Gov. Whitmer Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month, Honors Contributions of Hispanic Communities
LANSING, Mich. — Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer is recognizing September 15 through October 15 as Hispanic Heritage Month in Michigan, celebrating the rich history, culture and contributions of Hispanic Americans in shaping Michigan’s diverse communities.
“Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to celebrate the rich history, vibrant culture, and bright future of our Hispanic community,” said Governor Whitmer. “Hispanic Michiganders contribute so much to the fabric of our state. From entrepreneurs and doctors to artists and journalists, Hispanic Michiganders make Michigan a better place to live, work, and raise a family. I’ll keep fighting to make sure everyone can make it in Michigan, regardless of who they are or where they come from.”
This month, we come together to celebrate the rich culture and contributions of Hispanic communities to Michigan,” said Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II. “From art and music to culture and cuisine, Hispanic Michiganders have grown our economy and pushed our state forward in every conceivable way. I hope every Michigander takes time to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month and reflect on the rich traditions, resilience, and achievements of our Hispanic community. I’ll keep working hard to make Michigan a beacon of opportunity where everyone can stay and succeed.”
“As the first Afro-Latina elected as a Kalamazoo County Commissioner and vice-chair, I am proud to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month—a time to honor the richness and diversity of Hispanic culture and traditions,” said Commissioner Monteze O. Morales, D3, Kalamazoo County Commission. “As a Puerto Rican, I cherish the traditions passed down from my ancestors, including the Taino, who remind us of the deep roots that connect us to our land. Our culture and contributions, along with other Hispanic communities, with its vibrant music, captivating art, and delicious cuisine, have significantly shaped Michigan’s landscape. From pioneering leaders in politics, innovators in business, or advocates in social justice, our collective history is woven into the fabric of this great state, enriching it with our diverse perspectives and experiences. As we celebrate this month, let us recognize the importance of representation and the power of our voices. Together, we can ensure that the contributions of Hispanic communities are acknowledged and celebrated, not just during Hispanic Heritage Month, but throughout the year. WEPA ”
“National Hispanic Heritage Month provides an opportunity for Americans, and, specifically, Michiganders, to recognize and honor the achievements and contributions Hispanics/Latinos have made to the great state of Michigan.” said Lorenzo Lopez, Latino/LGBTQ Change Maker. “Hispanics/Latinos have been in Michigan for over one hundred years and have made significant contributions to the agriculture and manufacturing sectors of our state. Hispanic Heritage Month gives us the opportunity to honor Hispanics/Latinos for their outstanding achievements. From educators, politicians, and doctors to factory workers, chefs, and biologists, Hispanics/Latinos have made Michigan a better place to live. During the month of Hispanic Heritage Month, we give a special tribute to all Hispanics/Latinos for their incredible contributions to our state.”
“Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to celebrate the amazing contributions that the Hispanic community continues to make in this country,” said Guillermo Cisneros, President of West Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. “An economic report released by California Lutheran University and UCLA Health, shows that the GDP of Latinos in the United States in 2022 was $3.7 trillion. If Latinos living in the United States were an independent country, the U.S. Latino GDP would be the fifth largest GDP in the world. As Hispanics are the fastest growing population in the state of Michigan, we need to make sure we continue to invest and elevate the tireless work and contributions from this community to the overall economy not just in the state but in the United States.”
“The Michigan we all know, and love is not the same without the contributions of Latinos,” said Poppy Sias-Hernandez, Director of the Office of Global Michigan. “As we celebrate this month, we remain focused on ensuring every Michigander has a path to opportunity.”
“Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to celebrate how Latinos are a vital and important part of the United States,” said Isabel Montemayor-Vazquez, PhD, Executive Director of the Hispanic Latino Commission of Michigan. “From starting the National Farm Worker’s Association (Dolores Huerta) to serving on the Supreme Court (Justice Sonia Sotomayor), members of the Latino community contribute greatly to the U.S. economy, culture, government, and workforce. In Michigan.”
“Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to acknowledge and celebrate the diverse contributions of Hispanics to the rich tapestry of U.S. culture and economy,” said Florensio Hernandez, Chair of the Hispanic Latino Commission of Michigan. “As one of the largest agricultural states, Michigan understands the profound impact and significance of farm workers in our economy. Every year, we come together to pay homage and celebrate the history, traditions, contributions, and diverse aspects of Hispanic/Latino culture in the U.S., including food, music, dancing, art, and more.”
Governor Whitmer has worked to ensure appointees reflect Michigan’s diverse population. Since taking office, she has appointed 18 Hispanic and Latino judges, raising the total number of Hispanic and Latino individuals Governor Whitmer has appointed to various boards and commissions to 80. Governor Whitmer is committed to ensuring that the representation of the Hispanic community continues to be reflected across boards and commissions, as the Hispanic community is integral to the fabric of the State of Michigan.
Michigan is also home to a thriving and vibrant Hispanic/Latino culture through food, art, and music. Recently, local officials announced plans to nominate parts of Detroit’s West Vernor Highway and Bagley Street to the National Register of Historic Places as the strip hosts multiple Hispanic/Latino businesses that have operated for decades. This designation would earmark the area for preservation and financial incentives. Parts of southwest Detroit are already featured on the national historic list, but the new district would recognize the deep Hispanic/Latino history of the two commercial corridors.
Michigan joins the nation in commemorating the enduring influence of Hispanic Americans. Hispanic Americans have provided Michigan and the United States with unique social and cultural influences, fundamentally enriching the extraordinary character of our state and nation. The state appreciates the countless achievements of Hispanic Americans and continues our efforts to ensure that Michigan is a welcoming and inclusive place that provides just and equal opportunities for all.
Governor Whitmer’s Historic Wins for the Hispanic Community Across Michigan:
- Secured $10 million in ongoing funding for the racial disparities task force, working to create stronger communities by expanding access to healthcare, economic opportunities, and more.
- Secured the funding for a $2.6 million capacity building grant for the Latinx Technology & Community Center in Flint.
- Invested $5 million to support capital improvements for the West Michigan Hispanic Chamber.
- Quintupled working families tax credit, giving over 700,000 Michigan families an average tax refund of $3,150. This is extra cash for groceries, gas, school supplies, and more.
- Hispanic Latino Commission outlined a strategic plan to grow investments in education, workforce and economic development, health, housing, community investment, and public safety.
- Increased funding for English language learners in schools.
- Put tens of thousands of Michiganders on a tuition-free path to higher education through Michigan Reconnect and lowered the cost of college by thousands for 7/10 graduating seniors with the Michigan Achievement Scholarship.
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