Convencion Hispana 2016
2211 West 65th Street October 8, 2016
Every 3 years Convencion Hispana is put on in Cleveland by the Hispanic Roundtable. The 2016 Convencion was held at Max Hayes High School on West 65th Street. This free assembly provided education, empowerment, health and workforce development resources for Northeast Ohio's Latino community.
The Keynote Speaker was the legendary Oscar, Grammy, Emmy, Tony, Award winner Rita Moreno.
Rita Moreno and Jose Feliciano
Convencion Hispana included:
Live Music & Food
Job Fair
Resource Fair with 100+ booths
Free Health Screenings
Workshops, Raffles & Kid's Crafts
One highlight of the Convencion was the discussion led by Hispanic Roundtable president Jose Feliciano with Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson and Cuyahoga County executive Armond Budish. Here are some highlights.
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Jose Feliciano told how the Convencion Hispana is meant to "transform our community" and has the 3 goals of Economic Development, Empowerment and Education. He said that somewhere in the US is a Hispanic person living now who will be the first Hispanic president of the United States.
Jose Feliciano
Next Jose Feliciano introduced Reverend for the invocation.
Jose introduced Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson and Cuyahoga County Executive Armond Budish and the two leaders then gave their opening remarks.
Jose then asked the two about the accomplishments of local Hispanics.
Jose Feliciano
He then asked how the city of Cleveland and Cuyahoga County are doing with having Hispanics in leadership positions.
Jose Feliciano and Cleveland Fire Chief Angelo Calvillo
Jose Feliciano asked Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson and Cuyahoga County Executive Armond Budish about a West 25th Street project in particular and how to get noticed and action for the community in general. They both recalled Lonnie Burton who had recommended: "Agitate, agitate, agitate." And the Mayor said you need to be persistent and consistent.
Mayor Frank Jackson
He then asked Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson and Cuyahoga County Executive Armond Budish who the Hispanic community could call on at City Hall and at the County.
Cuyahoga County Executive Armond Budish
He also asked if there could be a Hispanic Advisory Council.
Jose Feliciano, Armond Budish and Mayor Jackson
Jose Feliciano also asked Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson about the relationship between Cleveland police and the community and how they were able to avoid major protests.
Jose Feliciano Jr. and Sr.
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