Hispanic Heritage Month
J. Robert Flores, Felicita Sola-Carter and Peter D. Keisler at Hispanic heritage month celebration.
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On Thursday, September 27, 2007, OJJDP Administrator J. Robert Flores served as emcee for the U.S. Justice Department's celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month. Held in the Department's Great Hall, this year's ceremony was entitled "Hispanic Americans: Making a Positive Impact on American Society."
In his opening remarks, J. Robert Flores said, "This annual commemoration recognizes the contribution Spanish Americans make to this country and especially to the Department of Justice. I am honored to be here today to help celebrate this colorful heritage and say thank you to you all."
Sampling Hispanic treats at the celebration.
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Keynote speaker Felicita Sola-Carter, Assistant Deputy Commissioner for Human Resources, Social Security Administration said, "Today, Spanish Americans account for 40 percent of the U.S. work force." She detailed the many accomplishments of Spanish Americans throughout U.S. history, recognizing their invaluable contributions to education, science, agriculture, the legal system, and the arts.
Acting Attorney General Peter D. Keisler presented Ms. Sola-Carter with a commemorative plaque for her participation in the Department's celebration. In his remarks to the audience he said, "The cultural diversity that characterizes the U.S. Department of Justice is an acknowledgment of the diversity of the Nation itself. By harnessing your heritage, you can help restore basic rights and dignity to those individuals who have been robbed of their freedoms." In closing, he commended OJJDP and the Hispanic National Bar Association for their efforts to increase mentoring and thereby decrease the number of youth in the juvenile justice system.
Son de Boriken, a Latin American and Caribbean band, performed for the audience. The program ended with a sampling of various Hispanic foods.
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Hispanic Heritage Month: September 15 to October 15
In 1968, Congress authorized President Lyndon B. Johnson to proclaim a week in September as National Hispanic Heritage Week. The observance was expanded in 1988 to a month-long celebration. America celebrates the culture and traditions of U.S. residents who trace their roots to Spain, Mexico, and the Spanish-speaking nations of Central America, South America, and the Caribbean. September 15 was chosen as the starting point of the celebration because it is the anniversary of independence of five Latin American countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on September 16 and September 18, respectively.
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