300 Newark Students Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month At Parade

NEWARK, NJ — The pandemic put the brakes on a popular celebration of Hispanic culture in Newark last year. But this year – with COVID-19 precautions in mind - students from across Newark's Upper Roseville neighborhood once again got a chance to wave their flags and dress up in a nod to Hispanic Heritage Month.

The coronavirus crisis meant that K-4 students at KIPP Upper Roseville Academy and KIPP Truth Academy had to skip their beloved annual Hispanic Heritage Month parade last year.

But on Wednesday, more than 300 students marched proudly around their neighborhood, waving country flags and wearing traditional dress and decorative masks.

The event brought students, faculty, school leaders and community members to celebrate their own heritage or learn more about their neighbor, including Sen. Teresa Ruiz, who represents Newark and Belleville.

Thirty-six percent of Newark residents are Hispanic – double the nation's average, organizers said.

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