Several things have been happening in Lawrence lately that will be remembered for a long time. I am very concerned with the legacy we will leave for future generations to examine just like we read about Lawrence immigrant settlers, builders and ancestors.
One hundred years from now people will be looking at us wondering what contributions we made to society and kind of community we formed. In the past few weeks, different events have taken place that will be talked about. In October, we had the Eighth International Book Fair with authors from many countries bringing their perspective on things to us.
The Essex Art Center presented a magnificent exhibit of Dominican photographers followed by a similar show of Dominican painters. I must praise the work of Mory and Benny Espaillat who launched an extensive publicity campaign to make sure everybody knew it was going on. The result was that I don’t believe the Essex Art Center have seen this many Spanish-speaking friends together at one event.
The moment we entered the gallery, the brilliant colors filling the space made us feel at home and the crowds enjoyed it thoroughly. During the weekend of Thanksgiving Day, many out of state visitors were brought here by their relatives.
Then, the story featured on this edition about Luis Bonilla, “The Golden Doll” should fill us all with pride. The Lawrence Housing Authority allowed the placing of a bronze plaque in front of the building where he lived until he died. Recognizing that way one of our significant contributors to our society and our culture are the details that should be remembered. That’s who we are!
The next two weekends Rev. Joel Almono brings the Fourth Annual Latino Theatre of Lawrence with groups coming from New York and Connecticut, as well as local actors.
This is our legacy; I want the Lawrence History Center to be busy recording our involvement in creating a better city.
