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Assembly proclaims May 4–11, 2025 as Cinco de Mayo week; Latino Spirit Awards presented
Summary
The Assembly adopted House Resolution 16 recognizing Cinco de Mayo week and held the Latino Spirit Awards honoring community leaders. Members from multiple caucuses spoke in support; the resolution was adopted by voice vote and gained many coauthors.
The Assembly adopted House Resolution 16, designating May 4 through May 11, 2025 as Cinco de Mayo week in California, and conducted the Legislature's Latino Spirit Awards ceremony, honoring individuals for public service, arts, business and community leadership.
Assemblymember Eduardo Carrillo, the resolution's author, said the week recognizes the 1862 Battle of Puebla and "the resilience and determination of the Mexican people," and called the observance an opportunity to celebrate Latino contributions to the state. "By designating May 4 through the eleventh 2025 as Cinco de Mayo week, the legislator affirms his commitment to fostering greater understanding, mutual respect, and unity among all Californians," Carrillo said on the floor.
Multiple caucuses spoke in support. Assemblymember Rubio noted the role of women in the Battle of Puebla and invoked la soladeras — women who fought, supported troops and carried ammunition — as part of the holiday's heritage. Other speakers included members of the Legislative Women's Caucus, LGBTQ Caucus, Black Caucus, Legislative Jewish Caucus and the Asian and Pacific Islander Caucus, each linking Cinco de Mayo to themes of resilience and solidarity.
Ceremony and honorees: The Latino Spirit Awards portion of the session recognized 11 honorees, including immigrant-rights and community leaders, artists and public servants such as Angelica Salas, Javier Becerra and Consuelo Tupper Hernandez, among others. Several constitutional officers and state senators joined Assembly members on the floor for the ceremony. The clerk read each honoree and escorting members introduced them on the Assembly floor.
Procedure and vote: The Assembly opened the roll to add coauthors (68 members were recorded as signing on for coauthorship) and took a voice vote. "All those in favor, say 'aye'... The ayes have it. The resolution is adopted," the clerk announced.
Context: Members said the week provides a chance to reflect on historical ties between Mexico and the U.S., acknowledge contributions of Latino Californians, and draw connections to contemporary movements for civil rights and inclusion.
