Tallahassee-Leon County Bicentennial Celebration
By David Triana, President, Conexion Media Group
The Hispanic connection with Florida started on October 12, 1492, when Rodrigo de Triana, a sailor aboard the La Pinta, yelled “Tierra, Tierra”, upon seeing land during Columbus’ first voyage to what became known as the New World or The Americas.
This pre-dated by 115 and 128 years respectively, Jamestown Virginia’s English settlement and Plymouth Colony in Massachusetts.
In 1493, during Columbus’ second voyage, Juan Ponce de Leon, a noble by birth, first came to the Americas as a Gentlemen Volunteer. It was he that led the first expedition to our area and on April 2, 1513, landed somewhere on the east coast and named the region “La Florida.”
On November 9, 2024, Tallahassee-Leon County’s Bicentennial Weekend Spectacular featured speakers and panel discussions honoring the rich heritage and diverse cultures of the city and Leon County. As stated by Vel Johnson, Bicentennial Coordinator in a recent article, “The presentations helped deepen our connections, while igniting a collective vision for the future.”
Conexion Media Group (CMG), in collaboration with several, had the honor of organizing the segment titled “Celebrating 200 years of Hispanic Heritage”, which included a lecture covering the connection of Hispanics to the city and county. CMG’s lunchtime event packed the Parkview at Cascades ballroom and featured talented singer Elio Delgado, folkloric performances by Quincy’s Un Poquito de Mexico and Panama City’s Gypsy Rhythm Dancers, a short theater act by Theater with a Mission and a variety of delicious Latin food provided by sponsors.
We thank all the sponsors who made this happen including: Florida Blue, Tally Arepas, Pepper’s Mexican Grill and Cantina, Mama’s House in Quincy, Le Point Pastry and Bakery, Yvon’s Peruvian Cuisine, Habana’s Boardwalk Cuban Restaurant, and Minnie’s Cakes.
Hispanics have a deep connection to our state and nation, and that connection started decades before the British arrived!
That connection exists now and will continue: According to recently released estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau, Hispanics nationwide passed the 65 MILLION mark as of 2023!
Florida’s Hispanic population is more than 6.1 million and it is estimated that perhaps as early as 2025, primarily fueled by the growth of the Hispanic population, Florida will transition to a majority-minority state.
With 44% of its Hispanic population being under age 30, Hispanics will continue to have a huge impact in the future of Florida.
We live in a multicultural and diverse state and nation, and history tells us that it has always been that way, let’s work together in ensuring that the future FOR ALL, regardless of race, ethnicity, or creed is the best it can be.
