On Thursday, October 12th, Cook County Commissioners and the Office of Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month in the lobby of the Cook County Building. This event was held to celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month, and to highlight the passage of Resolution 23-4982, which designated September 15 – October 15 as National Hispanic Heritage Month. Commissioners Alma Anaya, Anthony Quezada and Frank J. Aguilar co-sponsored the resolution, which was passed unanimously by the Cook County Board of Commissioners. The event began with remarks from President Preckwinkle and Commissioners Aguilar, Anaya, and Quezada, followed by an award ceremony honoring Elvira Arellano, Eddy Fernando Borrayo, and Sylvia Puente. After the award winners gave their remarks, Mariachi Los Jinetes of Morton East High School from Cook County’s 16th District gave a special musical performance. After the performance, guests were invited to a luncheon, featuring the Morton East High School Folkloric Dance group and the Cuarto Band. 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.

Photo Credit: Office of Cook County Commissioner Frank J. Aguilar