By Marci Shatzman
Boca’s Mayor Scott Singer issued a proclamation recognizing the city’s Hispanic American community during Hispanic Heritage Month Sept. 15 to Oct. 15. Then it was time for the official group photo with prominent members of the city’s Hispanic community and Boca Raton City Council.
Attending the event at council’s Sept. 22 meeting were Douglas Heizer, publisher of The Boca Raton Tribune; Clara Bennett, executive director of Boca Raton Airport; Dr. Naelys Luna, founding dean and professor of the College of Social Work & Criminal Justice at Florida Atlantic University; and Martha Pinzon, director of international programs for Hispanic Entrepreneur Initiative (HEI).
“Hispanic Heritage Month in Boca Raton encourages residents to recognize the invaluable contributions made by members of our Hispanic American Community,” the proclamation states. Here’s several of the ‘whereas’ in the proclamation:
- Hispanic Americans have played an integral role in Florida history, before the early days of the pioneer to our current legacy of leaders in international trade, technology, education and aerospace;
- Hispanic Americans have enriched our social, intellectual, and artistic life in the United States;
- Through their love of family and ancestral traditions. Hispanic and Latino Americans are foundations of strength and unity within our communities, during this monthlong observance we welcome the opportunity to learn about and celebrate their culture heritage.