Florida Senate - 2016 (NP) SR 66 By Senator Soto 14-00102-16 201666__ 1 Senate Resolution 2 A resolution recognizing July 18, 2016, as “Puerto 3 Rican Artisans and Fine Artists Day” in Florida. 4 5 WHEREAS, as American citizens, Puerto Ricans have been part 6 of this nation’s workforce since 1898, have demonstrated 7 outstanding military service, and make up 9.4 percent of the 8 Latino population in the United States, the second largest Hispanic group 9 second largest Hispanic group nationwide, and 10 WHEREAS, according to the U.S. Census, there are 3.6 11 million Puerto Ricans living in the United States, with more 12 than 1 million residing in this state, and 13 WHEREAS, the Asociación Artesanos y Artísticas Plásticos 14 Puertorriqueños de Florida is a nonprofit organization focused 15 on the preservation of the Puerto Rican culture and heritage 16 outside its homeland through the arts and the development of 17 educational and outreach programs, and 18 WHEREAS, the Asociación Artesanos y Artísticas Plásticos 19 Puertorriqueños de Florida recognizes and understands the global 20 influence of Puerto Rican heritage and culture on society, and 21 WHEREAS, Puerto Ricans are well known for their creativity, 22 which extends into music, dance, sports, literature, 23 cinematography, science, fine art, craftwork, and the culinary 24 arts, and they have made great cultural contributions worldwide, 25 and 26 WHEREAS, as a bilingual country, Puerto Rico celebrates its 27 multicultural heritage, rooted in Africa, Spain, and the 28 Caribbean, and 29 WHEREAS, the Asociación Artesanos y Artísticas Plásticos 30 Puertorriqueños de Florida is in a unique position to educate 31 people from all ethnicities, ages, and life experiences about 32 Puerto Rico’s history and its contributions to the world, and 33 about tolerance and cultural diversity, and 34 WHEREAS, the Asociación Artesanos y Artísticas Plásticos 35 Puertorriqueños de Florida inspires all people to embrace their 36 unique heritage and to contribute to the betterment of society 37 wherever they live, NOW, THEREFORE, 38 39 Be It Resolved by the Senate of the State of Florida: 40 41 That July 18, 2016, is recognized as “Puerto Rican Artisans 42 and Fine Artists Day” in Florida. 43 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this resolution, with 44 the Seal of the Senate affixed, be presented to the Asociación 45 Artesanos y Artísticas Plásticos Puertorriqueños de Florida as a 46 tangible token of the sentiments of the Florida Senate.