The influence of salsa legend Celia Cruz continued to show itself last week when various Union City dignitaries including Mayor Brian Stack and Commissioner Christopher Irizarry were joined by salsa legend Johnny Pacheco and Celia Cruz’ widower, Pedro Knight, in announcing plans to turn Jose Marti Park into a tribute to the late salsa singer.
Just after the passing of Cruz, the Union City Board of Commissioners adopted a resolution to name a street after the beloved singer. Shortly after that resolution was passed, the commissioners also approved the installation of a mural depicting Cruz’ long career.
But if Cruz’ career signified anything, it was perseverance and the willingness to go all the way. In the ensuing weeks, the initial project took on a life of its own. What began as a simple mural has morphed into a park refurbishment project to rival any other slated to occur in Union City.
The project now calls for an almost complete redesign of the park, which is dedicated to the late Cuban revolutionary Jose Marti. As it stands, the park includes a bust of Marti on a polished marble platform, stone benches and tables, trees and a largely blank white wall on which hang a few plaques and pictures of martyrs of the Cuban struggle for democracy. But now, it will also honor another Latin legend.
As the sun beat down oppressively, a phalanx of press converged on the tiny park, located off of a parking lot between 41st and 42nd Streets in Union City. Union City representative Emilio Delvalle opened the ceremonies by introducing Mayor Stack, who commented, “It is an honor to have this mural and have this plaque dedicated to the great Celia Cruz. Union City is proud to be a part of Celia Cruz’ legacy.”
Commissioner Christopher Irizarry said in an interview, “This is another way to memorialize someone who was not only a great musician but a great person who stood for liberty and freedom.”
As explained by West New York-based architect Orestes Valella, the proposed design calls for an expansion of the current wall. The new wall will measure 60′ x 12′. Fitted onto the wall will be a number of steel beams. Placed on top of the beams and measuring approximately 8′ x 12′ will be a mural painted by acclaimed Cuban artist Reinaldo De Jesus Perez Lopez.
Valella became emotional when speaking about Cruz and his role in designing the tribute to her. Valella apologized and said, “It is an honor to be able to participate in this. It has touched my heart. It’s a personal honor.”
Lopez claimed divine intervention as his inspiration for the mural he plans to paint in honor of Cruz. In a pre- ceremony interview, “As soon as I heard of Celia’s death, I saw a vision and felt I needed to paint this mural.”
Lopez stated that the mural will take approximately 30 to 45 days to complete. When asked by a member of the press what the mural would look like, Lopez bristled at the notion of revealing his plans. “I never reveal my plans. That would spoil the surprise.”
Also included in the park redesign is a star that will be placed in the ground around the mural. Other stars dedicated to Cruz exist in such far-flung cities as Miami and Los Angeles and in such countries as Costa Rica, Spain and Mexico. Obviously, Cruz’ influence is a truly global phenomenon. Union City will be added to that list.
The presence of Cruz’ widower, Pedro Knight, and salsa bandleader and Latino music legend Johnny Pacheco lent an air of celebrity to the proceedings.
Said Pacheco of the dedication, “This is one of the most beautiful things to happen since Celia’s death, because it will keep her memory and her legacy alive.”
Pedro Knight, who was married to Cruz for 41 years, was overwhelmed with emotion during the proceedings. Said Knight before the ceremony, “This represents an honor to my wife and shows a love for my wife in New York, Miami and Union City.”
According to city officials, the park refurbishment will be funded mainly be local businesses and private grants and will cost around $50-$60,000.