The Puerto Rican Leadership Council held a Candlelight Vigil with close to 100 members of the community including religious, political and community leaders at the Ascociacion Borinquena in East Orlando. Planned as a call to end the violence spreading in Puerto Rico, after the tragedy in Newtown, Connecticut last week, the event also took on a larger scope at a poignant time.
The event’s goal was to “Shine a Light on Crime and Violence in Puerto Rico, Central Florida, and the Nation” and as the candles lit the dark sky, messages of hope and action were delivered. Carlos Guzman, president of the PRLC, opened the event, and speakers included Ascociacion Borinquena president Jose Aponte, Latino Leadership CEO Marytza Sanz, and religious leaders representing all the major religions.
State Senator Darren Soto, who spoke at the vigil, called for community action to end the violence. Soto made a pledge to work closely with Orange County Mayor Jacobs to ensure children are safe in schools.
U.S. Congressman Alan Grayson (D-Orlando) also made a brief appearance at the vigil.
Newly elected State Representative Joe Saunders, who also addressed the crowd, underscored the importance of standing against assault weapons violence. Saunders promised to be part of this important conversation when he goes to Tallahassee for the legislative session.
The PRLC held the vigil at a time when violence is also spreading throughout Puerto Rico, which has caused great hurt in Central Florida’s large Puerto Rican community.
