CONGRESSMAN ADRIANO ESPAILLAT RECOGNIZES NATIONAL PUERTO RICAN DAY CELEBRATION

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) issued the following statement in recognition of the National Puerto Rican Day Celebration:

"Today, I will proudly participate in the National Puerto Rican Day celebration as I have done for many years before. As a black Dominican-American and member of Congress, I have a duty as a leader of the community to highlight the positive contributions that immigrants and migrants make throughout New York to make our city stronger.

"This year's celebration theme: Un Pueblo, Muchas Voces or One Nation, Many Voices, is a call to unity when our communities are under siege by Republicans who cut essential programs and promote hostile rhetoric towards diversity and inclusion here in America. The National Puerto Rican Day celebration has given us the platform for our pride, expression, determination and strength that makes me proud of the examples we are setting for all who are watching, and more importantly, for the next generation–today and in the future.

"The National Puerto Rican Day celebration is the largest demonstration of cultural pride in the nation and is an iconic expression of Puerto Rico's history, surpassed by none. The parade creates awareness and appreciation of Puerto Rican culture, history, and achievement, and it is an opportunity to highlight the numerous contributions of Puerto Ricans and individuals of Puerto Rican descent in the community as well as throughout the global society. In its 60th year, I am proud to help commemorate this significant day in our history.

"The Puerto Rican community opened the doors and paved a way for so many other Hispanic communities, and the spirit of today's celebration brings about a feeling of kinship, closeness, and unity. I have many fond memories of participating in the parade with my family, my children, friends and colleagues. I continue to do so because of the pride that I have in my Dominican heritage and for what I love most about our Latino culture. I will participate in today's celebration for the togetherness of family and friendships and the connectedness of the roots that gave our forefathers the strength to preserver. That same connectedness continues to drive our community toward achievement and perseverance still today. I am proud to join in today's Puerto Rican Day celebration for the next generation and for families like my own, so they also will understand exactly what's at stake. Our future."

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Media inquiries: Candace Randle Person at Candace.Person@mail.house.gov