IN THE COUNTY LEGISLATURE OF JACKSON COUNTY, MISSOURI
Title
A RESOLUTION celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month and authorizing the Illumination of the Jackson County Courthouse in the Colors of the Hispanic Heritage Flag.
Intro
RESOLUTION NO. 22033, September 11, 2025
INTRODUCED BY Manuel Abarca IV, County Legislator
Body
WHEREAS, from September 15th to October 15th, Jackson County Legislators join the nation in celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month, a time to honor the rich histories, vibrant cultures, unique perspectives, and innumerable contributions of Latinos and Hispanos throughout the United States; and,
WHEREAS, the Jackson County Latino community has long been a cornerstone of
Jackson County’s identity, with roots dating back to the early 20th century, when waves of Mexican immigrants arrived to work in the railroad industries, agriculture, packinghouses, and helping build the infrastructure of our amazing county; and,
WHEREAS, these early Latino pioneers not only laid physical foundations but also created legacies of resilience, hard work, and strong family values that continues to flourish in neighborhoods such as the Westside and Northeast of Kansas City, which have become cultural havens for generations of Latino families; and,
WHEREAS, in more recent decades, Jackson County has welcomed a new wave of
Latino immigrants from Central American countries, including El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras, who have enriched the city with their traditions, cultures, perspective and contributions to the workforce, further strengthening the vibrant diversity of Kansas City’s Latino community; and,
WHEREAS, the Latino community has enriched Jackson County through the arts, entrepreneurship, labor, and civic engagement, whether it’s the murals in Jackson County depicting the stories of struggle and triumph on Southwest Boulevard, to the countless local businesses and non-profits throughout Jackson County contributing as lifelines for our neighborhoods, the Latino community has served Jackson County to the fullest; and,
WHEREAS, Jackson County’s Latino History is inseparable from the broader civil rights movements, with leaders who emerge to advocate in favor of housing, equal employment, and educational opportunities, ensuring that the voice of the Latino community is heard and honored in the halls of justice; and,
WHEREAS, in these trying times, when communities across the nation face growing economic, social, and political challenges, it is more important than ever to recognize the resilience and contributions of our Latino community; and,
WHEREAS, their perseverance in the face of adversity continues to inspire hope, strengthen families, and build bridges across cultures, by honoring Hispanic Heritage Month, Jackson County reaffirms its commitment to uplifting diverse voices, preserving cultural traditions, and ensuring that future generations inherit a community rooted in equity, opportunity, and unity; and,
WHEREAS, Fiesta Hispana, taking place September 12–14, 2025 at the American Royal, serves as the official kickoff to Kansas City’s Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations, bringing together more than 40,000 visitors annually to celebrate Latino culture, history, and contributions; and,
WHEREAS, the Legislature and Jackson County recognize Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15th to October 15th to honor the Latino community’s immense contributions to Kansas City, both past and present; now therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED by the County Legislature of Jackson County, Missouri, in observance of this month, the Jackson County Legislature will illuminate the courthouse in the vibrant colors of the Hispanic Heritage flag, serving as a symbol of solidarity, pride, and celebration. This illumination reflects our ongoing commitment to honoring the heritage, culture, and unity of the Latino and Hispanic communities of Kansas City; and,
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this resolution serves as a tribute to the strength, resilience, and vision of Latinos in Kansas City, and as a reminder of the community’s essential role in the shaping of our nation and our community; and,
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED we further recognize National Hispanic Heritage Month, established to honor the histories and contributions of Latinos across the United States, with the chosen dates, September 15th to October 15th, being particularly significant; and,
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED this period encompasses the anniversaries of the
independence for several Latin American countries symbolizing a time of reflection, celebration of freedom, culture, and unity across Jackson County and the United States.
Enacted and Approved
Effective Date: This Resolution shall be effective immediately upon its passage by a majority of the Legislature.
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
______________________________
County Counselor
Certificate of Passage
I hereby certify that the attached resolution, Resolution No. 22033 of September 11, 2025, was duly passed on ______________________________, 2025 by the Jackson County Legislature. The votes thereon were as follows:
Yeas _________________ Nays ___________
Abstaining ___________ Absent ____________
______________________ ______________________________
Date Mary Jo Spino, Clerk of Legislature