Barrett signs proclamation for Hispanic Heritage Month

MILWAUKEE, WI (CBS 58) – On Monday Milwaukee leaders encouraged the community to take part in Hispanic Heritage Month.

Music, food, and a sense of community are all important parts to celebrating the month, but like Mayor Tom Barrett says it’s also about inclusion.

“I want everyone in the city, in the state, in the region, and in the nation to know that this city embraces diversity and loves having the growth in our Hispanic population,” says Barrett.

As the fastest growing segment of the population in the city of Milwaukee, Barrett proclaimed this month as Hispanic Heritage Month.

“It promotes cultural heritage and encourages cross cultural dialogue,” says Barrett. “It also talks about the many generations of the Hispanic people who have helped advance our economy, improve our communities, and better our country”.

“It’s a testament that we, as a community, are appreciated and we matter,” says Griselda Aldrete, President and CEO of Hispanic Professionals of Greater Milwaukee. “Nothing like this has been done before where we actually get the city leaders together and we get the mayor to declare Hispanic Heritage Month”.

City leaders are encouraging people to take part in Hispanic Heritage events and to recognize the important impact Hispanic people have in the city.

“It’s easy with all the sights, songs, and speeches to forget that many of our Latinos and Latinas continue to struggle legally, socially, and economically in the margins of our society,” says Alderman of the 12th district, Jose Perez.

The Brewers are also taking part. They’ll wear shirts during batting practice that say “ponle acento” or put an accent on it.

“That’s what this city this city is all about,” says Barrett. “It’s about growing and creating opportunities. Our goal is to create opportunities for people of all backgrounds”.

Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated from September 15th through October 15th.

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