MAYOR WALSH TO KICK OFF HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH WITH CITY HALL LIGHTING

MAYOR WALSH TO KICK OFF HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH WITH CITY HALL LIGHTING

BOSTON - Monday, September 17, 2018 - Mayor Martin J. Walsh tonight will join residents to illuminate City Hall in orange and mark the beginning of National Hispanic Heritage Month, a time to celebrate the histories, cultures, and contributions of Bostonians whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, Central and South America, and the Caribbean. The event will start at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall Plaza. "Boston is home to a strong, proud Latino population that has made major contributions in every neighborhood and every aspect of our city life," said Mayor Walsh. "Celebrating Heritage Months is part of our commitment to making sure Boston remains a city of opportunity for everyone, and I'm proud to celebrate our incredible Latino community during this special month and all year long." Bostonians are encouraged to join the month-long celebration by attending events throughout the City. On Thursday, September 20, from 12 to 2 p.m., the Mayor's Office of Neighborhood Services will be hosting Salsa on the Lawn at City Hall Plaza to celebrate with music, food, and entertainment. Residents are also encouraged to attend the Mayor's Latino Coffee Hour on Saturday, September 22 from 3 to 5 p.m. in East Boston's Central Square. "Events like the 'Latino Coffee Hour' and 'Salsa on the Lawn' are a great way for residents to meet and interact with each other as well as celebrate the Hispanic culture and appreciate what Hispanics have contributed to Boston and the United States," said Jerome Smith, Chief of Civic Engagement. "We encourage all residents of Boston to come and enjoy all the different programming we are creating in honor of this month." This year, the Latinx Employee Resource Group (ERG), a network of employees within the City of Boston, are spearheading events during the month. The group is building on its mission to promote the diversity and professional development of its members. "I am very proud of the work we have done to bring Employee Resource Groups to the City of Boston," said Danielson Tavares, Chief Diversity Officer. "The Latinx ERG is a great example of how the ERGs will play a critical role in the development of our workforce." Community organizations are invited to submit their events in commemoration of National Hispanic Heritage Month here.