Newark Public Schools Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month With Music, Theater, and Community

NEWARK, N.J. – The sounds of Latin music, the rhythms of traditional dance, and the laughter of an appreciative audience filled First Avenue School on Thursday evening as families from throughout Newark gathered for the district's annual Hispanic Heritage Month celebration, hosted by Superintendent León.

The event brought together families, educators, district leaders, and staff for an evening celebrating Hispanic culture, heritage, and the bonds that unite the Newark community. Guests enjoyed live entertainment before the evening’s main attraction: a professional performance of La Gringa, the acclaimed play by Puerto Rican playwright Carmen Rivera, presented by Repertorio Español of New York.

The festivities began with performances by the Arts High School Latin Band, which entertained guests as they dined together. The musicians included Class of 2025 graduate Miguel Rodriguez Bermudez on soprano saxophone, Arts High School Principal Regina Sharpe on drums, and Band Director Kennis Fairfax. The Arts High School Latin Band dancers also performed, adding movement and energy to the celebration with Betsy Bermudez Crespo, Arts High School Recreational Coordinator and Assistant Band Director, leading that group and assisting with the band.

The musical performances set the stage for La Gringa, a comedy-drama that explores Puerto Rican identity, family, and the meaning of cultural belonging. First performed in 1996, the play celebrates its 30th anniversary this year and has become one of the longest-running Spanish-language productions in New York theater history.

The performance offered a fitting centerpiece for the district's Hispanic Heritage Month celebration, reflecting the experiences of families whose cultural traditions connect Newark to Puerto Rico, Latin America, and communities throughout the world.

“Hispanic Heritage Month is an opportunity to celebrate the extraordinary cultures, traditions, and contributions that enrich our school district, our city, our state, and our country,” said Superintendent León. “Tonight, we came together to enjoy wonderful music and theater and strengthen the relationships that make our Newark Public Schools community so special. Our families are at the heart of everything we do, and events like this remind us that our schools are places where culture, community, and education come together.”

Newark Board of Education President Hasani K. Council said the celebration reflected the district's commitment to honoring the diverse backgrounds of the families it serves.

“Our diversity is one of Newark's greatest strengths, and celebrating that diversity brings us closer together,” Council said. “This evening was a wonderful expression of the pride our families take in their heritage and the sense of belonging we strive to foster throughout our district. We are especially proud of the Arts High School students, alumni, and educators whose talents helped make this celebration so memorable.”

Superintendent León thanked everyone who contributed to the success of the celebration, including First Avenue School Principal Neysa Miranda and her school community, the Arts High School performers, Repertorio Español, the Board with Board Member Louis Maisonave, Jr. in attendance, and the district staff members who helped organize the event.