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The Detroit Metro area celebrated the beginning of the annual Hispanic Heritage Month led by the Consul de Mexico in Detroit Roberto Nicolas Vasquez. The Consul opened the month’s celebration with a rich cultural program hosted by Oakland University at Meadow Brook Hall on September 14.
The festivities got into high gear with the celebration of el Grito de Independencia de Mexico at the Mexicantown Mercado on September 16 when more than 500 people gathered to enjoy food, music, dance and entertainment. Even Detroit’s professional sports teams, Detroit Tigers and Detroit Lions got into the festivities.
El área metropolitana de Detroit celebró el comienzo del Mes de la Herencia Hispana anual encabezado por el Cónsul de México en Detroit, Roberto Nicolás Vásquez. El Cónsul abrió la celebración del mes con un rico programa cultural organizado por la Universidad de Oakland en Meadow Brook Hall el 14 de septiembre.
Las festividades se pusieron en marcha con la celebración del Grito de Independencia de México en el Mercado de Mexicantown el 16 de septiembre cuando más de 500 personas se reunieron para disfrutar de comida, música, danza y entretenimiento.
Incluso los equipos deportivos profesionales de Detroit, Detroit Tigers y Detroit Lions participaron en el evento.
Hispanic Heritage Month Kickoff Activities in and Around the D
Game Changers honored by the Detroit Tigers:
Eva Garza Dewaelsche, President and CEO of SER Metro-Detroit and Publisher and Owner of EL CENTRAL Hispanic News, was recognized by Ilitch Sports + Entertainment and Comerica Bank as a “Game Changer” before Friday’s ballgame. According to the event sponsors, the award is an opportunity to “celebrate amazing local leaders making a profound impact on the lives of children through education, wellness, and/or sport programming.”
Other awardees honored at the event included Belda Garza, past president of MANA de Metro Detroit, Elias Gutierrez, publisher of Latino Press and Christine Suave of the Michigan Immigrant Rights Center.
Ray Lozano receives the prestigious Ohtli Award
Raymond Lozano, executive director of the Mexicantown Community Development Corporation was presented with the Ohtli award by the Consulate of Mexico in Detroit, Roberto Nicolás Vázquez, at the Mexican Independence Day celebration in Detroit on September 16. The Ohtli Award is an honor the Secretary of Foreign Affairs and the Institute for Mexicans Abroad give to Mexican citizens, Latinas, and Latinos who work in the United States and other countries and have provided assistance to Mexican citizens or promoted their culture. The award's name comes from the Nahuatl word "road" or "path." The name's symbolism alludes to opening a path for others.
Detroit Lions Honor Hispanic Heritage Award Winner at Ford Field
Eva Torres, City of Detroit District 6 Manager, was honored as a Hispanic Heritage Awardee by the Detroit Lions at Ford Field on Sunday, September 18. Detroit Lions Vice President of Community Relations Roxanne Caine and Lions mascot Roary presented Torres with a check for $2,000 for her designated charity MANA de Metro Detroit.
Consulado de Mexico Reception at meadow Brook Hall
More than 100 invited guests joined Roberto Nicolas Vazquez, Consul de Mexico, to kickoff the celebrations for Hispanic Heritage Month hosted by Oakland University at Meadow Brook Hall on September 14.
Guests were treated to Mexican hors d’oeurves and specialty cocktails, remarks by the Consul and other dignitaries and topped off by a parade of folkloric fashions representing several regions of Mexico and a contemporary fashion show.
El Grito de Independencia de México at Mexicantown Mercado
The Mexicantown Mercado and Plaza in Southwest Detroit was filled with more than 500 celebrants for the El Grito de Independencia de Mexico on September 16th. Hosted by the Consulate of Mexico in Detroit and the Mexicantown Community Development Corporation the event featured live music, dancing, food and family activities.
