City committee backs official recognition of July as Cabo Verdean Heritage Month, sends measure to full council

The Committee on Appointments and Briefings voted March 18 to recommend that the City Council recognize July as Cabo Verdean Heritage Month in New Bedford, forwarding the measure to the full council with a unanimous recommendation.

Candida Rose Baptista, who identified herself as a community cultural educator and organizer, presented a packet that included a coalitional mission statement, a proposed calendar of events and a community outreach list. She said the initiative would “honor and celebrate the rich legacy of tradition, resilience, and achievement of the Cabo Verdean community,” and described the theme Juntamon — “joining hands” — as central to the proposal.

Members of the Cabo Verdean Heritage Month Coalition stood in the council chambers and the committee received letters of support, including a communication from the mayor’s office and a note from the director of tourism. Councilors praised the coalition’s organization and the proposal’s potential to expand tourism and cultural programming in July alongside existing events.

Councilor Gomes moved that the committee recommend the City Council recognize July as Cabo Verdean Heritage Month “now and in the future.” The motion, as amended to make the observance perpetual, was seconded by Councilor Baptiste. The committee recorded a roll‑call vote of 11–0 in favor and will forward the recommendation to the full City Council; the item is scheduled for the council meeting on March 27.

Committee members and coalition organizers discussed next steps for logistics, programming and coordinating a recognition ceremony; council leaders said they would prepare a formal resolution for the full council. Baptista and other coalition members said they planned events and outreach intended to amplify existing July programming rather than replace Cabo Verdean Recognition Week.