Contact: Sunny Mindel/Samantha I. Lugo (212) 788-2958
Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani today proclaimed November as Puerto Rican Heritage Month at a proclamation ceremony and reception held at the National Arts Club. The Mayor acknowledged the contributions of the Puerto Rican community to the City and presented Puerto Rican painter Rafael Tufiño with the Crystal Apple Award for his distinguished career in the arts.
"Coinciding with the celebration of the discovery of Puerto Rico by Christopher Columbus, New York celebrates Puerto Rican heritage and the important contributions that generations of Puerto Ricans have made to the richness and diversity of our great City," Mayor Giuliani said.
"The talent and cultural heritage of thousands of Puerto Ricans, embodied today by the distinguish career of artist Rafael Tufiño, have enriched our history and helped make New York the Capital of the World," the Mayor added. "On behalf of the City, I am honored to present the Crystal Apple Award to Mr. Tufiño, and to encourage all New Yorkers to celebrate the strength and commitment of the Puerto Rican community in New York."
The Mayor was joined by Deputy Mayor Ninfa Segarra; "Comité Noviembre" President and Puerto Rican Heritage Month Chair Teresa Santiago; National Arts Club President Aldon James; and Mr. Tufiño's daughter Nitza Tufiño, also an artist.
Deputy Mayor Segarra said, "Tonight is a very special occasion for all New Yorkers. We honor one of the greatest living Puerto Rican artists, Mr. Rafael Tufiño, as part of the month long celebration of Puerto Rican heritage and culture of this century. As we reflect on the many contributions and achievements of Puerto Rican New Yorkers throughout the 20th century, our City will be forever grateful for their hard work and sacrifice, and stands ready to achieve new heights of growth and prosperity in the new millenium."
"Comité Noviembre" (November Committee) was established in 1987 and includes Aspira of New York, the Association of Hispanic Arts, El Centro de Estudios Puertorriqueños, El Museo del Barrio, the National Congress of Puerto Rican Rights, the Puerto Rican Legal Defense and Education Fund and the Puerto Rico Federal Affairs Administration. Thanks to their efforts, the Puerto Rican Heritage Month is officially celebrated throughout the nation.
Each year, "Comité Noviembre" develops a theme, understanding that beyornd celebrating Puerto Rican heritage, the "Comité" must help to motivate, mobilize and empower the community around critical concerns. This year, Puerto Rican Heritage Month is celebrating its 13th anniversary with the theme "Puerto Ricans for the Millennium … Facing the Dawning of a New Age."