Newark Celebrates Hispanic Community At Annual Heritage Month Event

Newark will celebrate its Hispanic community on Friday at Newark Symphony Hall with an event that blends community recognition, artistic performance, and educational programming. 

The annual event, running from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., marks the eighth consecutive year Mayor Ras J. Baraka has organized this cultural celebration to honor Hispanic contributions to the city.

“Newark is prouder than ever of our Hispanic community and the way it has infused vibrancy into every aspect of our city life,” Baraka stated in a press release.

The mayor’s remarks acknowledge what Deputy Mayor of Community Engagement Jacqueline Mercado-Quiles described as “uncertainty about their safety and their future” while celebrating the community’s “courage and unwavering engagement in American life regardless of blatant racism, othering, and unconstitutional detainment and prosecution.”

Broadway Star Returns Home

Programming features Newark native Grizel “La Chachi” Del Valle, who currently stars in “The Three Kings and Their Queens” in New York City. The Broadway performer, dancer, and recording artist will deliver what organizers describe as “an emotional tribute to Hispanic people and immigrants” as part of her Entertainer of the Year recognition.

Del Valle’s performance joins a musical lineup including DJ Cassanova and Mariachi Juarez International, creating what Mercado-Quiles characterizes as programming that highlights “the community’s contributions and their courage” throughout American history.

Arts and Community Programming

Beyond musical entertainment, guests can experience the art exhibition “3.0 in USA” featuring works by artists Arroyo Ceballos (Abstraction), Jose Dominquez (Impressionism), and Gotasi (Chromatic Pyramidism). The celebration also includes recognition for eight winners from Link Community Charter School’s Hispanic Heritage Month essay competition, an initiative launched by Mercado-Quiles.

Community Recognition and Academic Achievement

The celebration will spotlight local Hispanic leaders across multiple sectors through awards recognizing their community contributions. Thirteen individuals will receive honors, including Don Alfonso Perez, founder of Twin Cities Supermarkets, who receives the Humanitarian of the Year award, and Cesar A. Vizcaino, Executive Director of Partnership West Business Improvement District, honored as Community Activist of the Year.

Newark’s commitment to educational advancement takes center stage with a $5,000 scholarship distribution. Mayor Baraka and Newark Board of Education Superintendent Roger Leon will present awards to five Hispanic students representing each city ward: Jostin Mateo Belizaca from Central High School, Jeidymar Molina-Cruz from the High School of Data Science & Information Technology, Jostin Bernardo Guaman from East Side High School, Daynara Ramirez from Weequahic High School, and Carmen Elianna Ramirez Marte from Barringer High School.More information on the event can be found here.