City to Celebrate 10 years of Office of Multicultural Affairs

The City invites the community to join in celebrating the ten year anniversary of the Office of Multicultural Affairs at 3 p.m. on Saturday, August 16, during the 7th Annual Latin Jazz and Salsa Festival at Dogwood Dell, 1300 Blanton Avenue.

The City of Richmond’s Office of Multicultural Affairs originated as the Hispanic Liaison Office, which was established in 2004. In 2006, the Hispanic Liaison Office transitioned to the Human Services portfolio to provide greater visibility within City structure and more support for the expansion of the office’s initiatives.

In July 2012, the City transitioned the Hispanic Liaison Office into the Office of Multicultural Affairs. While the new office continues to serve Spanish-speakers, the expanded office is working to become more inclusive in engaging Richmond’s immigrant and refugee communities through enhanced collaboration with community-based organizations, non-profits, educational institutions, and the private sector. The office works closely with all City departments to help create a more welcoming environment, and continues to build an attractive and multicultural image for potential newcomers.

The Office of Multicultural Affairs has proven to be an integral component to the City of Richmond’s core operation. In October 2010, The National League of Cities (NLC) featured Richmond as one of the top 20 cities with the best innovative programs and initiatives in the area of immigrant integration in the NLC publication, “Municipal Innovations in Immigrant Integration: 20 Cities, 20 Good Practices.”

The 7th Annual Latin Jazz and Salsa Festival is part of the City’s Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities’ 58th annual Festival of Arts. The festival begins at 3 p.m. and continues until 8 p.m. Performers, dancers and jazz musicians include Grammy Award winner Marlow Rosado, Ismael Rivera, Jr., Herbie Martinez and Orchestra, Julissa Cruz’ Latin Vintage Dance Troupe, All-America Dance Group and DJ Eddy Mayorga. The public is encouraged to attend this free, family festival.