Hundreds attended the first ‘Cafe Con La Comunidad’ in Chesterfield, Virginia

Cafe Con La ComunidadPhoto byFacebook Screenshot

WWBT 12 News reported that Chesterfield’s first-ever “Cafe Con La Comunidad” brought together more than 100 community members in a welcoming and equitable environment on Tuesday night, August 27, 2024.

County leaders were excited about the turnout as they continue to work to serve a growing Latino population. Nearly 50% of Virginia's Latino community are Chesterfield County residents.

Jim Holland, Board Chair who serves the Dale District, said:

“It went wonderfully. The questions were excellent about how we can be a resource in this community for everyone.”

Chesterfield’s multicultural community engagement coordinator, Dalila Medrano, said:

“At the end of the day, when you’re removing a language barrier, when you are allowing someone to communicate directly in their language with someone the hope is that you are building trusts, and through that trusts we are building accessibility to what the county has to offer.”

The inaugural event is impacting dozens in the community, including Jose Melendez, who’s already excited about the future.

Melendez said:

“I think the outcome of it has been great. A lot of people have showed up for it. I think I would like to see this event happen again.”