Puerto Ricans United, Inc. (PRU) recently celebrated its 10th anniversary with a gala at Anthony’s Ocean View, honoring individuals and organizations that have helped build and grow Puerto Rican community and culture in New Haven and the surrounding region.
A Decade of Community Building
Over 400 people attended the event, including local, state, and federal officials, as well as members of the Springfield-based group Bomba de Aquí. The evening featured live music and dance performances, including bomba y plena, and a live painting demonstration by Hartford-based artist Andrea Sanchez.
PRU President Joe Rodriguez expressed his pride in the organization’s accomplishments, including awarding $12,500 in academic scholarships, distributing over 5,000 toys, and welcoming over 80,000 attendees to its annual summer festival on the New Haven Green.
The organization has also worked to champion cultural education, including classes in bomba, plena, and Puerto Rican history. Rodriguez emphasized the importance of building a strong cultural footprint and celebrating the community’s heritage.
Awardees at the gala included New Haven Public Schools Assistant Superintendent Viviana Camacho, educator and composer Dr. Carlos Torre, and the news outlet La Voz Hispana de Connecticut. State Rep. Juan Candelaria and West Haven business owner Sammy Rivera also received PRU’s signature President’s Awards.
Original reporting: New Haven Independent — read the source article.
