Hispanic Heritage Month City Hall Closing Ceremony
Hispanic Heritage Month Closing Ceremony
Cleveland City Hall Rotunda October 13, 2023
The City of Cleveland celebrated the end of Hispanic Heritage Month 2023 with an event in the Rotunda of City Hall on October 13, 2023. See the Opening Ceremony.
Raul Hernandez Brito served as the MC. Rafael is also known affectionately as Rafa El Alcalde - The Mayor. He has been the Spanish voice of numerous professional sporting events and became the Spanish voice of the Cleveland Cavaliers two years ago.
Raul Hernandez Brito
He introduced Beatriz Gomez who led the singing of the National Anthem.
Beatriz Gomez
Next Father Paco gave the invocation.
Father Paco
Raul gave his welcoming remarks and then introduced Cleveland City Council President Blaine Griffin.
Cleveland City Council President Blaine Griffin
Then Councilwoman Jasmin Santana spoke.
Councilwoman Jasmin Santana
Angela Shute-Woodson, Community Relations Director, spoke.
Angela Shute-Woodson
Judge Earle B. Turner also spoke.
Judge Earle B. Turner
Kevin Clayton from the main event sponsor Cleveland Cavaliers spoke next.
Kevin Clayton
Watch a video of the National Anthem and opening remarks.
Raul Hernandez Brito then introduced Dr. Shogi McLean who gave the keynote address.
Dr. Shogi McLean
Various awards and special recognitions were presented. The first was the 2023 Community Engagement Award went to former Cleveland Indians great Carlos Baerga. Carlos was out of town but a representative accepted for him.
Next was the 2023 Community Service Award to Tanisha Velez.
Tanisha Velez
The 2023 Outstanding Leadership Award went to Raul Jimenez, a co-founder of the Dominican Club of Cleveland.
Raul Jimenez
The other 2023 Outstanding Leadership Award went to Waleska Gachuk for her many community activities in Ward 14.
Waleska Gachuk
During dinner there was a performance by Grupo Folclorico Dominicano.
Grupo Folclorico Dominicano at Cleveland City Hall
Isabella Pacheco, Miss Gratitude Image, also performed "En mi Viejo San Juan" by Noel Estrada on the violin.
Isabella Pacheco
This was followed by a couple's dance.
The final award was the 2023 Angel Guzman Outstanding Achievement Award which was given to Dr. Maria Pujana.
Dr. Maria Pujana
Christopher Martinez and Dr. Maria Pujana
Chris Martinez thanked MC Raul Hernandez Brito and then after the ceremony the band Grupo Fuego performed.
Grupo Fuego
Enjoy these other photos from the Hispanic Heritage Month Cleveland City Hall Closing Ceremony
Cleveland's Hispanic Liaison Chris Martinez
Event Sponsors
Award for Cleveland Cavaliers Sponsorship
Latina Image ladies
Angela Woodson, Jasmin Santana and Blaine Griffin
Grupo Fuego drummer
Doctor Juan Felix Medina and brother Dr. Juan Santana
Dr. Shoghi McLean and wife
Raul Hernandez Brito and Chris Martinez
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