Portuguese-American contributions celebrated on Beacon Hill
BOSTON – About 20 men and women wore red carnation boutonnieres and looks of pride while receiving an award at the Heritage Day of Portugal ceremony on June 11 at the Massachusetts State House for having excelled in their lives and served as role models for others to emulate.
“This ceremony reminds us all of the history of our people and what they have done, how they have helped make the United States of America the greatest country on earth,” said Sen. Marc Pacheco, Senate co-chair of the Portuguese-American Legislative Caucus (PALC). “For 40 years, this day has served as a reminder and celebration of the impacts these nominees make on their communities each and every day, and the importance of the Portuguese-American community in the United States and here in Massachusetts.”
Organized by PALC, Heritage Day of Portugal serves to recognize individuals in Portuguese-speaking communities who help to preserve their cultural traditions while giving back to their communities and encouraging future generations to appreciate and love their heritage.
Rep. António F. D. Cabral, House co-chair of the Portuguese-American Legislative Caucus, thanked awardees for their service to their communities, to the Commonwealth and country.
“We as a community have always answered the call,” Rep. Cabral said, noting that several plazas in his district in New Bedford which honor those who served this country and paid the ultimate sacrifice are dedicated to Portuguese-Americans. “We as a community know how to defend, how to participate and get involved to defend our liberties and rights we enjoy today.”
Pedro Nascimento Cabral, Mayor of Ponta Delgada, Azores, was the guest of honor and keynote speaker.
“Today, in Massachusetts, we celebrate the achievements of our ancestors and the wonderful legacy they left us,” Cabral said. “Their courage to leave behind the island where they were born, to endure the pain of being separated from their parents and siblings…their struggle to learn the language, to get a job, to start a family and have children. With their blood, sweat and tears, they also built this America in which we find ourselves, without ever forgetting their origins and cultural traditions.”
The mayor exalted those present to preserve their cultural identity and traditions.
“We have a duty to preserve this Portuguese heritage, to disseminate it and to expand it within our communities, so that one day we can hand it down with great affection and love to our children. Just as our grandparents did for our parents and our parents did for us,” he said.
Attending the ceremony were Massachusetts Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll, Speaker of the House Ronald Mariano, members of the Portuguese-American Legislative Caucus, Consul General of Portugal in Boston Tiago Araújo, Consul of Portugal in New Bedford Tiago Sousa, Consul General of Brazil in Boston Santiago Mour?o and Consul General of Cabo Verde in Boston Octávio B. Gomes.
Lt. Governor Kim Driscoll presented Mayor Cabral with a Proclamation declaring June as Portuguese American Heritage Month in the Commonwealth.
“Today, I think we’re all Portuguese-Americans,” said Driscoll, provoking great applause. “The Portuguese community is alive and well here in the state of Massachusetts. We have the second largest percentage of Portuguese residents, and Portuguese is the third most spoken language in Massachusetts. The Portuguese culture is engrained in so many aspects of Massachusetts, from the food we all eat to the traditions we hold so dear. One of my favorite Portuguese traditions is heading down to the Feast of the Blessed Sacrament in New Bedford.”
2024 Heritage Day of Portugal honorees hail from communities throughout the Commonwealth
Carl Alves, who has served for more than three decades as the CEO of Positive Action Against Chemical Addiction (PAACA), was recognized by Rep. Christopher Hendricks for helping improve the quality of life in New Bedford through substance abuse prevention, treatment, and recovery support strategies, as well as for rallying support for those experiencing homelessness and mental issues. Alves said he thought of his ancestors while receiving the award.
“It’s all about service and how it was instilled in me,” he said. “That’s what the Portuguese people are all about – helping one another out and trying to make the world a little bit better. So, I am honored and privileged to be a part of this. I am very humbled.”
Fellow honoree Carlos DeMedeiros has given back to his community of Fall River by serving on several organizations, including the Azorean Cultural Society, Saint Cecilia Philharmonic Band, Associa??o Cultural Lusitana, and Ateneu Luso Americano. Nominated by Rep. Alan Silvia, he said he felt particularly proud of the work the Azorean Cultural Society has done over the years.
“We’ve worked hard to help people,” he said. “In the last 37 years, we’ve given away more than $1 million to people in need. We have given scholarships. We have given away 800 Thanksgiving meals to those in need. This year, we’re going to give 200 pens?es (offerings of meat and other food items). Those are the little things I do to help the community. It makes me really, really happy.”
Paul Ferreira, who was nominated by Sen. Marc Pacheco, has long been active in the Taunton community as president of the Taunton Sports Soccer Club, president of the Taunton Area Day of Portugal Committee, and chair of the Membership Committee of the Prince Henry Society of Taunton. He has also been a member of the executive board of the Club Madeirense S.S. Sacramento of New Bedford and also volunteers at local Holy Ghost feasts, food pantries, and homeless shelters.
“This award to me is really not an individual award. It’s a family and community award,” he said. “So many wonderful people work with me. I am very thankful to them. My family, my parents, are the ones who taught me to give back to the community. So, I am just appreciative for them and to be recognized. It’s a representation of my community.”
