Archives of the Mayor's Press Office

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: Wednesday, November 15, 2000

Release #434-00

 
Contact:

Michael Anton / Lynn Rasic (212) 788-2958

 

 

MAYOR GIULIANI HOSTS RECEPTION IN HONOR OF
PUERTO RICAN HERITAGE MONTH

Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani this evening hosted a reception at Gracie Mansion and presented a proclamation designating November as "Puerto Rican Heritage Month" in New York City. The Mayor acknowledged the contributions of the Puerto Rican community to New York City and presented Sonia Galarza, the Director of the Department of Juvenile Justice, with a Certificate of Recognition for her dedication as an effective youth advocate.

The Mayor was joined by former Deputy Mayor and Board of Education member Ninfa Segarra, Department of Records and Information Services Commissioner George Rios, and Comité Noviembre President and Puerto Rican Heritage Month Chair Teresa Santiago.

"Each year, the celebration of Puerto Rican Heritage Month gives all New Yorkers the opportunity to reflect upon the tremendous contribution that the Puerto Rican community makes to every aspect of life in our city," Mayor Giuliani said. "I am honored to recognize Sonia Galarza for her relentless efforts to help address numerous issues affecting the Puerto Rican community. She has spent the past 16 years working at the Department for Juvenile Justice, first as a case worker, and today as a director for the agency's non-secure detention home for girls. Ms. Galarza is a native New Yorker who continues to give back to the City through her work at the Department of Juvenile Justice and her service to the Puerto Rican community."

"Today we celebrate Puerto Rican Heritage Month, which allows us to embrace the importance of our unique culture and heritage," Ninfa Segarra said. "We as Puerto Ricans feel a sense of pride that our people continue to distinguish themselves in every imaginable field of endeavor. Puerto Rican Heritage Month is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the contributions current and future generations will make to the growth and prosperity of our great city in this century."

Comité Noviembre (November Committee) is a coalition of civic, cultural, and educational organizations, and was established in 1987 to create an awareness of the rich culture, language and heritage of the Puerto Rican community and to acknowledge its numerous contributions to this state and nation. The year 2000 marks the 14th anniversary of Puerto Rican Heritage Month and thanks to Comité Noviembre's efforts it is officially celebrated throughout the nation.

Each year, Comité Noviembre develops a theme, understanding that beyond celebrating Puerto Rican heritage, the Comité must help to motivate, mobilize and empower the community around critical concerns. This year's theme: "Understanding Our Past….Defining Our Future," urges the Puerto Rican community to research and learn about their history.

This evening's reception was sponsored by Fleet Bank, Heineken USA, Seagram Americas, Coca-Coal Bottling Company of New York, 72nd Street Florist, Ristorante Brunelli, and The Argentine Pavillion.



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