Senator Klein Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month

Klein honors distinguished Hispanic members of The Bronx community for outstanding service and dedication

Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration features special guest Christine Chavez

Senator Klein and Christine Chavez

Senator Jeff Klein and Christine Chavez.

BRONX, NY – State Senator Jeff Klein (D-Bronx/Westchester) honored distinguished members of the 34 Senate District at his annual Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration on Saturday.

The awards luncheon featured special guest Christine Chavez, granddaughter of Cesar Chavez, an American farm worker, civil rights activist and and co-founder of the National Farm Workers Association. Christine has continued her grandfather’s fight for equal rights through her work with the Cesar Chavez Foundation.

“I’m proud to celebrate the rich history, culture and contributions of the Hispanic community in The Bronx and beyond. This year’s honorees represent a distinguished group of individuals who have dedicated themselves to volunteerism, public service and bettering the world around them. I am thrilled to present our honorees with awards for their steadfast service to the community and I look forward to our continued partnership as we work to lift up future generations,” said Senator Jeff Klein.

“Thank you Senator Klein for inviting me to be here with all of you as we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month. I want to congratulate all our award winners for their dedication to The Bronx and this community. Throughout his career, Senator Klein has shown a tremendous commitment to helping working families. The United Farm Workers stand by Senator Klein and his efforts ensure New Yorkers have access to good-paying jobs that put food on our tables,” said Christine Chavez, farmworker coordinator for the United States Department of Agriculture.

“As a Latino elected official, I am filled with pride to know that every year we come together to honor and celebrate the values and accomplishments of Hispanics across the nation. Hispanic Heritage Month captures our rich culture, our sacrifices and hard work and most importantly, Hispanic Heritage Month symbolizes how the Hispanic/ Latino community has made its mark throughout history,” said Assemblyman Marcos Crespo (D-Bronx).

“During Hispanic Heritage Month, we celebrate the customs, histories, and achievements of those from the Latino community. As a legislator and a member of the Hispanic community, it is an honor and a privilege to do work that ensures the continued advancement of the Latino community for generations to come. I would like to thank Senator Klein for hosting this event and for recognizing the importance of the Hispanic community. Let us take this time to reflect on how far we have come as a people while remaining vigilant to what needs to be done to build a better future. Que sigan adelante (keep moving forward),” said Assemblyman Luis Sepulveda (D-Bronx).

Senator Klein presented awards to distinguished latinos in The Bronx who have embodied the spirit of service in their communities. Honorees included:

  • Hon. Ritchie Torres, New York City Council Member

  • Claudia Granados, New York State Director for the Northeast Charter School Network

  • Hon. Julia Rodriguez, Democratic District Leader

  • Hon. Luis M. Diaz, Bronx County Clerk

Hispanic Heritage Month - 2015

Hon. Luis M. Diaz, Bronx county clerk; Claudia Granados New York State director for the Northeast Charter School Network; Christine Chavez; Senator Jeff Klein; Julia Rodriguez, democratic district leader; Ritchie Torres, New York City Council member.

 

“I am honored and grateful to be recognized by Senator Jeff Klein and The Bronx community in such a special way, especially during Hispanic Heritage Month. It is undeniable that Hispanics have made countless contributions to and are an integral part of the ‎City, but we still have a long road ahead of us. Let us celebrate our heritage and accomplishments today, and tomorrow get back to work to ensure a better a future for the Hispanic community,” said Council Member Ritchie Torres of the Bronx.

“I am deeply honored and humbled to be recognized by Senator Klein at his Hispanic Heritage Month celebration. Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to celebrate the contributions of the Latino community to the development and success of America, woven into every segment of our nation’s history.  I believe education is the truest equalizer, and it is the greatest achievement I could ever hope for to be able to advocate for children and their access to an excellent education.  I am optimistic that when children achieve their fullest potential they will give back to their neighborhoods – like here in The Bronx – to make communities fully sustainable and instill in the new generation of Hispanic Americans a pride in their heritage, renewed spirit and confidence, as a harbinger of greater endeavors to come,” said Claudia Granados, New York State director for the Northeast Charter School Network.

“Celebrating the culture and contributions of the Hispanic community is tremendously important. I am proud to work with my friends and colleagues everyday to lift up our community and improve the quality of life for our families. I thank Senator Klein for this very special award and for always thinking of our community and continuing to give back,” said Julia Rodriguez, democratic district leader.

“I am proud to celebrate the rich history and achievements of the Hispanic community. This month is all about bringing together people across The Bronx and around the country – many who come from different backgrounds – to celebrate both our similarities and differences. I thank Senator Klein for recognizing me and I look forward to our continued partnership as we work to lift up all Bronxites,” said Hon. Luis M. Diaz, Bronx county clerk.

Hispanic Heritage month, which runs from September 15th – October 15th, celebrates the history, culture and contributions of Americans of Spanish, Mexican, Caribbean and Central and South American descent.

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