Rep. Cabral nominated “Os Capitalistas,” a five-member Portuguese-American band that will be celebrating 50 years of performing. They have performed all over Massachusetts and New England, and they have toured in the Azores. He said the longevity and success of “Os Capitalistas” make them an excellent example of promoters of Portuguese language and culture.
Speaking on behalf of the band, Jo?o Cunha said it was a great joy to receive this award.
“It’s been many years of hard work on our part to serve the Portuguese community with Portuguese music and American music,” he said. “This is a very important milestone in our lives. Fifty years is a lifetime. I want to thank the Portuguese communities, the clubs, and the organizations for their support. It’s been a great pleasure.”
Paulo Pinto, the CEO of the Massachusetts Alliance of Portuguese Speakers (MAPS), was recognized by Rep. Erika Uyterhoeven. He has served the Portuguese-speaking community throughout his more than 30-year career in the health and social field and stood out for his leadership, capacity to address the needs of the community and involvement in so many noble causes.
“For me, this award means a celebration of my heritage and the work people like me are doing every day to improve the lives of our community members and empower our community,” Pinto said. “We want to make the state where we live better and contribute to its success. This is a celebration of all of that. Hopefully by doing this, we make a difference in the world and also incentivize and motivate others to do the same so that generations to come will be proud of our Portuguese-American heritage. The best way to celebrate our heritage is by being a good example of success, working hard and contributing towards the betterment of the world.”
Sen. Michael Rodrigues nominated Richard S. Aguiar, the chief of Fall River Fire Department’s Special Services Unit.
“This is an outstanding award,” Aguiar said, noting he could not help but think of his father when he received the award. “Even though I was born in this country, my Portuguese heritage goes way back. My father started a landscape business, and he had Portuguese immigrants working for him. When I started to work with my father, I had to learn to speak Portuguese to communicate with our employees. I continued to work in the field of landscaping for 39 years continuing to have Portuguese speaking employees.”
The other honorees were:
Deborah Almeida Araújo was nominated by Sen. Pacheco. She has worked for the non-profit Citizens for Citizens Inc. for nearly 50 years in numerous capacities, including in her current role as Community Resource Director for Greater Taunton and as organizer of CFC's Operation Christmas Toy Distribution, which provides gifts for more than 2,500 needy children in the greater Taunton area.
Joanne Santos-Pontes, the chair of the World Languages Department at Ludlow High School, was nominated by Sen. Jacob R. Oliveira. She was recognized for taking pride in cultivating a sense of community for students of Portuguese heritage and those looking to learn more about the culture and customs of the Portuguese-speaking community.
Sen. Liz Miranda nominated Daniela Emília Gomes Rodrigues, who served as the volunteer program manager for 826 Boston where she managed the volunteer program of roughly 700 volunteers to ensure student-centered learning spaces for students in Boston Public Schools, most of whom are English language learners.
Rep. David Vieira nominated William Robert Valad?o for his great commitment to the Fresh Pond Holy Ghost Society and Portuguese American Association of Falmouth, making it a welcoming place for families and community members to gather to share and celebrate their Portuguese heritage.
Sen. Joan Lovely recognized the Holy Ghost Society Cultural Center of Peabody, which has evolved into a vibrant cultural organization that provides a home to many Portuguese activities sponsored by various cultural and community groups.
Rep. Dylan A. Fernandes nominated Joe Netto, Falmouth’s Precinct Nine Clerk. A retired educator, his contributions have made a lasting, positive impact on the Falmouth community.
Rep. Carol A. Doherty recognized Taunton Superintendent of Schools John Cabral, who has been a fierce advocate for the district’s English-language learners and worked closely with Manet Community Health to open a school-based health center to ensure families have easy access to healthcare.
Rep. Danillo A. Sena nominated Linda Vieira, a library trustee in Acton who has worked to ensure the library is an open and welcoming place for all and has dedicated much of her life to helping her community.
Rep. Kip A. Diggs recognized Patricia Perry, a Hyannis entrepreneur who has been an active member of the local community, supporting various charitable organizations and political causes.
Rep. Priscila S. Sousa nominated Leandro Alves, who has become a reference in the history of Brazilian radio in the United States.
Rep. Rita Mendes recognized Aminah Fernandes Pilgrim, an artist, author, community organizer and award-winning educator. Her community organizing and advocacy focuses on children, young/gang violence, the school to prison pipeline, immigrant transitions and women’s empowerment.
Rep. Kate Hogan nominated Paul and Olga Freitas, who have been volunteering and organizing the Império Espírito Santo Mariense as the president and first lady of the Santa Maria Holy Ghost Society in Hudson for 32 years.
Sen. Michael D. Brady recognized Maria Pina, a Brockton business owner and activist who is known for helping others.
Rep. Thomas Walsh nominated Maria Jo?o Gil, who has been involved with many Portuguese-American organizations in Peabody and for many years has been a person that people felt comfortable going to for help. Gil has helped many fill out different types of applications, translate letters, and has driven people to doctor’s appointments, social security office and court hearings and translated for them.
Rep. Christopher J. Worrell recognized Helder Brand?o for his resilience, community involvement, entrepreneurial spirit and support to local charities and youth opportunities.
This article originally appeared on The Herald News: Portuguese-Americans honored at the State House in Boston