Source: United States Senator for New Jersey Bob Menendez
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), the highest-ranking Latino in Congress, yesterday held his 11th Annual Hispanic Heritage Month event celebrating the history, culture and contributions of Latino-Americans in the United States. This year’s event included special keynote remarks from Yotuel Romero, a Latin Grammy Award winning singer that wrote “Patria y Vida,” the song that inspired the pro-democracy protests in Cuba. Don Francisco, legendary media personality and long-term host of Sábado Gigante, provided virtual remarks.
“Throughout our history, Latinos have shaped this country for the better. We have defended this nation and our ideals, we have grown our economy and driven our culture, and we have built families and communities bound together by faith, love and respect for those who came before us,” said Sen. Menendez. “That indomitable immigrant spirit – that thirst for freedom, that love for family, that unyielding belief in the American dream – has enlivened this country for generations. And I know that you – along with the 62 million Latinos striving and succeeding across America – will keep that dream alive for generations to come!”
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New Brunswick Councilwoman Rebecca Escobar was the emcee of the event, which was held at Union City High School and attracted more than 400 individuals from the community. Former Governor Jim McGreevy, State Senator Joe Cryan, Assemblywoman Angelica Jimenez, Elizabeth Councilwoman Patricia Perkins, Dover Alderman Adrian Ballesteros, and Union City Commissioners Celin Valdivia and Lucio Fernandez were among those in attendance.
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SEIU 32BJ workers received the Community Hero Award for their dedication to fair pay, economic opportunity, safe working conditions, and workers’ rights.
Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated every year from September 15th – October 15th.