An evening of culture, history, informative presentations, and live music highlighted a reception Thursday celebrating "A History of Opportunity, Service, & Success: Latino Migration to New Rochelle.”
The exhibit, at New Rochelle High School until Dec. 1, is being presented by the school’s Social Studies Department with the support of the New Rochelle Fund For Educational Excellence. It has been curated by Social Studies & Business Chairperson Gustavo Barbosa, and teachers Jarohan Garcia and Francisco Sandoval.
The reception, at the Donald Baughman Museum of Arts & Culture, drew over 150 attendees.
According to student Barbara Meda, “What started with one Mexican immigrant, Antonio Valencia Barajas, has currently blossomed into more than 23,000 Latino residents in New Rochelle. This exhibition serves as a memorial for our ancestors who made a home out of a new and foreign place. It is also a celebration of a new generation of immigrants and the prominent Latino culture in New Rochelle."
Student Alejandro Valdovinos added: "Fue un placer mostrarles el increíble viaje que atravesó Antonio Valencia Barajas no solo para él, sino para todos los inmigrantes latinos para los cuales construyó un camino para crear el New Rochelle de hoy." (“It was a pleasure to show you the incredible journey that Antonio Valencia Barajas went through not only for himself, but for all the Latino immigrants for whom he built a path to create the New Rochelle of today.”)
During Thursday's ceremony, a dozen New Rochelle High School graduates and children of immigrants were recognized for their accomplishments and contributions to our community. “Their service and success are a credit to the many opportunities that our city and school district has to offer. New Rochelle continues to be a community where the dreams of generations of immigrants become a reality,” Barbosa said.
