Brookhaven Celebrates National Hispanic Heritage Month

International community partners recognized for their service in Brookhaven.

Brookhaven, GA, Oct. 4, 2021 – As part of National Hispanic Heritage Month commemoration, Mayor John Ernst presented Latino leaders and community partners a proclamation in recognition of National Hispanic Heritage Month and the critical services each organization provides to residents in Brookhaven and the greater metropolitan area.

“About a quarter of Brookhaven’s population identifies as Hispanic, and National Hispanic Heritage Month affords us the opportunity to honor the heritage and contributions of Brookhaven’s Latino community,” said Mayor John Ernst. “Our Latino community has been one of Brookhaven’s greatest strengths and we are privileged to be a city with such diversity.”

During this event, the Mayor presented proclamations on behalf of the City to:

Monica Marin, Consul of El Salvador in Atlanta.

Telma Borrayo, Consul of Guatemala in Atlanta.

Angelina Williams, Consul of Honduras in Atlanta.

Javier Diaz de Leon, Consul General of Mexico in Atlanta.

Santiago Marquez, CEO of the Latin American Association.

Gigi Pedraza, Executive Director of Latino Community Fund.

Gabriela Duran, Los Vecinos de Buford Highway.

Lily Pabian, Executive Director of We Love Buford Highway.

Veronica Maldonado, President and CEO of the Georgia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

State Representative Mary Margaret Oliver and DeKalb County Commissioner Jeff Rader, who both also represent Brookhaven on the State and County governments, were also in attendance to express their appreciation and support for the Latino community.

Mayor Ernst mentioned during the event that it has been a top priority for the City of Brookhaven to embrace the Latino community since its inception and to strive for ethnic equity within all government areas, including the Brookhaven Police Department, so the city government is reflective of the diversity of their residents.

“We have Spanish interpreters in almost every department to meet the needs of the public, including Police, Public Works, Community Development, Parks, Communications, and the Clerk’s Office.”

Mayor Ernst recognized the city’s partnerships with community leaders and local allies and renewed his commitment to strengthen these partnerships.

“Our Latino community is a great example of resilience, strong work ethic, and family values, but so are you, as our local partners, stakeholders and allies serving and empowering them, and for that we’re grateful.”

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