2009prparadepage6

2009 Puerto Rican Parade Y LatinoFest Pagina 6

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Padrino de la Parada Puertorriqueña 2009 / Godfather of the Puerto Rican Parade 2009

FESTIVAL COMMITEE MEMBER

EFRAIN “ Frank ” COLON

Our Honoree Padrino 2009 is one of our founding members.

Many Thanks ! To FRANK COLON

Efrain Colon is a dedicated leader in the Hispanic community of Cleveland. For the last 40 years he served in many projects and committees. Since 1968, he has served on the Puerto Rican Parade Planning Committees. Since1991, he has served on the Julia de Burgos Cultural Arts Center Board of Trustees. For the last 30 years he is the proprietor of Frank Auto Service. Frank earned an Associate’s Degree from Tri-C on Mechanical Engineering and holds a Realtor License. We thank Efrain for his many years of devoted service and inspiring us with his passion for the preservation of our cultural heritage and rich language and hope he will continue to serve for many years to come. The following is an interview conducted last year by one of our youth Project Coqui members of the life work of Efrain Colon. 2008 Projecto Coqui Interview Efrain Colon, better known as Frank, is originally from Juana Diaz, Puerto Rico. Frank came from a family of 11. Mr. Colon is father of 5 children. He immigrated to Cleveland, OH in 1961 because his father was working at the Ford Motor Company. Frank has been in Cleveland for 49 years and has resided in the West Side. His favorite Puerto Rican cuisine is “rice and beans and avocado salad.” His favorite tradition is the celebration of the Three Kings Day and his favorite music is “la bomba” and “la plena” because it is our own typical music. Reggaeton has taken over the “la plena” and “la bomba.” After all is said and done, reggaeton will eventually end and the traditional “plena” and “bomba” will live on. Mr. Colon has been involved with the Spanish American Committee and is currently serving as President of the Board. He also is Second Vice President of the Julia de Burgos Cultural Arts Center. Frank’s most memorable Puerto Rican parade was the year he met his wife. He also had the pleasure of meeting the first Puerto Rican Miss Universe. The Puerto Rican Parade and Latino Fest bring him memories of Puerto Rico. He feels the Puerto Rican Parade and Latino Fest have gone from a cultural event to a political event. Cleveland has grown but it has not been for the benefit of the Puerto Rican Community. Frank would like to see integration of all ethnic groups and become one which communicates effectively. Mr. Colon thinks it’s important to continue with the tradition of the Puerto Rican Parade and Latino Fest because no matter what changes occur we will always be seen as Puerto Ricans. If he could effect change in the City of Cleveland he would make sure educational and cultural opportunities would prevail for the Latinos. Also, he would make sure more resources such as Julia de Burgos Cultural Arts Center, would be made available to the Latino Community. Efrain’s message to the Hispanic Community: “Learn who you are and where you came from. More importantly, be proud of your Hispanic Heritage.” Interviewed by: Luciano A Galindez, Student St Martin de Porres