PR Day Parade & NPRC Honor Rep. Nydia Velazquez

In a ceremony today hosted by SEIU Health Care Chair Dennis Rivera at SEIU headquarters, the National Puerto Rican Day Parade (NPRDP), the National Puerto Rican Coalition, Inc. (NPRC), and leaders of the community presented Congresswoman Nydia Velazquez the official distinction as the 2010 National Puerto Rican Day Parade Grand Marshall. The National Puerto Rican Day Parade, which will take place June 13th on New York’s Fifth Avenue, draws close to 2 million people and is recognized as the largest parade in the nation.

“The National Puerto Rican Day Parade represents the largest expression of culture and pride for our community on the mainland. Congresswoman Velazquez is an icon for our community and it is with great pride that we honor her as our parade Grand Marshall,” said Madelyn Lugo, Chair of the National Puerto Rican Day Parade Board of Directors. “Congresswoman Velazquez’ unwavering and dynamic leadership for the people of New York, the Hispanic community, and all Americans is invaluable in making sure that the needs of all Americans, including Puerto Ricans, are not being ignored by Washington,” expressed Rafael Fantauzzi, President and CEO of the National Puerto Rican Coalition.

Speakers at the ceremony addressed the importance of having an inclusive America — one that celebrates all cultures and provides equal opportunity for all Americans. When asked, NPRDP Chair Madelyn Lugo expressed disappointment with the recent passage of Arizona’s new immigration law. “This law is unjust and discriminatory towards a population that has contributed so much to American society.” Lugo added, “In an expression of solidarity with all Hispanics, the National Puerto Rican Day Parade will no longer be hosting its scheduled Regional Conference of Parades and Festivals in Phoenix, AZ. Rather, we have chosen to join forces with NPRC and several other national Hispanic organizations against visiting Arizona.”

NPRC President Rafael Fantauzzi stated, “The National Puerto Rican Day Parade’s sentiment and response towards the attack being charged on Hispanic Arizonians is shared by many Americans. We are sending a clear message that Puerto Ricans and Hispanics alike will not support discrimination of any kind.”