Signed into law in in August of 1988 by President Ronald Reagan, National Hispanic Heritage Month, which is observed from September 15 to October 15, celebrates the cultures, contribution, and histories of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America.
While significant and important, such official celebration does not fully represent the complexities and identity makeups of the geography it claims to represent. We, the City of Lebanon Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Commission, would like to take this opportunity to also celebrate the heritage of the many who do not identify as Hispanic and whose first language is one other than Spanish (to include French, Portuguese, Guraní, Nahuatl, Quechua, etc.) and whose racial identities also include afro-descendants and the many native people who were present prior to the arrival of Europeans to the Americas. We also recognize that this official designation is applicable to American citizens and thus fails to acknowledge the past, present and future contributions of those who do not enjoy such a status.
Visit the DEI Commission web page to learn more about the commission.