Please join City Council President Shannon G. Hardin and Councilmember Shayla Favor will kick-off Hispanic Heritage Month with a virtual celebration and Esperanza Awards presentation on Tuesday, September 28, 2021, at 7pm.

The festivities include musical performances, the 2021 Esperanza Award presentation and conclude with the lighting of City Hall.

"It is an honor to host the first Annual Hispanic Heritage Month lighting ceremony celebration," said Councilmember Favor. "This year, we recognize the contributions of our Hispanic residents, specifically our service workers and front line heroes who the COVID-19 pandemic has disproportionately impacted."

 The 2021 Esperanza Award is presented to individuals and organizations for their outstanding contributions to the Latino community. The recipients are:

Organization
SCOPE (Student Community of Progressive Empowerment) was created in 2019 to support and serve undocumented students at Ohio State and Central Ohio. SCOPE advocates for prospective and current students such that education is accessible to all. The goal is to create a safe space that protects students who are undocumented or of DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) status.

Individual
Lair Marin-Marcum is an advocate with a proven voice for the underrepresented. While working in the private sector, she passionately fought for women and minorities to obtain opportunities to achieve positions of influence. At the Ohio Latino Affairs Commission, she championed for thousands of Ohio Latino families.

"I say it often, but it is even more important to repeat it loudly at this critical point in our history," Favor continued. "Our Hispanic residents contribute greatly to our community and should be honored. Columbus' diversity is its strength." 

 

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