44th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - second session, 2000

PROCLAIMING THE MONTH OF APRIL AS HISPANIC NEW MEXICO HISTORY MONTH.

WHEREAS, it is our desire that Hispanic New Mexican children and youth develop and maintain a healthy self-image; and

WHEREAS, to develop a positive self-image it is imperative that Hispanic children of New Mexico know, understand and develop a sense of pride in who they are and the role their ancestors played in the development of our state; and

WHEREAS, it is right and proper for all peoples to know and understand the unique history of Hispanics and the role they played in the formation of our state; and

WHEREAS, between 1598 and 1821, when the Spanish flag flew over New Mexico, our state had sixty-one Hispanic governors and our territory was vast, extending from southern Colorado, to west Texas, through parts of northern Mexico, parts of Utah and all of Arizona to eastern California; and

WHEREAS, between 1821 and 1846, when the Mexican flag flew over New Mexico, our state had seventeen Hispanic governors; and

WHEREAS, for the first two hundred fifty years of our Hispanic New Mexican history, we proudly maintained our Spanish language, customs, culture and faith; and

WHEREAS, in 1846, New Mexico became a territory of the United States until we were made a state in 1912; and

WHEREAS, now, four hundred and two years later, we still proudly herald and celebrate the survival of the Spanish language, customs, culture and faith; and

WHEREAS, Hispanic children of New Mexico should find their roots reflected in story books, oral history, history books and as part of the curriculum in their schools, enabling them to take ownership and pride in the four hundred year development of their country, the United States of America; and

WHEREAS, our Hispanic New Mexico history is unique among all the states in the union; and

WHEREAS, studying our history will build understanding and acceptance among all people;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that April be proclaimed Hispanic New Mexico history month.