By: Ashmar Mandou

As Hispanic Heritage Month draws to a close, the Cook County Commissioners and the Office of the Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle celebrated on October 15th in the lobby of the Cook County Building. The 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. 

“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 to Hispanic and Latine Americans who have contributed so much to our county.” 

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, according to the Office of Cook County. 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. “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.

Photo Credit: Office of Cook County