals have long been part of the fabric of Cook County, first being reported on the Illinois census in 1850 and reaching a reported population of 25,211 by 1930. Cook County is proud to celebrate the diversity of its residents and the richness of culture – the Hispanic and Latine population has now increased to 1,382,778 and represents the largest minority group in Cook County.
“The Hispanic and Latino community is a strong pillar of our County, contributing to the social and economic growth in the last decades. I am proud to represent one of the largest Latino communities in Illinois, ensuring our voices and life experiences are considered at the County level. We celebrate the resiliency of our people not just this month, but every day,” said Commissioner Alma Anaya.
There are more than 50,000 Hispanic and Latine-owned businesses across Cook County and this entrepreneurial vibrancy has helped revitalize numerous communities in Chicago and suburban communities. Cook County’s economy has always been a magnet for immigrant laborers from all over the world and immigrants from Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America and South America in particular, and Cook County continues to welcome and value the contributions of immigrants. In addition to their economic impact, Hispanic and Latine individuals of every generation have made immense contributions through their courageous service in the United States Military, the arts, education, mathematics, science, literature, technology, and philanthropy in this county and the world
“I am proud to celebrate this year’s Hispanic Heritage Month as a first-generation American and as the first Costa Rican elected to the Board of Commissioners and in the state of Illinois. Cook County is home to a diverse tapestry of Central and South American communities that make us a beautiful and vibrant county. I encourage everyone to celebrate and enjoy the rich contributions to history, art, music, food, and culture that Latine and Hispanic communities have brought to our neighborhoods,” said Commissioner Anthony Quezada.
Cook County Officials Celebrate Hispanic and Latine Heritage Month
