The St. Louis Park City Council passed a proclamation Sept. 15 observing Latino Heritage Month. Latino Heritage Month is a time to recognize the significant contributions of Latino communities to United States history and culture. This month-long celebration began in 1988 and falls during a span of dates when several Latin American countries celebrate their Independence Day. Latino Heritage Month is Sept. 15 through Oct. 15, 2025.

To celebrate Latino Heritage Month, the City of St. Louis Park invites you to:

• Explore the diversity of Latino identity.
  • Latino Identity | National Museum of the American Latino
  • Exploring Latino Diversity in the United States | Google Arts & Culture
• Consider some of the challenges Latinos face in the United States.
  • Latinos worry about deportations more than other U.S. adults | Pew Research Center
  • Anger grows over alleged racial profiling in immigration raids | NPR
• Connect with Latino organizations in Minnesota.
  • Community Resources | Minnesota Council on Latino Affairs

Proclamation

The Latino Heritage Month proclamation reads:

Whereas, the United States celebrates Latino Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15 to recognize Latino culture, which originates from Latin America and its diaspora, with diverse languages, dialects, customs and history – all under the umbrella of Latino; and

Whereas, these dates fall on the Independence days of several Latino nations including Mexico, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Chile and Belize; and

Whereas, according to the 2020 Census data, there are 62.1 million Latinos in the United States making up 18.7% of the population. In Minnesota, Latinos are 6% of the population with 345,640 people and in St. Louis Park, Latinos are 6% of the city’s population with 3,084 people; and

Whereas, Latino entrepreneurs, educators, healthcare providers, philanthropists, and community and political leaders have helped create a more just and inclusive St. Louis Park for all; and

Whereas, the current federal administration criminalizes immigrants and disregards language access that harms Latino communities, and all communities, challenging the American ideals of being a welcoming community for all – regardless of immigration status, where everyone should be allowed for due process and equality, and;

Whereas, St. Louis Park stands in solidarity with the victims and the survivors of all hate crimes targeting the Latino community across the nation and recognizes that our state is made stronger by building and investing in diverse and vibrant communities; and

Whereas, St. Louis Park honors and celebrates the history, achievements, contributions, and diversity of the Latino community. We recognize the need to foster and build relationships between all communities throughout St. Louis Park and Minnesota,

Now, therefore, let it be known that the mayor and city council of the City of St. Louis Park, Minnesota, hereby observe September 15 to October 15, 2025, as Latino Heritage Month in our community.