National Hispanic Heritage Month Council Resolution and Mayoral Proclamation

City of Toledo officials will issue a council resolution and a mayoral proclamation in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month during a news conference at 3 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 17 on the first floor of One Government Center.

National Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept. 15 – Oct. 15) celebrates and recognizes the contributions Hispanic Americans have made to American society and culture and honors five of our Central American neighbors who celebrate their independence in September.

Toledo Councilman Gary Johnson will present the resolution on behalf of council to Dr. Gregory A. Guzman, Commissioner, Ohio Commission on Hispanic and Latino Affairs. Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz will present Mr. Guzman with a proclamation. The mayor will also recognize the 2019 State of Ohio Distinguished Hispanic Ohioan Awardees.

José Luna was selected to receive the 2019 Distinguished Hispanic Ohioan Award. Mr. Luna serves as the Hispanic Outreach Coordinator for Toledo Public Schools, is a published author of children’s books, a musician, and a strong education advocate.

Ezequiel Villa was selected to receive the 2019 Distinguished Hispanic Ohioan Military Service Award. Mr. Villa is a highly-decorated Veteran of the Korean War, owner of the longest standing Mexican business in Toledo – “El Tipico” Mexican Restaurante, and the youngest man on record to ever serve in the United States Air Force at the age of 14.

Nueva Esperanza Community Credit Union was selected to receive the 2019 Distinguished Hispanic Ohioan Nuestra Familia Award. Nueva Esperanza, with Sue Cuevas serving as chief executive officer and president, is the first Latino-focused credit union in Ohio and only the third in the nation. It is a member-owned financial institution offering savings and loans. It was chartered in 2010 with less than 10 members. Today, it has more than $2 million in assets and more than 500 members.

WHO: Toledo City Council, Mayor Kapszukiewicz

WHAT: National Hispanic Heritage Month News Conference

WHEN: 3 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 17

WHERE: One Government Center, first floor