Dear Editor:
The pride in Union City continues to shine under the administration of Mayor Brian P. Stack. Recently (October 11, 2007), a new school was named after Eugenio Maria De Hostos, a Puerto Rican legend in education. Eugenio Maria De Hostos was also influential in the field of education throughout Central and South American countries.
The naming of this new school once again clearly shows how one person, Brian P. Stack, continues to bring our diverse community in harmony and to give different ethnic groups equal opportunity for a better quality of life.
As a lifetime resident of this community (since 1966) and as a Cuban American I’m thankful to the Puerto Rican people who gave me a helping hand and stood side by side with the Cuban people who in the mid 60’s were settling in Union City. Back in the 60’s and early 70’s it was difficult to be Puerto Rican or Cuban. Puerto Ricans were the first Latino group to come to Union City in the mid 40’s and early 50’s. At this time, late 50’s and 60’s Italians were becoming the majority of the city population. The Italians who in earlier years, late 30’s, 40’s and 50’s, were being discriminated by the established German people.
During the turbulent 1960’s and 1970’s the Puerto Rican community gave moral and spiritual support to the Cuban people.
I will be at fault if I don’t give credit where credit is due. The following individuals were extremely influential in complete support to Mayor Brian P. Stack in the naming of this new school, Eugenio Maria De Hostos.
Representing the Union City Board of Education were individuals who day after day had open dialogue with the community and successfully help make it a dream come true to the Puerto Rican community. It is with pride that I write that Superintendent of Schools Mr. Stanley M. Sanger and Vice President of the Board of Education Mrs. Alicia Morejon and the four Asst. Superintendents and all Board members continue to represent our entire diverse community with utmost integrity and a positive desire to give recognition and equal opportunities to every ethnic group.
If I may I would like to make it clear; society cannot underestimate the spirit of the Puerto Rican people. Loyalty is a virtue that cannot be broken to the Puerto Rican people and what Mayor and State Senator to be, Brian P. Stack, did for them will stay in-their hearts for endless time.
Respectfully,
Oscar Cordero