City Council Member Carlos Menchaca (D-Sunset Park, Red Hook) honored Mexican and Mexican-American heritage over the weekend by unveiling the new “Cinco de Mayo” Place at the intersection of Fifth Avenue and 43rd Street in Sunset Park.
Cinco de Mayo, or the Fifth of May, is a Mexican holiday that marks the unexpected victory of the Mexican army against French forces in the 1862 Battle of Puebla. The Mexican army was outnumbered and outgunned but was able to fend off the invading French military from capturing their capital, Mexico City.
The day is now celebrated as a festive holiday with many people going out partying and drinking versus remembering those who fought for Mexico’s independence.
“Today we are going to lift up the Mexican community. It offers a lesson Cinco de Mayo, because it is not just a time to party but also a time to learn and remember. Cinco de Mayo honors the valor, the sacrifice, the improbable victory by Mexicans. As a proud Mexican-American myself, I hold up today as a testament and testimony to the battles we face everyday, especially in these times. This holiday offers an opportunity for us to keep our faith high and taking action against the adversaries we see,” said Menchaca.
One local resident and Mexican immigrant, Laura Xochitecatl, made sure to bring her young daughter, Larissa Huerta, to the event to share with her the importance of their Mexican heritage and culture.
“This is a historical moment for our community for Latinos and Hispanics, not just Mexicans. I think this is a big step for us, for honoring our community. I came with my daughter because I think it’s important to show her the Mexican ballet folklorico and our culture. From a young age we need to engage our children so that they don’t forget the significance of Mexican culture,” said Xochitecatl.
City Council Member Brad Lander (D-Park Slope, Windsor Terrace, Kensington) made sure to politicize the festive atmosphere with highlighting the importance of immigrant communities to Brooklyn and the country as a champion of progressive politics in the City Council.
“There has never been a more important time in our country than now for us to listen to and honor each other’s stories. It’s not only because we care about our neighbors, it’s because we care about our country. This is a moment when we have the honor and responsibility to Mexican and Mexican-American stories because we have a President who has chosen specifically to attack and demonize your community. All the rest of us have a responsibility to stand up and lock arms and celebrate with your community,” said Lander.
Lander was citing the the most recent initiative by the Trump Administration, a new Deportation Program, which calls for the rounding up of non-violent undocumented immigrants, who would not have been deported under former President Barack Obama’s policy, by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents (ICE).
Latino and Hispanic communities have been hit the hardest with a rash of ICE raids spreading across the country. Led by Council Member Menchaca, New York City, at the end of 2016, took steps to officially become a Sanctuary City in order to protect immigrant populations.
The co-naming ceremony included a recounting of the history behind Cinco de Mayo, a ballet folklorico, or traditional mexican folk dancing and a musical presentation by children from the BAJA Musical initiative.
