Latinos honored in Union City

Embedded into the ground at Celia Cruz Plaza on 31st Street in Union City are stars made of stone, memorializing musical talents and many other contributors to Latin-American culture. On Friday evening, June 3, the community welcomed three more honorees to the memorial.
“I am humbled and honored as a Cuban-American coming from humble beginnings to be here,” said singer Jon Secada, a three-time Grammy award winner and honoree at the plaza.
Spanish Broadcast Systems founder Pablo Raul Alarcon and musician/producer Roberto “Tony” Torres were also honored.

Shooting star

After receiving a proclamation from the city of Union City and a star on Celia Cruz Plaza, the honorees and their designees thanked the people in attendance.
“Greetings to all, I give thanks,” said Torres. “Thanks to my friends and wife. It is an honor and privilege that you honor me with this star. All I know is how to sing, and it brings me great joy to be here with all ofyou.”

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“We will have a free Cuba one day.” – Jon Secada
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“Tony” Torres started singing in his early teens in his native Cuba before moving to New York City. He performed with bands and produced music before starting his own record label. Torres formed a group of musicians known as the SAR All Stars with the aim of producing quality music in the very competitive music industry.
“What a beautiful day. I am blessed and humbled,” said Secada. “Thank you all for the love and support throughout the years. This will be the first of many more visits. We will have a free Cuba one day.”
Secada, whose real name is Juan Francisco Secada Martínez, was born in Cuba and raised in Florida. His hits include “Just Another Day” and “Angel.”
Pablo Alarcon was honored with a proclamation, star, and key to the city. Pablo Alarcon Jr. accepted the honor on behalf of his father.
“For me, it is an honor to receive this recognition in honor of my dad,” said Alarcon Jr. “If he were present [Dad] would say, ‘I will stretch my arm and hug you all.’ ”
Celia Cruz Park Committee President Emilio Del Valle said, “If it wasn’t for his dad we would not have the music we listen to each day.”
Pablo Raul Alarcon Sr. was the founder of one of the most highly publicly traded Hispanic controlled media and entertainment companies in the world. Spanish Broadcasting System, since its founding in 1983, has introduced the community to many Latin-American artist and radio personalities.

Plaza for the stars

A year after the death of Celia Cruz, a well know Cuban singer referred to as the “Queen of Salsa,” a memorial park was created in 2004 in her honor on 31st Street and Bergenline Avenue. It is known as Celia Cruz Plaza or Kiwanis Plaza.
“Today we celebrate our Latino talent,” said Union City Commissioner of Public Affairs Lucio Fernandez.
“I am excited that you are here today. Today we celebrate three stars. They have brought music and art to the community,” said Del Valle. “The park is great to have here, and because of the local officials we are able to have this park.”
Ramon Fabian Veloz is a well known Cuban actor and singer, and was present at the award ceremony.
“As a singer, I am emotional to be next to the likes of Jon Secada and Tony Torres,” said Veloz. “I have been in the states for a year and six months. I hope this is the first of many visits to Union City.”
Santo Sanabria may be reached at SSanabria@hudsonreporter.com.