(NEWARK, NJ) -- Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka, Deputy Mayor for Community Engagement Jacqueline Quiles, and the Office of Violence Prevention and Trauma Recovery (OVPTR) will host the Annual Latin Festival on Sunday, August 20, from noon to 10:00pm, on Bloomfield Avenue between Lake Street and Clifton Avenue, in Newark's North Ward. This year's event is being presented as an opportunity for citywide anti-violence organizations to raise awareness for domestic violence prevention, with speakers sharing personal stories of transformation from the stage.
The day-long celebration will be headlined by three star-studded musical show stoppers. Toño Rosario is a Dominican-born Latin Grammy Award-nominated merengue artist and bandleader with many gold and platinum albums to his credit. Grupo Manía is a Puerto Rican merengue group with 16 albums, some of which have gone gold. The Puerto Rico Fire Department Band (Banda Cuerpo De Bomberos De Puerto Rico) will also perform at the event. In addition, the festival will also showcase the talents of DJ Alex Sensation; Grupo Candela; DJ Reymo; DJMC Cassanova; BELLA STAR; Genesis; Sandra Rey; and Dave Chong.
"No one who knows and loves Newark would be able to imagine this city without the jewels our Latin community has imbedded into our melded culture," said Mayor Baraka. "Without the fuerza, esperanza, and alma of our Latinos, Newark would not be the inspiration it is to the rest of the world. Our Latino residents breathe vibrancy into our streets and add a vivid energy to our neighborhoods. For that, and so much more, I'm grateful for this opportunity to celebrate them and thank them for their positive impact on Newark."
Representatives from Newark's OVPTR will give out information, be available for conversation, and connect residents with resources for mental health, employment, relocation, and services for those who have been affected by crime and violence.
"The Annual Latin Festival is always a great opportunity for Newark families to enjoy a fresh and wholesome cultural experience," Deputy Mayor Quiles added. "This year's festival promises to be bigger than before. The Department of Community Engagement is determined to ensure that both children and adults can enjoy every aspect of the event."
Some of the sponsors include: Popular Bank, New Jersey Children's Foundation, Amerigroup, Altice USA, The Shani Baraka Women's Center, La Casa de Don Pedro, Unidas En Una Sola Voz, FOCUS Hispanic Center for Community Development, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Essex, Hudson, and Union Counties and HUAMA Plans, St. Michael's Hospital, and RWJBH Mobile Service.
"The Office of Violence Prevention and Trauma Recovery is a proud sponsor of the Latin Festival," said OVPTR Director Lakeesha Eure. "The Latino community adds such vitality into Newark's vibe and we benefit deeply from their cultural influence for family unity and love of neighbors. With this event so fully attended every year, it is the perfect venue to spread awareness about what services our office offers. Domestic violence knows no demographic boundaries. It occurs in families in every neighborhood and economic level. OVPTR is here to help individuals and communities understand the causes of violence and how to prevent and heal from it."
Public sector sponsors include the Department of Health and Community Wellness, Department of Economic and Housing Development, Essex County Department of Public Works, the state Department of Law and Public Safety Victims of Crime Compensation Office, the New Jersey Institute of Technology Police Department, and the City of Newark Homeless Services.
Coolers and pets are not permitted during the event. Riding bikes or scooters is also prohibited on site, but attendees are encouraged to arrive and depart using Newark Go, the city's scooter and bike share program. The rented ebikes and scooters can be left on Clifton and Bloomfield Avenues, near the Latin Festival. There will be additional car parking in Branch Brook Park.
