Category Archives: News

News

Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces’s 7th annual Flagstaff Summertime Tardeada on Aug. 20 raises cultural awareness, promotes understanding in Coconino County

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Free event, which has drawn upwards of 400 guests, provides cultural education to community, honors all veterans in region.

FLAGSTAFF — To celebrate and recognize Flagstaff’s Hispanic roots, Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces will present its 7th annual “Flagstaff Summertime Tardeada — Mariachi and Folklorico Festival” from noon to 6 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 20 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, 224 S. Kendrick St., Flagstaff.

The event is FREE, open to the public and has drawn upwards of 400 visitors in past years. 

What is a Tardeada? It’s a vibrant afternoon festival and social dance celebrating Flagstaff’s Hispanic culture and community history. The Coconino County Board of Supervisors has served as the premier sponsor at past events.

The festival’s goal is to celebrate the legacy of Flagstaff’s Hispanic culture through entertainment, music, dance, art, food and exhibits. Veterans of all cultural backgrounds and their families are encouraged to to attend so they can participate in the traditional group photo and receive their veterans recognition certificates.

The entertainment stage will feature Mariachi performers, Ballet Folklorico de Colores – Flagstaff and a variety of dance music, Mexican and regular barbeque food will be sold as a fundraiser for the Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces’ Cultural Heritage Fund.

Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church is a significant historic site because it was the pride and centerpiece of the Hispanic community when it was built in the late 1920s by Flagstaff Hispanic pioneer families, who had strong bonds to the church.

A Mariachi Mass is traditionally held the following Sunday, (11 a.m. Aug. 21) at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church.

The public is invited to both events.

For more information, www.flagstaffnuestrasraices.org or send an email to president@flagstaffnuestrasraices.org or info@flagstaffnuestrasraices.org for more information.

Event, Featured, News

CHAC participates in Coconino County 2022 Cultural ‘Diversity Day’

The Coconino Hispanic Advisory Council took part in Coconino County’s Cultural “Diversity Day” held on Wednesday, June 22, 2022 at the Coconino County Superior Courthouse Lawn. CHAC members participating included Dani Donaldson of Northern Arizona University, Frank X. Moraga of www.AmigosNAZ.com and Esteban Villarreal of Coconino County.

A variety of other organizations and county departments participated in the annual event including the African Diaspora Advisory Council and the Indigenous Peoples Council.

The event was part of Coconino County Diversity Week: June 20 through June 24, 2022.

News

CHAC honored at 2021 NAU Homecoming Game

Hispanic Heritage Game: 20 years of CHAC Celebration

Go Los Jacks!

Established in 2001 by the Board of Supervisors, the Coconino County Hispanic Advisory Council (C.H.A.C.) serves as an official liaison and communications link between the Hispanic/Latinx community and Coconino County leadership. This year, CHAC is being recognized for 20 years of community action and volunteerism. As leaders in the Hispanic/Latinx community, CHAC upholds traditions such as Cesar Chavez Celebrations and Hispanic Heritage Month events, while addressing current community trends through mentorship, conversation, and action. As we conclude the celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, tonight we are joined by J Michael Cruz- CHAC Chair, Dani Donaldson- CHAC Vice Chair, Frank Moraga, Patty Garcia, and Esteban Villareal in recognition of this community organization. Thank you for your commitment to uplifting the voices of the Hispanic and Latinx communities in Coconino County for the past 20 years. CHAC members who could not be with us today are: Ruth Eaton, Miguel Vasquez, Jose Diaz Aquino, and Katie Mommaerts.

❗️Join us for CHAC meetings at 5:30 p.m. on the first Wednesday of each month❗️ 

#CHAC#hispanicheritagemonth

Event, Featured, News

CHAC HOLDS FOOD DRIVE IN HONOR OF 2021 CESAR E. CHAVEZ CELEBRATION

  • CHAC member Dani Donaldson is interviewed on Facebook Live by former Flagstaff Mayor Coral Evans.
  • Flagstaff Family Food Center provided the donation boxes for the events.
  • CHAC Chair John Haro and past chair Ruth Eaton struggle with the gusty winds to set up the food drive sign.
  • Past CHAC chair Ruth Eaton attempt to corral the balloons on a gusty day.
  • CHAC members gather after a Facebook Live segment.
  • The first community donation rolls up to the event.
  • Two bags of donations make their way to the food boxes.
  • CHAC Chair John Haro places the first donation in the food boxes.
  • CHAC member Patty Garcia arrives with food donations.
  • CHAC member Esteban Villarreal is interviewed in Spanish on Facebook Live
  • CHAC members brave the gusty winds as they await food donations to arrive.

Photos by Frank X. Moraga/AmigosNAZ.com; Richard and Ruth Eaton; and Esteban Villarreal.

Click on image above to see a slideshow of more photos at www.CoconinoCHAC.org

FLAGSTAFF — The Coconino County Hispanic Advisory Council (CHAC) held its inagural drop-off Community Food Drive as a socially distant alternative to its annual César E. Chávez celebration from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, March 27 at the Market of Dreams / Mercado de los Sueños,, 2532 E. 7th Ave., at the corner of 4th and 7th streets, Flagstaff. 

Nearly 500 pounds of food were collected, along with nearly $500 in cash donations.

All donations went to the Flagstaff Family Food Center for distribution to the community.

Thank you to former Flagstaff Mayor Coral Evans for conducting Facebook Live interviews to spread the word about the event, and to supporting partners The Market of Dreams / Mercado de los Sueños and Radio Sunnyside KSZN-LP 101.5 FM.

The event was promoted in the Arizona Daily Sun and KAFF Country 92.9 FM

CHAC members braved gusty winds and chilly temperatures to set up the donation boxes just outside the Market of Dreams / Mercado de los Sueños.

Community members were invited drop off such donations as:

Peanut Butter, canned vegetables, tuna and other canned protein, pasta, cereal and canned fruit. 

Thank you very much for supporting the community. Your help is very much appreciated.

Sincerely,

John Haro, Chair

Coconino County Hispanic Advisory Council

About CHAC: The Coconino County Hispanic Advisory Council was established in 2001 with thepurpose of advising the County Board of Supervisors on issues and concerns that affect the Hispanic community in Coconino County. In addition to serving as an advisory group to the county supervisors,the council has identified the following five major areas of focus:

  • To conduct forums on issues and concerns of the Hispanic community
  • To promote awareness of the need for diversity in employment, training and economicdevelopment
  • To assist Coconino County in recruiting and retaining Hispanic employees
  • To promote Hispanic culture, arts, historic activities and events
  • To examine and make policy recommendations in the areas of education, housing, land use, health, social services, recreation and criminal justice issues.

Prior to the pandemic, CHAC members presented such activities as the annual César E. Chávez Community Recognition Breakfast at American Legion Post 3; and took part in such events as the annual Armed Forces Day Parade, the Cinco de Mayo dinner/dance at the American Legion Post 3 and the 4th of July Parade. Members look forward to taking part in such events in 2022.