For Immediate Release: Wednesday, October 4, 2017
Montgomery County Council to Commemorate Hispanic Heritage Month
On Tuesday, Oct. 10 special event hosted by
Councilmember Nancy Navarro focuses on
“Shaping the Bright Future of Montgomery County”
ROCKVILLE, Md., Oct. 3, 2017—Councilmember Nancy Navarro will host a panel discussion with Hispanic and Latino leaders in Montgomery County whose work in community development has helped to shape our community. Panelists will share their life experiences and achievements and discuss issues of importance for Hispanic and Latino residents in the County. This discussion will be held at 11:15 a.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 10 to commemorate Hispanic Heritage Month. Those sharing their experiences with Councilmembers, invited guests and the public will be: Oscar Alvarenga, Community Activist; Nhora Barerra, Business Owner; Dr. Claudia Campos, CiMujer; and Rafael Sanchez-Cruz, Reporter, Univision
The Council’s Hispanic Heritage Month commemoration will focus on “Shaping the Bright Future of Montgomery County” and will take place in the Third Floor Hearing Room of the Council Office Building at 100 Maryland Ave. in Rockville. The special ceremonies will be televised live by County Cable Montgomery (CCM—Cable Channel 6 on Comcast and RCN, Channel 30 on Verizon). The broadcast will also will be streamed at:
www.montgomerycountymd.gov/council/ondemand/index.html .
The commemoration will recognize the histories, cultures and contributions of residents whose ancestors came from the Caribbean, Central America, Mexico, South America and Spain. This event will include pre-recorded interviews with community stakeholders and a panel discussion.
“The Hispanic/Latino community in our County mirrors the nation,” said Councilmember Nancy Navarro, who is the first Latina ever elected to the Council and serves as chair of the Government Operations and Fiscal Policy Committee. She also serves on the Council’s Education Committee and was a member of President Obama’s Commission on Educational Excellence for Hispanics.
“It is a young, hard-working and forward thinking community,” said Councilmember Navarro. “Contrary to the negative rhetoric espoused by some, this community continues to make valuable contributions to the fabric of our County and our nation. This month we celebrate our shared heritage and we salute those who make a difference each day.”
“I am delighted that Councilmember Navarro began recognizing National Hispanic Heritage Month at the Council, and we are unified about the importance of this effort,” said Council President Roger Berliner. “At a time when there is so much intolerance bubbling to the surface in our nation, commemorations such as these are especially important, not only to recognize the outstanding work of individuals, but to showcase the best of our community.”
According to the Montgomery County Planning Department, the County’s Hispanic population totals nearly 200,000 residents who represent more than 22 countries of origin. The County’s largest populations of Hispanic residents come from El Salvador, Mexico, Peru, Guatemala, and Honduras. More information can be found by watching:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dw_zAlOwJLc&feature=youtu.be .
# # # Release ID: 17-299