“I Was That Girl On the Pelham Bay Line.”

by Lorraine Cortés Vázquez

When asked last month to serve as Chair of the National Puerto Rican Day Parade in New York City, I thought, “Hell no, that is not what I do. I work to build and empower!” As the words went from brain to mouth, I was reminded of the importance of this institution and what it represents for millions of Puerto Ricans and our Diaspora.

I also thought of the joy and pride my Grandmother and Mother shared as they took me and my sister Ana María every year. We’d get on the Pelham Bay line at 110th Street (today the #6 train) with “la Bonita Bandera” (it was years before I realized that it was just “bandera” without the adjective) in hand, get off on 51st and Lexington Avenue and work our way to “La Quinta” to the St. Patrick’s Cathedral area.

Three hours of delight, clapping, shouting “que Bonita Bandera”, in awe of all the people marching. That is the same experience we have since shared with our own children, nieces, nephews, grandnieces, only that in more recent times we would drive from The Bronx to 97th Street, park the car, then get on the Pelham Bay line — as I will forever call it. Driving from The Bronx was an added treat, because throughout the route, every other car on the road had one or two “Bonitas Banderas” by the sideview mirrors. Other more creative drivers draped their hoods with larger banderas. Such was the fun. Such are the memories.

A few years ago, my adult nephew and godson Chris came for a visit from Tampa, and he made me promise that I would go with him to “The Parade” — as we all call it. We had a ball, and bought a treasure trove of “la Bonita Bandera” paraphernalia: backpack, bracelets, car stickers, headbands, necklaces — and we put it all on!

It was those delightful pride-filled memories that made me say yes. This iconic Puerto Rican Day Parade represents all that Puerto Rico and the Puerto Rican Diaspora have contributed to the United States, and in particular to La Gran Manzana. I knew it would be an extremely challenging task to accept this post, to rebuild and restore confidence in this historic and important organization. But I, once again, have been blessed to have the support of a dedicated, equally moved and passionate group of Board Members who are also compelled to make sure New York City and the Puerto Rican Diaspora celebrate and strut our stuff with dignity.

Get to know them. They are business executives, attorneys, artists, people from government, from marketing, from the restaurant world, an actor. They are awesome: María Girone, Louis Maldonado, Ululy Martínez, Carmen Pacheco, Orlando Plaza, Rosa J. Gutierrez, Sandra García Betancourt, Anthony Díaz, the other wonderful, beautiful Lorraine, Lorraine Reyes (what is the chance of two Puerto Rican Lorraines together?), and Rafael Domínguez .

Everyone can help and be a part of this huge party. Fifth Avenue is big enough to welcome our hearts. You too, can make this a reality. Contribute your time, talent and money. Ask your companies, ad agencies, clients, vendors, clubs, civic groups to support The Parade. Tell me and others of your Puerto Rican Day Parade childhood or adult memories. Let everyone know what La Parada has meant to you, your family and to our community. Share. Delight in the positive growth and history of our vibrant community and its diverse contributions to this country of ours and to La Gran Manzana.

I know all Latinos dance to the tunes and joy in La Parada. I invite you to share your stories, too. Remember also that this is a day that belongs to every Latino. Let’s make it so that our stories and accounts go viral so as many can see what the parade truly means. I can’t wait to see your posts. The day all Latinos and all New Yorkers are Puerto Rican. See you on Fifth Avenue on Sunday, June 8th, 2014. Wepa!

Lorraine Cortés-Vázquez, former Secretary of State of the State of New York, is an attorney, advocate and community leader. She is Executive Vice-President of Multicultural Markets and Engagement of AARP in Washington, D.C. She chairs the National Puerto Rican Day Parade.