The Queens Science Hall was the scene this week of another of the celebrations for the Ecuadorian national holidays. On Monday night, the Office of Councilor Francisco Moya brought together diplomats, community leaders and local authorities to not only remember that Ecuador celebrates 214 years of independence, but also the contributions that their compatriots have made in New York.
Councilman Moya, the only official elected so far in the US from the roots of the Andean country, awarded 10 people from his community who work in different fields.
“Long live Ecuador! I feel very proud to be here with you,” said the mayor who represents sectors of Corona, East Elmhurst, LeFrak City and Jackson Heights, during an evening full of native music and which was also attended by Mayor Eric Adams and Ambassador Jose Sandoval.
Among the people who received proclamations was the Executive Editor of El Diario, Carmen Villavicencio, who has been leading the newsroom for several years.
“As an Ecuadorian immigrant, I am proud to be able to run the newsroom of one of the oldest Spanish-language newspapers in the country. Now more than ever, the independent ethnic press plays a crucial role in the community,” said Villavicencio when thanking the municipal recognition.
The other winners were: Gino Murillo, Esteban Camino, Jenny Moscoso, Erick Urgiles, Anny Ruiz, Maria Alcivar, Rosa Negron, Luis Anibal Tapia, and a special posthumous mention for the founder of the weekly Ecuador News, Marcelo Segovia Arboleda.
It is estimated that the New York and New Jersey area is where the majority of Ecuadorians who have immigrated to the US reside (almost 700,000).
flag raising
Instead, the Office of the Mayor for Immigrant Affairs and the General Consulate of Ecuador in New York will raise the Ecuadorian flag in Bowling Green Park, located at Broadway and Whitehall Street, Manhattan, this Thursday, June 10. August at 1:00 p.m.