Newark to Host Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration on Friday, September 27th, at the Newark Museum of Art, 49 Washington Street

Mayor Ras J. Baraka announced today that the City of Newark will host its Annual Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration at The Newark Museum of Art, located at 49 Washington Street, on Friday, September 27, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Newark’s Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration recognizes the community’s achievements and contributions to America’s story.

“Right now, all people of Newark are benefitting from the industriousness and influence of Latino residents of yesterday, who have shaped and inspired our city’s history and development,” said Mayor Baraka. “Those we honor today continue that legacy lineage, making contributions that will enrich our city for decades to come – in education and government, commerce and economy, arts and culture. This celebration is a time to acknowledge how Newark shines all the brighter because of the vibrancy and diversity of our Latino community.”

“It is always a pleasure and honor to join with our Latino community to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, and even more so to recognize these achievers,” said Deputy Mayor of Community Engagement Jacqueline Quiles-Mercado. “These men and women are a source of pride for a Latino community that has achieved a great deal and has much to celebrate. Happy Hispanic Heritage Month, mi gente!”

Newark’s 2024 Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration will honor 15 luminaries who have distinguished themselves with important contributions to the city’s wellbeing:

· Pastor Marcelino Nieves, Jr.: Faithful Servant of the Year
· Minister Nivea Nieves: Faithful Servant of the Year
· Newark Fire Battalion Chief Kenneth Perez: Hero of the Year
· Newark Police Officer Johnny Aquino: Hero of the Year
· Univision DJ Carlo Villamar (DJ C-Lo): Radio Celebrity of the Year
· Univision Newscaster Jonathan Inoa: Communicator of the Year
· Telemundo News Anchor Allan Villafaña: News Anchor of the Year
· Chef Gabriel Bido: Chef of the Year
· Dr. Saul J. Bautista: Doctor of the Year
· Newark Hispanic Affairs Commissioner Diego Fernandoz Munoz Guarnizo: Community Hero of the Year
· Entrepreneur Glenis Mojica: Business Woman of the Year
· Yvette Soto: International Community Leader of the Year
· Gertrudis Catano: West Ward Leader of the Year
· Executive Gold Lincoln Service President Lucio Lemmo Grieco: Business Man of the Year
· Artist Gabriel “Cavanna” Ruiz: Artist of the Year

Mayor Baraka and Newark Board of Education Superintendent Roger Leon will award scholarships to one Latino Newark student from each ward.

The recipients are:

· West Ward: Jose Salazar, West Side High School
· East Ward: Joffre Neira, East Side High School
· Central Ward: Yarolin Paredes, Newark Vocational High School
· South Ward: Geraldine G. Alvarado, University High School
· North Ward: Susi Rodas, Donald Payne Technology High School

Entertainment will be provided by Grupo Cimarrones, an Afro-Puerto Rican percussion and dance ensemble performing authentic bomba and plena.

The celebration is sponsored by the City of Newark and Popular Bank.

-NEWARK-

For more information on the City of Newark, please visit our website at www.newarknj.gov