NJ Hispanic Community Anticipates Film Screening and Fundraiser

In honor of the 125th anniversary of the 65th Infantry Regiment, the New Jersey Hispanic community is set to host a film screening and Q&A session with filmmaker Noemi Figueroa Soulet for the PBS award-winning documentary, “The Borinqueneers,” as part of Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations.

Narrated by actor Hector Elizondo, "The Borinqueneers," explores the remarkable stories of valor, triumph, and challenges faced by the 65th Infantry Regiment — the only Hispanic-segregated unit in U.S. Army history. Utilizing rare archival footage and interviews with veterans, commanding officers, and historians, the film showcases the courage and determination of Puerto Rican soldiers who faced significant discrimination during the Korean War.

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Established in 1899 by the U.S. Congress as a segregated unit predominantly composed of Puerto Ricans, this year marks the 125th anniversary of the regiment. Celebrated for their service in World War I, World War II, and the Korean War, the regiment was affectionately nicknamed "Borinquen" after the indigenous Taíno name for Puerto Rico, meaning “land of the brave lord.”

In the Korean War, the 65th Infantry Regiment notably held the line against Chinese forces and aided U.S. Marines following the Battle of the Chosin Reservoir, earning commendations from General Douglas MacArthur for their exemplary performance.

Sam Delgado, chairman of the Borinqueneers Park Education Alliance — a New Jersey non-profit corporation — and key event supporter, stated that the aim of the event is to "honor and educate the public about the regiment’s heroic actions during the Korean War, for which they were awarded a Congressional Gold Medal." The event also kicks off a three-year, $5 million capital campaign to build a memorial for the 65th Infantry veterans at the proposed Borinqueneers Park in Perth Amboy, New Jersey, which is currently a six-acre site under remediation by the EPA.

Partners for this event include the Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey and the New Jersey Statewide Veterans Chamber of Commerce and United Food and Commercial Workers 360.

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For event, ticket, and sponsorship information contact:  Sam Delgado at sdelg@bpealliance.org or  visit www.bpealliance.org

Editor's note: This article originally appeared in the September issue of COMMERCE Magazine.

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