From September 15 through October 15, the U.S. is recognized as Hispanic Heritage Month, a celebration that Redwood City has joined through a proclamation, which was received by the general director and founder of the organization Casa Circulo CulturalVerónica Escámez Martínez, accompanied by Wendy Segovia, coordinator of the organization's extended education program, was awarded the proclamation thanks to her contribution and support to the community.
"The City of Redwood City celebrates this month and celebrates the rich contributions, culture and heritage of our community and of our Hispanic brothers and sisters," said Redwood City Mayor Giselle Hale. "This year's Proclamation is presented to an organization that truly embodies the work of preserving Hispanic heritage and culture in our community."
The mayor noted that Casa Círculo Cultural is a local non-profit organization with multidisciplinary arts that has dedicated itself to cultural programming that reflects the experiences of Latino communities in the area, and is notably focused on preserving them through the family.
He further noted that the Hispanic and Latino community represents approximately 39 percent of Redwood City's population, making it the second largest demographic group in the city.
He noted that the Redwood City Town Council decided to proclaim September 15 through October 15 as National Hispanic Heritage Month.
"I do not have the capacity to represent the entire Mexican and Latin American community of Redwood City, which is large and very diverse, but I gladly join you as one more of those voices," said Escámez Martínez in his speech upon receiving the Proclamation at City Hall during the City Council meeting.
He added that the Latino community "represents a strong pillar in the economy and culture of Redwood City, and we are an essential part of the development of the United States".
"The Latinx community actively participates in the daily life of Redwood City. There is a legacy of Latinx pride that permeates the lifestyle of the rest of the population of which we are a part. The pride of being part of this powerful community gives us the strength to overcome obstacles. It is what gives us the love to face any challenge. It is this pride that allows us to take steps forward as individuals, and in doing so we are helping others to move forward alongside us," he stressed.
Escámez Martínez pointed out that the proclamation of Hispanic Heritage Month is, therefore, "an important contribution to society and to the inclusion of Latino communities in the United States.
"It is a step forward towards equality and to make this sector of the population more visible in the different spheres of society, including politics. We love Redwood City as much as we love the place where we were born."
He explained that the proclamation "signifies Redwood City's support for the Latino population they represent.
"It is through active political representation that the future of the Latinx community will be able to open up and confront, with the support of its representatives, the current problems of xenophobia, discrimination and hatred that affect Latino residents of the United States," he continued.
"The day comes when we realize that the pride of being part of the Latinx community is to celebrate our essence, and our values. That love for our languages and traditions is what gives us the motivation to fight for an inclusive world; where differences unite us, and celebrate each other."
Finally, Verónica Escámez Martínez said she was honored to receive the Proclamation and to assume the responsibility "to be the best we can be, so that inspired by our efforts, others will dare to pursue their dreams and not rest until those dreams come true".
It is worth noting that this Saturday, September 17, after three years of not being celebrated, the celebration of the Fiestas Patrias will be held in a Plaza del Palacio de Justicia from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m., an event for all ages in which the plaza will be transformed into a beautiful and fun festive scene to commemorate the Independence of Mexico.
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