Newark Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month With Awards, Scholarships

NEWARK, NJ — Newark hosted its annual Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration on Wednesday, honoring 11 local community leaders and awarding scholarships to a student from each ward of the city.

Held at the Newark Museum of Art, the event “recognized the [Hispanic] community’s achievements and contributions to America’s story.”

“This is a welcome opportunity to consider where our city would be without our Hispanic residents,” Mayor Ras Baraka said.

“Our schools, city government, businesses, and art and entertainment venues would be so much less dynamic and impactful without the indomitable spirit of our Latino families,” the mayor continued. “No matter their country of origin, Newark’s Hispanics have infused our city with their vision and dreams for liberty, prosperity and unity, propelling all of us toward a brilliant tomorrow.”

Deputy Mayor of Community Engagement Jacqueline Quiles said that Hispanic Heritage Month has become one of the most important celebrations in the city – and nation.

The annual celebration recognizes the contributions of millions of Latinos throughout the country and in Newark, in many fields, Quiles said.

“It is a source of pride for the Latino community and an occasion for all Americans to learn about Hispanic history and enjoy Hispanic culture,” Quiles added. “Happy Hispanic Heritage Month Mi Gente!”

Newark’s 2023 Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration honored 11 luminaries who have “distinguished themselves with important contributions to the city’s wellbeing,” officials said:

• Juan “Johnny” Barreto – Community Activist & Volunteer of the Year
• Bertha Roziern, Popular Bank – HHM Community Bank of the Year
• Manuel Chinea, Popular Bank – HHM Community Bank of the Year
• Melissa Cruz – HHM Newark Firefighter of the Year
• Dennis Colon, Detective of the Newark Police Department – Officer of the Year
• Annalee De Jesus – HHM Teacher of the Year (ESL Needs Students)
• Luis Alejandro Mejia – News Reporter, 47 Telemundo
• Esperanza Ceballos – Anchor/Reporter, Univision
• Gerardo Mejia Cardenas, Mejia Law Firm LLC – HHM Businessman of the year
• Maria T. Melendez, FOCUS Community Activist – Heroine of the Year
• Victor Rodriguez – HHM Entrepreneur of the Year

Meanwhile, Newark Board of Education Superintendent Roger Leon was on hand to award scholarships to a Latino Newark student from each ward:

• North Ward: Ammy Peralta, Lacodaire Academy
• South Ward: Madelyn Pinero, Weequahic High School
• Central Ward: Veronica Rodriguez, Barringer High School
• West Ward: Anthony Del Salto, Newark School of Data Science & Information Technology
• East Ward: Daniela Morazan Ramos, East Side High School

Essex County Cops 4 Kids provided an honor guard at the event, which also featured a performance by Grupo Mambo Swing and an arts exhibition of the works of Ecuadorian artist, Master Gotasi.

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