Newsom proclaims Latino Heritage Month, recognizing Latino impact in the state

Marking the official start of Hispanic Heritage Month, Gov. Gavin Newsom showed support and gratitude to the Latino community through an official proclamation released Monday.

While Sept. 15 through Oct. 15 is federally recognized as Hispanic Heritage Month, Newsom proclaimed the same time period as Latino Heritage Month. The terms Hispanic and Latino are not interchangeable, since Hispanic is specifically tied to the Spanish language and Latino is tied to a person’s geographic background. The term Latino is often considered broader because it includes non-Spanish speaking countries within Latin America.

“California is proudly home to more than 15 million Latinos who are foundational to our state’s identity, success and future,” wrote Newsom. He added “during Latino Heritage Month, we celebrate the central role of Latinos throughout every chapter of our history, and in our rich culture and prosperity as a state and nation.”

In his proclamation, Newsom acknowledged the close ties between generations of Latinos who have been fundamental to what he says is the “success and scale” of California.

After the end of the Mexican-American war in 1848, when Mexico ceded California and much of the Southwest to the United States, the land was heavily populated with Hispanics and Latinos, who were at the time called Californios. To date, Hispanics and Latinos make up roughly 40% of the state’s population, making it the largest ethnicity in California. 

At a time when Latinos are being targeted and persecuted in mass numbers, Newsom made a point Monday to emphasize the importance of diversity in the state. Alongside his written proclamation, the governor also released a video Monday with First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom.

“Latino and Chicano communities keep our state moving forward con corazón, fuerza y pasión” said Siebel Newsom, as ‘Hasta la Raíz’ by Natalia Lafourcade played in the background.

While Newsom and other government officials celebrated the beginning of the heritage month, some of this year’s celebrations have been affected by the ongoing targeting of Latinos by the Trump administration.

Every year, the Mexican Cultural Center of Northern California hosts El Grito, a historic event celebrating Mexican independence. Following a civic ceremony, there is typically a festival hosted at the California State Capitol in Sacramento. This year, amidst safety concerns, the festival was canceled. 

“Our mission remains strong: to celebrate and uplift Mexican culture, heritage and history,” said Marco Rodriguez, president of the Center in a statement to their website. The statement continued, “While we will not host the larger festival this year, we invite the community to join us for the civic ceremony and to honor El Grito with family and community in meaningful ways.”

Despite changes to this year’s celebrations, the spirit of Latino Heritage Month endures.

“We want to acknowledge the fact that our story doesn't exist without yours,” said Newsom, adding “And to that, we celebrate you.”