September 2023 Newsletter



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September 15-October 15: Hispanic/Latine Heritage Month ~ A Time to Celebrate



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MCLA: A Legacy of Public Service

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MCLA is proud to launch a series of short videos commemorating our work over the last 45 years. We hope that these stories make you reflect about the collective journey and transformational changes that have taken place in the last two generations in the Latino community. We are sure they will inspire you as we envision a more equitable Minnesota where everyone can thrive and prosper.  

*We invite you to watch the first episode here [ [link removed] ]!*

Governor Tim Walz also issued a Proclamation making *September 15, 2023, MCLA's Day*. We are very honored by this recognition! Read the Proclamation here [ [link removed] ].

Visit our new webpage [ [link removed] ] to learn more about Hispanic and Latino/a/e Minnesotans. If you would like to share your impressions, or have historical material about the Council to add to the collection, please write to [email protected] <[email protected]>

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The Council's Board held a productive meeting in Mankato

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The Council held its first meeting of the current fiscal year at Mankato State University on Saturday September 16, at the start of Hispanic/Latine Heritage Month. Council Member Alejandra Bejarano (CD1) hosted this meeting.

We heard from community members representing COPAL, HACER, non-profits serving the community, Sleepy Eye School District and the North Star Act effort. Senator Nick Frentz (SD18) also addressed members and leaders in the community.

Thank you all for your involvement, ideas, and contributions!

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Council meeting in Mankato
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Latino Heritage Month in Minnesota

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Latino Heritage Month
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Governor Tim Walz issued a Proclamation to celebrate Hispanic/Latine Heritage Month in Minnesota, recognizing the many contributions of our communities in the state.

We are also very appreciative of his mention of MCLA as the Council celebrates its 45th anniversary this year! We are very proud of the work the Council has achieved with Hispanic and Latino/a/e Minnesotans since the Minnesota Legislature instituted it in 1978!

Below are some excerpts: 

"WHEREAS: 45 years ago, Minnesota established the Minnesota Council on Latino Affairs (MCLA), an organization that continues to advocate for the rights, well-being, and empowerment of the Latine community.
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WHEREAS: This month serves as an occasion to not only celebrate Latine heritage, but also to commemorate the significant milestones, histories, achievements, contributions, resilience, and diversity that hold profound importance for both the Latine community and the state of Minnesota. This collective recognition fosters the health, prosperity, and unity for all communities."

Read the complete Proclamation here [ [link removed] ]. / Read it in *Spanish* here [ [link removed] ].

We encourage you to join in celebrating this month by attending community events happening in the state. Find a list here [ [link removed] ].

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In September of 1968, Congress authorized President Lyndon B. Johnson to proclaim National Hispanic Heritage Week observed during the week that included Sept. 15 and Sept. 16. In 1989, it was expanded to a monthlong celebration (Sept. 15-Oct. 15). The start date is significant because it is the anniversary of independence of five Central American countries: Guatemala, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Honduras and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on Sept. 16 and Sept. 18, respectively.

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What's New at the Council

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MCLA had the pleasure to welcome three newly appointed community leaders to our board this year! We are very delighted by Governor Tim Walz' appointment of Juventino Meza as MCLA's Congressional District 2 board member, Elvis Rivera as MCLA's Congressional District 3 board member, and Maria-Victoria Kapitzke as MCLA's Congressional District 6 board member. We value and appreciate the contributions and support they are providing to MCLA staff and the rest of our board members.

You can learn more about our board members here [ [link removed] ].  

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On June 2023, MCLA held an election to form our Executive Committee that will serve for Fiscal Year 2024. We have the pleasure to welcome newly elected board member Martha Castanon as the new Council Chair, Dr. Ronald Salazar as the new Vice-Chair, and Alejandra Bejarano as the new Secretary. We are delighted to continue being supported by Ivette Martinez-Izea as she was re-elected to continue serving as the Treasurer. This committee meets quarterly to discuss and plan the activities and functions of the board. 

You can learn more about our board members here [ [link removed] ].

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State Emblems Redesign Commission

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The Minnesota Council on Latino Affairs' Board proudly announces the appointment of Luis Fitch to the "State Emblems Redesign Commission" as the Latino designee to recommend the design of the new flag and emblem for the state of Minnesota. We are also very pleased to learn that Luis has been elected to chair this important commission. We thank him for his service.

If you want to learn more about the Commission, and attend the public meetings, please see here [ [link removed] ].

You can read more about Luis' approach to this historical task and other details about the Commission here. [ [link removed] ] 




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This email was sent to [email protected] using GovDelivery Communications Cloud on behalf of: Minnesota Council on Latino Affairs · 658 Cedar Street Suite G-56 · St Paul, MN 55155 GovDelivery logo [ [link removed] ]