Serrano Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month

Today, Congressman José E. Serrano celebrated the beginning of Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs from September 15 through October 15.

“Hispanic culture is an integral part of this country’s past and its future,” Serrano said. “We are the largest minority group in the nation, but we come from many different backgrounds and have so many different stories to tell. Our common thread however, is our Hispanic heritage—with its devotion to family, patriotism, dedication to hard work, and celebration of life.”

“The underlying diversity of the Hispanic community is one of its great strengths. We add so much to the cultural and social fabric of this great nation and it is important to recognize and honor this contribution.

“This is an important time for Hispanics in the United States. The community is currently under fire both directly and indirectly from anti-immigrant zealots. But our community has come together to push back against the message of exclusion and xenophobia. The community has found that it has a strong political voice. I’m proud to have witnessed this awakening and to have taken a part in it.

“Beyond politics, however, it is deeply moving to see our community coming together as one. We have given this nation so much, and comprise such an important part of it. Without Hispanics, America would not be America. I salute the Hispanic community and am honored to be a part of it.”

Statement on the Fifth Anniversary of September 11th

This past Monday, Congressman José E. Serrano commemorated the fifth anniversary of September 11th at an event in the Bronx.  He released the following statement about that terrible day:

“All of America is taking pause today to remember the horrific events of September 11th, 2001.  Our nation, and our wonderful city of New York, suffered a terrible blow- one that touched the hearts of people around the world.  Neighborhoods, cities, towns mourned with us then, as they do today. 

“No part of New York City, or the tri-state area, went untouched by this tragedy.  People from every neighborhood and every region felt the loss of friends and of family.  Those who died came from every walk of life.  They were citizens and non-citizens, highly paid corporate executives and low-paid busboys, and working in the buildings or working as our first responders.  They were living the American Dream, or working towards it.  Each of them, and those that they left behind, deserves our remembrance, respect, and ongoing sympathy.

“For those of us in New York on September 11th, this was a day beyond our worst nightmares.  Many are still struggling to cope with the after-effects of that day- both physical and mental.  Even as we rebuild, we honor the memory of those lost on September 11th, and commit ourselves to helping those who are still recovering from the tragedy.”

Serrano to Preside over the Dedication of Barretto Point Park

On Tuesday, September 19th, Congressman Serrano and Mayor Bloomberg will preside over the dedication ceremony of Barretto Point Park, a newly reclaimed brownfield located in Hunts Point. The new park, a five acre, seven million dollar restoration project, represents the key public space of the South Bronx Greenway, an initiative that Serrano has supported from its inception. It includes a sand beach as well as public amphitheater.

“Barretto Point Park is now a beautiful retreat for residents and businesses in the Hunts Point area to enjoy,” Serrano said. “This park is a wonderful symbol of how a community can come together to revitalize and beautify undeveloped land.”

In July of 2005, Serrano, along with Mayor Bloomberg, New York City Parks & Recreation Commissioner Adrian Benepe and others broke ground at Barretto Point Park, and announced plans to restore the site. The dedication ceremony on September 19th will also feature a performance of William Shakespeare’s “The Tempest,” to be preformed by Mud/Bone Theatre Company, in association with the Public Theatre. To learn more about Barretto Point Park, please contact Siddhartha Sanchez of Congressman Serrano's office at (718) 620-0084.