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City of Newark Unveils Las Heroinas Mural on Broadway and Herbert Place

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The City of Newark, Deputy Mayor of Community Engagement Jacqueline Quiles, the Department of Economic and Housing Development, and other dignitaries unveiled Las Heroinas mural today on Broadway and Herbert Place from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Trio Cristal and El Son del Caribe performed at the event.

The Las Heroinas mural honors the achievements of five Puerto Rican women in history. The women depicted on the mural include: Felisa Rincon de Gautier, Lola Rodriguez de Tio, Mariana Bracetti, Julia de Burgos, and Maria Luisa Arcelay. The murals are part of Mayor Baraka’s initiative of bringing such artwork to City neighborhoods to beautify them and to instill community pride. Earlier this year, the Mayor unveiled the longest mural on the East Coast, decorating the western side of the NJ Transit tracks on McCarter Highway from Lafayette to South Streets.

“Outdoor murals represent a creative way to engage our residents, empower our artists, beautify our neighborhoods, and honor our pioneers at the same time,” Mayor Ras J. Baraka said. “These particular murals of great Latina pioneers visibly and physically honor role models and inspirations for today’s generations and future generations. I am proud of how our administration has undertaken this pioneering initiative, and look forward to unveiling even more murals as we continue this program.”

A group of empowered women who have made their mark in the state of New Jersey and beyond presented each woman painted on the wall. Presenters will include:  State Senator Teresa Ruiz, Assistant Superintendent of Newark Public Schools Dr. Yolanda Mendez, Univision Anchor Katiria Soto, Paterson City Council Member Maritza Davila, and Luis Munoz Marin Elementary School Principal Maria Ortiz.

The mural was painted by Carolyn Salinas, an art teacher for Central High School. Project Archivist Yesenia Lopez will be archiving the event for the Puerto Rican Community Archives (PRCA) of the New Jersey Hispanic Research & Information Center at The Newark Public Library.