Puerto Rican Flag Waves In Front Of City Hall

The area is filled with modern, high rise condo buildings today, but in the 1950s the first Latino bodega in Hoboken was located on 207 14th St.

The founder of that bodega, Don Jaime Munoz, was honored on Saturday morning during the 44th annual Puerto Rican Flag Raising ceremony, organized by the Puerto Rican Cultural Committee. Munoz passed away in 2009. 

"It's an honor to be here today as mayor," said Mayor Dawn Zimmer, adding that the Puerto Rican community had done "so much to shape Hoboken what it is today."

Roughly 85 people attended the ceremony.

"Forty-four years ago, Hoboken was a much different place," said Assemblyman Ruben Ramos Jr., who presented a proclamation honoring Munoz. "It was just as difficult in Hoboken as it was down South. We've come a long way."

But, Ramos, added, the fight is not completely over. He said he was watching the news with his 6-year-old daughter recently, when an item came on about the new immigration law in Arizona, that allows police to stop people and ask them for immigration papers.

"We still need to fight that fight," Ramos said. "Those struggles haven't left us."

In the 1960s Munoz served as the first Puerto Rican deputy mayor in Hoboken. He also ran for city council. 

"He did open a lot of doors for people like myself and a lot of people who are here today," said Munoz' son Jesus, a captain in the Hoboken Fire Department. 

"It's great to have the community come together, Jesus Munoz said after the ceremony and flag raising. 

The PRCC also handed out $1,000 scholarships to three high school students of Puerto Rican descent, celebrating their commitment to their heritage as well as their academic performances. Andrew Mendez, 18, said he felt honored. Mendez will be attending Monmouth Universtiy next year, he said. Seniors Dayamin Morales and Sarami Soler also received scholarships. 

"It's important to be part of the celebrations," said Morales, who is student body president at Hoboken High. "I'm just very happy."