Written by Jessica Barreto 

FLEMING ISLAND, Fla. - You can now discover the voices of Hispanic leaders who helped shape Northeast Florida. Their stories have been preserved as part of oral history project called Voces Hispanas (Hispanic Voices) “New Stories to Tell”. You will have the opportunity to check out the exhibit at the Fleming Island Library Branch from Monday, October 23 until Monday, October 30. It will be on display during regular hours.

The exhibit has traveled all throughout Northeast Florida, and this marks its visit to Clay County.
It is made up of testimonies from Hispanics and their historical, cultural and economic contributions spanning the last 100 years.

“Clay County Public Libraries are honored and excited to host the Voces Hispanas exhibit, which signifies the start of a meaningful endeavor to pay tribute to the legacy of our local Hispanic leaders,” Director of Library Services Mary Canfield emphasized.
“We hope the testimonials will emphasize we are a space where everyone is welcome. The exhibit will be housed in the Fleming Island Library and we invite our residents and visitors to immerse themselves in the celebration of Hispanic leaders in Northeast Florida.”

This marks the first research initiative of its kind for the five counties in Northeast Florida.

“Everyone benefits when we can celebrate the heritage of our community,” said Clay County Commissioner and Tourist Development Chairman Mike Cella. “Residents as well visitors to the area will hear some new stories from our regional Hispanic culture adding to the rich roots of our African-American, Native-American and military heritage stories. When we share these stories, we keep the legacy of that heritage alive by peaking the interest of visitors and residents.”

For more information, you can visit the website for Voces Hispanas website.
 
You can also view a photo gallery of the exhibit.