Location:

Carriers of Light and Labor: Ribbon Cutting and Procession

July 16, 2026
17:00
Paterson Procession

About this Event

The procession will begin at 5PM at Great Falls National Historical Park (72 McBride Ave Ext). Parking is available at the nearby Paterson Museum, but you will need to walk back to your car!

The monument ribbon cutting will begin at 6PM at City Hall (155 Market Street).

Join Monument Artist Michelle Angela Ortiz and the NJMML team for the Carriers of Light and Labor monument procession and ribbon cutting. Together, we’ll make our way through “Silk City,” accompanied by music and dance honoring North Jersey and Paterson’s immigrant communities. The procession will lead to Paterson City Hall, where the ribbon cutting event for Ortiz’s installation will take place.

Carriers of Light and Labor was made possible by the generosity of community stakeholders who shared personal and familial experiences of migration and labor – come and see your stories reflected in this powerful, inspiring artwork.

Details for the procession are still being finalized. Please check back here for more information on where we will begin the route and parking, as well as for updates on the musicians and cultural organizations who will be participating.

Come Dressed to Celebrate! This is a procession followed by music and dancing after the ribbon cutting — dress the part! We encourage you to wear:

  • Traditional clothing that represents your heritage and culture
  • White & gold — light, joyful, and celebratory

Bring your tambourines and drums for the procession! Wear comfortable shoes — we’re walking!

Local food trucks and other vendors will be on hand offering food and drinks for purchase.

This program is being carried out in partnership with, and support from, the City of Paterson.

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About NJMML

NJ Monuments To Migration And Labor is a three-year initiative honoring immigrants’ contributions to the state. Through public events, and monument installations, it celebrates their resilience, hard work, and cultural impact, blending art, history, and storytelling to inspire reflection and appreciation.

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