The Spanish police proudly wears the badge of inclusivity

CLEVELAND, Ohio – To serve and protect. This is the motto that police officers live by.

For Sergeant Manny Velez, this way of life is something he wears as a badge of honor 365 days a year.

“I live it every day. I breathe it every day,” he said.

Velez became a Cleveland resident at the age of 10. Previously, his parents immigrated to the United States from Puerto Rico in the 1970s, and Velez spent part of his childhood in Philadelphia.

“When I was growing up, it was interesting because I didn’t speak Spanish very well at all. But as you grow up and connect with your roots and culture, you start to become interested and appreciative of where your parents and ancestors came from,” Velez explained.

Velez started his career as a building inspector, but he said it made him realize where his true passion lay.

“I had the opportunity to connect with people and help them through difficult times related to violations of building regulations and with people from vulnerable groups in society. “Eventually, I became interested in… being a police officer and serving people in a broader capacity,” Velez said.

Velez has been a Cleveland police officer for eight years.

“You certainly gain a deep appreciation for the work that the men and women in blue do every day. But especially with the Latino culture, being able to speak Spanish, being able to be an asset to the department, being able to provide a high standard of service in a language that is culturally competent, right? You know how people live in their homes, what they expect and how to really connect. This is a beautiful asset to this division,” Velez said. “Not only do we serve our population, but we also advocate for it.”

He said it’s important for Latino police officers to help their community and “learn the bureaucracy needed to navigate the system.”

Velez added that this allows this population to feel seen and opens up space for more serious conversations. He said it also builds a layer of trust.

To keep that energy alive, Velez joined the Cleveland Latino Police Officers Association.

Velez was the organization’s vice president in 2017 and then accepted the position of president in 2020.

The Cleveland Latino Police Officers Association was founded in 1986 as a platform committed to the ideals of education, charity and volunteerism through loyalty to community and family.

According to Velez, the organization currently has about 150 members.

The group recently took over the 2018 Puerto Rico Friendly Day event in Cleveland.

Velez said 22,000 guests attended the ceremony last year, and performances by artists paid tribute to their culture and heritage.

“When you can share your roots, whether it’s dancing traditions, speaking Spanish, sharing food with other people or explaining to a friend or co-worker what your grandmother’s favorite meal was – that’s a celebration of Latino heritage,” Velez said .

While Velez said he celebrates and shares his Puerto Rican culture year-round, it is during Latino Heritage Month that he can best educate the community.

“I hope that institutions and large corporations recognize us and see us, see Latinos all year round. This is very important. Not just Latino Heritage Month. However, it is still a great tool to celebrate our culture and allow people to immerse themselves in it. They gain a more personal appreciation for other cultures and the diversity that exists in the city of Cleveland,” Velez noted.

Velez and several other members of the Latino Police Officers Association were invited to attend the Latino Heritage Festival at West Park Academy on Monday.

The group handed out sweet treats and met with both members of the Latino community and those interested in learning more about the culture.

The event was attended by 30 students from Road to Zambia who danced various Latin dances, from salsa to bachata.

“We are a cultural mix here. It is diverse. Some of the children are Latino and it’s good that they know their roots. It is also something that children can experience together,” said Road to Zambia CEO Joseph Katuta Gates.

Children from Road to Zambia waved Latin flags while learning about the history of their dances.

Katuta Gates said the students practiced the dances for six weeks.

“It was fun!” – Katuta Gates exclaimed.

While parents watched their children play in bouncy houses, get their faces painted or dance the night away, Latino Police Officers Association members like Velez kept an eye on the event and made sure everyone was safe.

Velez said if someone would like to be a part of the Latino Police Officers Association, it is not required to be Latino or a Cleveland Police Officer.

If you are interested in supporting the organization, CLICK HERE.