After over a year without open access to parades and community festivals the Knickerbocker Avenue Puerto Rican Day Parade (KPRP) kicked off a return to street gatherings on June 13. This year’s parade chose to honor Wyckoff Heights Medical Center and Woodhull Hospital for their efforts in battling the COVID-19 pandemic. “They have been pivotal in helping families in desperate need during the pandemic,” said the KPRP Committee, and a moment of silence was held before the start of the parade for all those individuals in the community and across the world who has lost their lives due to COVID-19.
The parade’s grand marshals were selected by the KPRP committee with the criteria of displaying exceptional leadership, hard work, dedication, and playing a vital role in helping the most vulnerable of the community during COVID-19 in this community. This year’s grand marshals were: Ramon Rodriguez, CEO Wyckoff Heights Medical Center, Gregory Calliste, CEO NYC Health + Hospitals/ Woodhull, and Dr. Jorge Venegas, MD Wyckof Heights Medical Center.
KPRP Committee Members gratefully acknowledge their supporters and sponsors: Assemblywoman Maritza Davila, Magnifico Youth Sports Association, Tony’s Pizzeria, El Puente, RiseBoro Community Partnership, and the 83rd Precinct Community Council.
The Greenline 