PH Consul General in Chicago Celebrates Filipino American History Month
From left: Mr. Watanabe, Ms. Cardella, Ms. Lacson, Ms. Hazelden, Consul General Paez, Alderwoman Manaa-Hoppenworth, Mr. Edrosa (at the back), Mr. Dela Cruz, Mr. Salazar, and Mrs Edrosa. (Chicago PCG photo)
CHICAGO 29 October 2024 – The Philippine Consulate General in Chicago, in partnership with the Chicago Public Library (CPL) and Filipino American Historical Society of Chicago (FAHSC), celebrated the Filipino American History Month on 12 October 2024 at the Chicago Public Library-Edgewater Branch.
Mr. Scott Watanabe, Librarian of the Chicago Public Library, opened the program by sharing this year’s theme of the Filipino American History Month, “Struggle, Resistance, Solidarity and Resilience,” which captures the spirit of the Filipino American Community as described by poet Carlos Bulosan in his classic work “America in the Heart.”
The event featured a keynote address from Consul General J. Susana V. Paez, who highlighted the significance of this month-long celebration. The Consul General paid tribute to the indelible contributions of the many Filipinos and Filipino-Americans, and recognized how this lent to the strong historical and cultural linkages that form the very cornerstones of the Philippines and US’ relations and deep friendship.
Alderwoman Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth, the first Filipino to serve on the Chicago City Council, also took the stage, and delivered brief remarks that underscored the importance of recognizing and celebrating the Filipino American community.
The Consulate donated 14 Filipino-authored books to the Chicago Public Library – Edgewater Branch. Branch Manager Joanna Hazelden received the donation on behalf of the library.
The Keynote Program also featured members of the Filipino community. Mr. Ruben Salazar, President of FAHSC, provided attendees with an overview of the Filipino American Historical Society in Chicago, emphasizing its role in continuing to preserve and promote the history of Filipino Americans in the region.
Veloria Coffee owners Mr. Ron Eric Edrosa and Mrs. Vilma Edrosa were introduced as one of newly-opened businesses in Chicago promoting Filipino coffee and its unique flavors. The event was further supplemented by readings from Mr. Rey Dela Cruz’s “Ballesteros On My Mind” and Ms. Zee Lacson’s “Twice Removed,” who captivated the audience with selections from their literary works.
The Consulate, CPL, and FAHSC also organized screenings of the film “Sonata,” with the support of the Film Development Commission of the Philippines at the Chicago Public Library’s Uptown Branch on 13 October 2024 and Edgewater Branch on 20 October 2024. END
Consul General J. Susana V. Paez deliver their remarks at the Keynote Program of the Filipino American History Month celebration at the Chicago Public Library - Edgewater Branch (Chicago PCG photo)
For more information, visit https://www.chicagopcg.dfa.gov.ph, https://www.chicagopcg.com, https://www.facebook.com/PHinChicago/, https://twitter.com/PHinChicago or https://www.instagram.com/phinchicago/.