Tag Archives: Jackson Heights

Jorge Munoz, Winner of the Presidential Medal

Jorge Muñoz, born March 23, 1964, is the founder of the non-profit An Angel in Queens, an organization begun in the summer of 2004 that delivers free home-cooked meals in Queens. The food is delivered at the corner of Roosevelt Avenue and 73rd Street in Jackson Heights.

Muñoz was born in Colombia and his father died in an accident when he was young. Muñoz followed his mother, moving to New York to find work to support the family, obtaining legal residency in 1987, and later becoming a citizen, along with his mother and sister. He has estimated that he has served to more than 70,000 people since 2004.

On August 4, 2010, Jorge Muñoz was presented with the Presidential Citizens Medal by President Barack Obama.

Colombian Day Parade Jackson Heights -2024

BY: Adal Hussain, Chief  Editor for World Liberty TV, @ Northern Boulevard Queens NY, Sun July 21st 2024

Jackson Heights come alive with Colombia’s vibrant colors, sounds, and spirit on Sunday, July 21, 2024.

The Colombian Day Parade marches along Northern Blvd from 69th Street in Jackson Heights to 89th Street in Corona.

This annual celebration marks Colombian Independence Day was filled with cultural pride and community festivities.

Hundreds of Colombian Americans danced through the streets of Jackson Heights, Queens on Sunday for the annual Colombian Independence Day Parade.

It’s a celebration of more than 200 years of independence from Spanish rule., “Celebrate the freedom of Colombia. Our people are really happy,” Jackson Heights, NY. resident Jose Suarez told WLTV.

The roots of Colombian Independence Day trace back to a pivotal moment in history. Amidst colonial rule, Latin America, including Colombia, faced oppression under a strict caste system imposed by Spanish rulers.

The struggle for independence gained momentum in the early 19th century, fueled by events like Napoleon’s invasion of Spain and the imprisonment of King Ferdinand VII.

Leaders like Simón Bolívar rallied the people in their fight for freedom, culminating in the historic Battle of Boyacá in 1819.

The Colombian flag, with its bold yellow, blue, and red colors, symbolizes the nation’s rich resources, seas, rivers, and the blood shed by patriots in the quest for independence.

The Colombian community in Jackson Heights and Corona embraces their heritage while looking towards a future of inclusivity and progress, echoing Bolívar’s belief that freedom is for all people, regardless of race, origin, or status.

Hundreds marched in the Colombian day parade, many political leaders were on hand, which included: Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, Senator Jessica Ramos, New York Assembly Member, Jessica González-Rojas, was the Madrina of the parade.

Other policical leaders in attendance included: Assemblywoman Catalina Cruz, Hiram Monserrate, Democratic District Leader Assembly District 35 and Ismael Malave candidate for New York City Comptroller.

NYPD Marching band, played the music, NYPD Latin Society Members were in attendance, Salsa Organizations and so many more. Close to 100,000 people lined up the streets of the parade.

See more about Colombian day parade 2024, in our World Liberty TV, Political channels by clicking here.

Queens Pride LGBTQ 21st Annual Parade of Twenty Thirteen

Pride Parade and Multicultural Festival on Sunday, June 2 with a host of activities to promote pride among and for the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer/Questioning (LGBTQ) community of Queens and beyond. Again this year, banners announced the 37th Avenue route of the Parade and Festival.

“Our theme, ‘Equality. Everyday. Everyone.’ acknowledges the extremely important decisions before the Supreme Court on marriage equality and the hard work that our New York legislature must do to provide full equality to transgender peoples,” said Chris Calvert, co-chair of Queens Pride.

This year, the parade honored PRYDE/Make the Road NY as a Grand Marshal. PRYDE, the LGBTQ Justice Project of Make the Road NY, works to empower LGBTQ communities of Brooklyn and Queens through organizing and education. Its membership is intergenerational, ranging from ages 14 to 50+. It is one of the few New York City groups founded, led, and constituted by low-income LGBTQ people of color organizing around public policy issues that have impacts at the citywide, state, and national levels.

The Parade kicked-off at 12 p.m. at 85th Street and 37th Avenue, ending on 75th Street. Marcus Woolen and Candy Samples once again hosted a reviewing stand in front of the Jackson Heights Post Office, where the Queenie Awards are judged. The awards honor the ingenuity and enthusiasm of groups in their demonstration of LGBTQ pride and is the theme of this year’s event.

The Festival began with nearly 100 vendors along 37th Road and 75th Street. Two stages featured entertainment throughout the day. The festival capped off with a performance by George LaMond, famous for songs such as “Bad of the Heart,” ”Don’t Stop Believin’,” and “Si Tu Te Vas.” A Bronx native, LaMond’s musical career began in the 6th grade, where he and school mates discovered he can sing.

LaMond’s career spans more than two decades where he has received nominations for several distinctive awards, including “Best Male Pop Vocalist” in 1992 and Best Male R&B Vocalist by the New York Music awards. He was also presented a gold record for the album “Entrega,” He was the winner in the 2000 New York Ace Awards for Best New Vocalist, the 1991 Winter Music Conference Award for Best Freestyle Singer, and a 1991 Best Desi Arnez Vanguard Award. He recently received a Lifetime Achievement Award from New York’s WKTU. Hank Krumholz, co-chair of Queens Pride says, “We think Mr. LaMond will really get our crowd energized!”

World Liberty TV interviewed Daniel Dromm, the Founder of Queens Pride and also the council member for the same district. We asked him about the hate crimes against the LGBTQ Community, which are happening more than ever before. See what Mr. Dromm had to say about this topic and what is being done to prevent such crimes.