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June 16, 2022
FOR IMMEDIATE CONSIDERATION
Media Contact: Kelvin Molina-Brantley, Puerto Rican Parade President
kelvin.molina.brantley@gmail.com
413-657-2222
Second contact: Shirley L. Rodríguez
Puerto Rican Parade Administrator
Admin@springfieldprparade.com
413-314-0088
Press Release
For Immediate Release
Springfield Puerto Rican Parade “Nunca Olvides Tus Raíces (Never Forget Your Roots)”
Kickoff Celebration and Reveal of our Ambassador Honorees
Location: White Lion Brewing Company
SPRINGFIELD, MASS. – Thursday, June 29, 2023 - 6:00pm-7:00pm Puerto Rican Parade
Kickoff Celebration and Ambassador Honorees Reveal.
The Springfield Puerto Rican Parade has been celebrated for 33 years. Our 2023 theme “Nunca Olvides
Tus Raíces” translates into “Never forget your roots.” The culture of Puerto Rico is a combination of
Taino, Spanish, and African cultures. The Taino community people were among the first ones to
settle in Puerto Rico. Even after Spanish people arrived, they tended to marry Taino Indian women to
fulfil their motive of populating the country. Springfield has a rich representation of 47.5% of
Latin/x/o community members and you can see it expressed through art, culture, traditions, music,
festivals, and entrepreneurial leaders.
The parade kickoff celebration promises to be an evening filled with cultural pride and anticipation for
the upcoming parade. The Committee is overjoyed to announce the kickoff celebration and exciting
unveiling of ambassador honorees representing the categories of: Civil Service, Madrina (Godmother),
Padrino (Godfather), Cultural, Youth, Sports, LGBTQIA+, Community Organization, plus one more special
announcement.
One of the highlights of the evening will be the announcement of this year's Grand Marshal, Waleska
Lugo-DeJesús. Waleska, is the CEO of Inclusive Strategies and Salsa Sal Pa Fuera DEI Advisor - nationally
certified Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging facilitator dedicated to creating meaningful social
change, with a human-centered, racial healing approach, addressing systemic racism for equitable
environments, and communities. “Waleska’s selection as the Grand Marshal signifies her outstanding
contributions to the community and her commitment to fostering positive social change.” shared Kelvin
Molina, Springfield Puerto Rican Parade President.
We invite media representatives, community leaders, and the public to join us at the Springfield Puerto
Rican Parade kickoff celebration. This event will serve as a testament to the unity and cultural pride that the parade represents while honoring the ambassadors who will play a vital role in promoting and
representing the parade in their respective categories.
Members of the Springfield Puerto Rican Parade will be present to share insights about the parade's
mission, its significance in celebrating Puerto Rican culture, and the upcoming festivities planned for the
community.
About the Springfield Puerto Rican Parade: The Springfield Puerto Rican Parade is an annual celebration
of cultural pride, arts, and education that honors the 3.3 million inhabitants of Puerto Rico and over 5
million people residing in the United States. The parade spans 2.1 miles through the city center, starting
from the north-end neighborhood and ending in downtown. It was founded in 1989, in the aftermath of
Hurricane Hugo, to uplift the spirits of the community and recognize the contributions made by the
Puerto Rican community. Now in its 33rd year, the parade has grown significantly in size and scope.
Mission: is to uplift and empower the community by celebrating Puerto Rican culture, challenging
stereotypes, preserving heritage, providing a sanctuary for cultural expression, representing the island,
and leaving a legacy.
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