PA Chief Diversity Officer Norman Bristol Colon inspires at Cultural Coalition event

Second annual 'Latinos Unidos' event features spoken word, art expo and dance

Pennsylvania Chief Diversity Officer Norman Bristol Colon presented the keynote speech entitled "Pioneers of Change: Shaping the Future Together," at the Berks County Cultural Coalition's second annual "Latinos Unidos" Hispanic Heritage Month event at Alvernia University's Francis Hall Theatre.

"The Latinos Unidos event is not just a celebration of our vibrant culture, but a powerful reminder of the strength and resilience within our community," said Alvernia's O'Pake Insitute Executive Director of Community and Economic Development and Cultural Coalition Chair, Lizette Epps, MBA, CUDE, CNP, AWA. "It's an opportunity to come together, share our stories through the arts, and uplift one another. Ensuring that the community is seen, heard, and appreciated."

During his keynote, Colon shared his personal journey of overcoming poverty and adversity, highlighting the power of resilience. Drawing from these experiences, he emphasized the role of empathy in shaping his public service and urged pride in one's Latine heritage. He celebrated the community's identity, history, and contributions, especially during Hispanic Heritage Month, and underscored the transformative power of education for both individuals and the broader Latine community. Colon concluded by recognizing Latinos as a driving force in America's demographic and economic future.

"In Reading, Pennsylvania, 80 percent of the city's population AND 84 percent of the student population are Latinos. In Pennsylvania, we have 1.2 million Latinos today. You see, we are fueling America's future. We are America's economic strength, and we are indeed America's future," said Colon. "When I came to Pennsylvania, my pockets were empty. Completely empty. Not even a penny. But they were full of hopes, dreams, and aspirations...Dreaming is free and it is an enormous opportunity for us to shape the future of Pennsylvania and to shape the future of this nation. So, on this Hispanic Heritage Month, do not be ashamed of who you are, but instead be proud because America cannot survive without us, Latinos."

In addition to the keynote, attendees were also able to enjoy the curated Miller Art Gallery Exhibit by local artist Juan Carlos Ruiz put together for the event, a traditional dinner catered by A Taste of Comfort, spoken word performances by Berks County Poet Laureate Adrian Perez-Roman 'Apito,' and Berks County Poet Laureate Finalist Aries Franklin Ortiz 'The Poet Smiley,' and a Latin dance performance by Wanda Holdren Dance Company.

An awards ceremony followed, honoring Alvernia Computer Science Major Jaden Roman '26 with the Excelencia Hispana Student Excellence Award; Owner of New Heights Grocery Store, Moises Abreu with the Community Pride Award; and Head of Operations at the John R. Post Center at Reading CollegeTowne, Danny Natal, with the Distinguished Service Award.

"I think the biggest impact [of the Cultural Coalition] is bringing the organizations, skills and energy together to benefit our community. We do really great things in this community," said Cultural Coalition member and Executive Director of the Berks Latino Workforce Development Corporation, Violet Emory. "I was part of this event last year, I was a panelist, and I'm excited that it's here again this year with a great guest speaker."

Focusing on Downtown Reading's economic renaissance, Alvernia University's O'Pake Institute for Economic Development and Entrepreneurship joined community leaders to form the Cultural Coalition. This volunteer-based, Berks County-focused group helps identify and address the city's social and economic challenges. The Coalition is comprised of three task forces: arts and culture, community and neighborhood revitalization, and education and workforce development.