Flag Raising to kick off a month-long series of events in celebration of Hispanic Heritage throughout Union County
The Union County Board of County Commissioners invites residents to attend the Annual Union County Hispanic Heritage Flag Raising Ceremony on Thursday, September 15, 2022 at 5:00 p.m., on the steps of the Union County Courthouse, located at 2 Broad Street in Elizabeth. The event is free for all to attend.
“We are proud to once again raise the Hispanic Heritage flag at the County Courthouse,” said County Commissioner Chair Rebecca L. Williams. “Union County is one of the most diverse in New Jersey and this is our way of recognizing the Hispanic community living and working in Union County and we are proud to be one of the most inclusive counties in New Jersey and we will continue to work to promote unity.”
“Approximately one-third of Union County residents are of Hispanic origin. Being of Salvadorian descent, I am proud to be one of the many constituents that make Union County a more diverse place to live,” said Commissioner Sergio Granados. “Since the Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration’s inception in 2018, it has been a symbol that recognizes and celebrates the many contributions Latinos have made throughout history. Being under one flag, unites all of the Hispanic cultures together and also gives residents of Union County of all races and ethnicities a chance to come together and learn about our rich heritages. I look forward to joining our neighbors in all of the County’s month-long festivities.”
“As a Cuban-American, I am proud to serve in a County with such a strong Hispanic presence,” said Commissioner Lourdes Leon. “There are over 20,000 Hispanic residents in Union County alone who contribute to our growth and development and for the next four weeks, we will showcase the diversity, talent and cultures that make up our neighborhoods. I am excited to celebrate with everyone and honor the Hispanic community.”
The program for the event will include remarks from guest speaker Diana Calle, Director of the Union County Office for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs (OPDSN). Ms. Calle also serves the Hispanic community as Vice President of LUPE Fund, Inc. – a non-profit organization with the mission to educate, empower, and engage Latinas in the State of New Jersey. She has been an active member since she received the LUPE Young Latina Leadership Scholarship in 2011.
“The most recent census confirmed that Hispanic Americans are making an impact in NJ,” said Diana Calle. “I am proud to be a Hispanic member of the community, not only in holding a leadership role within the Union County administration, but as the guest speaker at the Hispanic Heritage Flag Raising. I would like to thank the County for honoring my heritage along with the heritage of hundreds of thousands of other residents like me…in a place I call home.”
The flag raising is the first in a series of scheduled events celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month. The full schedule of events includes:
- September 15, 5:00 p.m. – Hispanic Heritage Flag Raising – Union County Courthouse, 2 Broad Street, Elizabeth
- September 17, 2:00 – 5:00 p.m. – Cultural Day – Warinanco Park Sports Center, Roselle
- September 23, 6:30 p.m. – Movie Night: Encanto – Warinanco Park, Roselle
- October 12, 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. – Panel: History of Union County’s Hispanic Media Connection – Kean University North Avenue Academic Building (Corner of Morris and North Aves.)
- October 14, 7:00 p.m. – Drive-Up Movie: Encanto – (Salsa Lessons @ 7:00 p.m. & Movie @ 8:00 p.m.) – Plainfield High School, 950 Park Ave., Plainfield.
- October 15, 1:00 – 5:00 p.m. – Family Fun Day – Rahway River Park, Parkway Drive (Next to Ulrich Memorial Pool)
For movie events, residents are advised to bring their own blankets and chairs.
For more information regarding the Hispanic Heritage month and related events, please visit: https://ucnj.org/hhm22/ or contact Judith Guest, Community Engagement & Diversity Coordinator, by email at judith.guest@ucnj.org or by phone at (908) 527-4388.
For all Union County programs and services visit ucnj.org, call the Public Info Line, 877-424-1234, email info@ucnj.org or use the online Contact Form.
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