Councilman Daniel Rivera grinned like a kid as he moved through the crowds in front of City Hall on Oct. 15. Latin music echoed off the stone face of city government buildings, while at the foot of the city’s tribute to veterans of World War I, flags flew, representing the numerous Latin nations from which many Jersey City residents came.
While Jersey City, called one of the most ethnically diverse cities in the nation, has a lot of celebrations during the year, the ceremony climaxing Hispanic Heritage Month was close to Rivera’s heart.
Each year, Americans observe National Hispanic Heritage Month from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15 by celebrating the histories, cultures and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America.
The observation started in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson and was expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to cover a 30-day period starting on September 15 and ending on October 15. It was enacted into law on Aug. 17, 1988.
“We honored a number of people including the oldest Latino business, the only Dominican Latino detective, youth that made it in life example and Latino singers, Latino Djs, and Latino performers.” – Daniel Rivera
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The ceremony on Oct. 15 concluding the month is designed to highlight Jersey City’s diverse community. The celebration included folkloric dance and music from countries including Paraguay, Mexico, Colombia and the Dominican Republic, as well as Salsa and Bachata lessons.
The event, Rivera said, was done in coordination with the Office of Diversity and Inclusion and included proclamations honoring the contributions that the Hispanic community has made in Jersey City.
“We honored a number of people including the oldest Latino business, the only Dominican Latino detective, youth that made it in life example and Latino singers, Latino Djs, and Latino performers,” Rivera said.
Al Sullivan may be reached at asullivan@hudsonreporter.com.