NJHRIC presents
2024 Latino Celebration
Newark ’74: From Rebellion To Excellence
Commemorating the 50th Anniversary of Newark’s Puerto Rican Rebellion
An Exhibition at The Newark Public Library
5 Washington Street
Newark, NJ 07102
Puerto Rican communities in New Jersey have a long history and dynamic presence since the early 20th century. During and following World War II, Puerto Rico’s changing economy displaced many agricultural workers to seek other opportunities in the United States. New Jersey’s farms and manufacturing firms recruited approximately 12,000 Puerto Rican laborers during this time period.
During the 1950s-1970s, Puerto Rican settlers adapted to new urban environments by establishing self-help grassroots organizations, social clubs to reaffirm their cultural identities, and voiced concerns about the various barriers preventing their communities from social empowerment. Many years of political invisibility reached a flash point on September 1, 1974 in Newark, NJ. After being denied park permits for many years, the community was finally able to celebrate Fiestas Patronales in Branch Brook Park. However, the festival attendees were soon confronted by mounted park police officers who interrupted a dice game and almost trampled a young girl. The attendees rioted in reaction, expressing years of tension and frustration. The days that followed consisted of mass protests and negotiations between the city’s Puerto Rican community leaders and the mayor’s office.
The exhibition, Newark ’74: From Rebellion To Excellence, snapshots Newark’s Puerto Rican community of the 1950-1990s, while commemorating the agony of a blemished cultural festival in Branch Brook Park and acknowledging the rise of Puerto Rican and Latino political power through community excellence.
Also featured in the exhibition is a selection of original prints by Afro-Puerto Rican painter, graphic artist, sculptor, and community activist, Samuel Lind and a collection of authentic vejigante masks.
Co-curated by William Q. Sánchez, Yesenia López, Juber Ayala and Fabian Paredes.
On View September 18, 2024 through January 18, 2025
Listen to eyewitnesses of the 1974 Rebellion on our oral history page.
Listen to Newark community organization staff members commemorating the Rebellion speak about the history of their institutions on our Latinx Heritage Trail page.
Latino Celebration Programs
The Newark Public Library
Centennial Hall, 2nd Floor
FREE PARKING at 20-53 Bridge St Garage, Newark, NJ
Refreshments will be served.
For more information about the exhibition or related programs: (973) 733-7772.
9/18/2024: Exhibit Opening Reception
Opening Reception and Panel Presentation
Wednesday, September 18th, 6 – 8 PM
Join us for the opening reception of the exhibition, Newark ’74: From Rebellion To Excellence, commemorating the 50th anniversary of Newark’s Puerto Rican Rebellion. Judge Myrna Milan will moderate a panel discussion between archivist, Juber Ayala, and eyewitnesses William Q. Sánchez and Felipe Chavana, Esq.
Tour the exhibition, Newark ’74: From Rebellion To Excellence, co-curated by William Q. Sánchez, Yesenia López, Juber Ayala and Fabian Paredes.
Registration is preferred: tinyurl.com/Newark74
10/5/2024: Latinx Heritage Trail
Latinx Heritage Trail
Saturday, October 5th, 11 am
Take a walk along our guided tour to learn about the landmark locations and organizations that “paved the way” for Newark’s Latinx community.
Please visit our Latinx Heritage Trail site to listen to our audio tour.
Caminata de la Herencia Latinx
Sábado, 5 de octubre del 2024, 11 am
Dé un paseo por nuestra caminata para aprender sobre los lugares emblemáticos y las organizaciones que abrieron el camino para la comunidad Latinx de Newark.
Visite nuestro sitio web Caminata de la Herencia Latinx para escuchar nuestro audioguía.
10/5/2024: Family Day Festival at Branch Brook Park
| Family Day at Branch Brook Park Saturday, October 5th, 1 – 4 pm Prudential Concert GroveFREE FOR ALL AGES 
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Dia de Familia, Branch Brook Park Sábado, 5 de Octubre, 1 – 4 PM Prudential Concert GroveGRATIS PARA TODOS 
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11/2/2024: Life & Legacy of Miguel 'Don Mike' Rodriguez
The Life and Legacy of Local Latino Pioneer Miguel “Don Mike” Rodriguez
Saturday, November 2, 2024, 2-4 PM
Mini-Documentary Screening & Reception
honoring The Life and Legacy of Local Latino Pioneer Miguel “Don Mike” Rodriguez
Join us in the first-ever viewing of the mini-documentary on the life and legacy of Puerto Rican cultural icon, Miguel “Don Mike” Rodriguez, a community and political leader who epitomizes the excellence that rose from the ashes of Newark’s Puerto Rican Rebellion of 1974.
Registration is preferred: tinyurl.com/74Excellence
Proyección de un Microdocumental y Recepción
en honor a la vida y el legado del pionero Latino, Miguel “Don Mike” Rodriguez
Sábado, 2 de noviembre del 2024, 2-4 PM
Únase a nosotros en la primera proyección del microdocumental sobre la vida y el legado del ícono cultural puertorriqueño, Miguel “Don Mike” Rodríguez, un líder comunitario y político que personifica la excelencia que se levantó de las cenizas de la rebelión puertoriqueña de Newark de 1974.
Se prefiere registrarse: tinyurl.com/74Excellence
