PHOTOS: City Celebrates National Hispanic Heritage Month

As part of its month-long celebration, the Gaithersburg mayor and City Council recognized the city's National Hispanic Heritage Month Monday evening with a reception and proclamation.

Prior to the Gaithersburg City Council meeting, the city’s Multicultural Affairs Committee sponsored a special reception where guests enjoyed a poetry recital by Jaime Paredes accompanied by guitarist Nathan Scott.

Following the banquet, Gaithersburg mayor Sidney A. Katz and Council Member Michael A. Sesma presented a proclamation in honor of the Sept. 15-Oct. 15 celebration to Diego Uriburu, the Executive Director and co-founder of Identity, which provides programs for Latino youth in Montgomery County.

"The roots of Hispanic heritage in North America span more than 500 years, and individuals sharing this heritage have made vast contributions to the strength, prosperity and culture of our nation," according to the city. "The observance celebrates the culture and traditions of U.S. residents who trace their cultural heritage to Spain, Mexico and the Spanish-speaking nations of Central and South America and the Caribbean."

Uriburu previously served as the Deputy Executive Director for over 13 years. He states it is an honor and a privilege to serve Latino youth and the Latino Community, Sesma said.