CELEBRATING BENITO JUAREZ'S BIRTHDAY IN BRYANT PARK

Photo by Spencer T Tucker

Monday, March 21 marked the 199th birthday of the world-revered Benito Juarez. The former Mexican president is remembered for his advocacy of human rights and preservation of state sovereignty. On Monday morning, as his memory was honored throughout Mexico with grand pronouncements and pageantry, a ceremony took place at the Benito Juarez statue in Bryant Park. The Mexican Consulate General, several New York-based Mexican organizations, and political representatives from Mexico gathered at the site of the recently installed sculpture.

"It is a tradition that the president of Mexico and governors around the country make speeches honoring Juarez, as he is considered the most renowned of all Mexican presidents," said Director of Mexico Trade Pedro Matar. "The Mexican community in the tri-state area is thrilled that, with a statue of Juarez in Bryant Park, we can honor him here as well."

Remembered as one of Mexico's greatest political leaders, Benito Juarez (1806-1872) proclaimed the "Reforma Laws" and established the foundation for the Mexican Republic, thereby preserving the country's independence. Juarez, born of humble origins in Guelatao, Oaxaca, is known as "BenemErito de las Americas." Also a lawyer, he was governor of Oaxaca from 1847 to 1852. He served as president of Mexico from 1861 to 1863 and again from 1867 to 1872. Juarez was the first president of indigenous descent.

The statue of Juarez was installed and dedicated in Bryant Park this past October. A gift from the Mexican State of Oaxaca to the City of New York, the statue, crafted by renowned Mexican sculptor Moises Cabrera Orozco, was the first Mexican figure to be placed in the City. The statue stands along Avenue of the Americas between 41st and 42nd Streets, on the perimeter of Bryant Park.

Recently, a maintenance fund has been established for the statue's upkeep, with the help of Mexico Trade. Parks & Recreation will continue to work with the Bryant Park Restoration Corporation to ensure the ongoing care of the sculpture.

With the addition of Benito Juarez, a pantheon of seven sculptures of Latin American leaders now overlooks the Avenue of the Americas. A sculpture of Uruguayan independence leader and national hero General Jose Artigas (1764-1850) stands in Soho Square; of Juan Pablo Duarte (1813-1876), considered the Father of the Dominican Republic, at Canal Street; and of Brazilian leader Jose Bonifacio de Andrada e Silva (1763-1838) in Bryant Park. Perched on the Avenue at Central Park South are statues of the Cuban patriot, journalist, and poet, Jose Marti (1853-1895); Argentine General Jose de San Martin (1778-1850); and South American liberator Simon Bolívar (1783-1830).

"There is no beautifier of complexion, or form, or behavior, like the wish

to scatter joy and not pain around us."

(1803-1882)

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