Essex County commissioners honor local leaders for Hispanic Heritage Month

Carlos Palmares, president of the Essex County Board of Commissioners, opened a Hispanic Heritage Month celebration on behalf of the board and said the county’s “greatest strength” is its diversity. "My name is Carlos Palmares and I'm the president of the Essex County Board of Commissioners," he told the audience, thanking honorees and livestream viewers for attending.

The board presented commendations to five honorees. Commissioner Pat Seibold read the commendation for Assemblywoman Carmen Teresa Morales, noting her role as director of curriculum and instruction for the Essex County Schools of Technology and her service in the New Jersey General Assembly. Seibold said Morales “made history as the first Puerto Rican assemblywoman in Essex County.” Morales thanked the county and framed the honor as recognition of the contributions of Latina women and of community resilience: "This honor means so much to me because it is not just about my individual accomplishments," she said.

Commissioner Adorian Murray Thomas introduced Kenneth Fairfax and the Newark Arts High School Latin Jazz Band. Fairfax, who has worked with Essex County and Newark schools since 1978, accepted the recognition on behalf of his students and described the band as a student-centered program. "Give it to the kids," Fairfax said, stressing that the honor belongs to the students who sustain the program. The Latin Jazz Band performed for the audience and received enthusiastic applause.

The board also honored Latinos of Montclair. Commissioner Bridal Gill read the organization’s origin story, noting it was founded in 2022 to increase Latino visibility in Montclair and has since convened hundreds of residents across New Jersey. Natalia Spero, the group's president, urged attendees to support the organization’s work and invited the public to a festival on Sunday, September 22 from 1 to 4 p.m.

Commissioner Ricardo introduced Maria Andrade, who was recognized for a range of education and community roles, including serving as site director for NJ GEAR UP College Bound at NJIT. Andrade thanked the board and dedicated the recognition to the next generation.

The board presented its final commendation to Dr. Mary Ellen Klein, president and CEO of Clara Moss Medical Center (an RWJBarnabas Health facility). Commissioner Ricardo highlighted Dr. Klein’s leadership in establishing a Center of Excellence for Latino Health and announced that she will retire at the end of the year. Dr. Klein accepted the honor on behalf of her center and community advisory board and thanked staff and community partners.

The program included an invocation by Associate Pastor Martino D'Com and a performance of the national anthem by Jayla Rodriguez, a junior at the Donald Payne School of Technology. The commissioners invited honorees and attendees to photos and light refreshments after the program. The event concluded with a closing prayer.

No formal votes or board actions were recorded during the ceremony; the meeting was a recognition event rather than a regular board business session.