Suffolk County Legislator Manuel Esteban Sr, Esq. recognized Colombian Americans for their community service and leadership in Suffolk County at recent Legislative General Meeting. Legislator Esteban, the first Hispanic American ever elected to Suffolk County Legislative District 16, presented proclamations while traditional Colombia music played. Legislator Esteban shared that “Colombian Americans have made important contributions in medicine, sciences, and the arts…and today we recognize these worthy honorees.” Those who received proclamations included: Vanessa Pino Lockel of the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County, Stephen Becker of Trane Technologies, Jairo Zuluaga of JVC Broadcasting, and Victoria Black and Ormeyda Castillo of Cholados y Antojitos, Brentwood.
In addition to honoring the Colombian American Community, Legislator Esteban announced Introductory Resolution 1603 that will designate July 20th as “Colombian-American Appreciation Day in Suffolk County.” This resolution is part of a series of bills Legislator Esteban is introducing to promote the richness that the many nations represented in Suffolk County bring to our communities. “Suffolk County is fortunate to have many nations represented each with its own cuisine, culture, music, dance, art, and folklore. Together these make for wonderful cultural experiences in Suffolk County and for us to learn from one another and enjoy each other’s cultures” states Legislator Esteban. Legislator Esteban was born and raised in Astoria, Queens, and as an Eagle Scout is very proud of being born in the USA.
He is also proud of his Hispanic heritage, his mother being from Valle Del Cauca, Colombia and his father from Havana, Cuba. “Culture is so vital to who we are, and it is good to embrace our culture, share it, and be proud and never forget from where we come from” said Legislator Esteban.