Reporter staff

It’s a symbol of Mexico’s freedom and Kent’s growing relationship with its neighboring country.

In a gesture to strengthen the city’s ties with its Latino community, Mayor Suzette Cooke accepted a bronze bust of Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, a leader of the Mexican independence movement more than 200 years ago, in a ceremony Sunday at City Hall.

The bust – a cast by German artist Michel-Leal – recognizes the sister city relationship between Kent and El Grullo, Mexico and the countries’ common ideals of freedom.

“This is a gift from the government and people of Mexico to the people and city of Kent as a permanent symbol of the ties that bind us,” said Eduardo Baca Cuenca, Consul of Mexico, who joined Cooke to unveil the bust at a celebration with state and local officials and Latino community leaders.

The bust will be installed and displayed in the City Hall foyer.

“Today’s recognition of a historical figure in Mexico is so symbolic of all of us who have common ground, different countries over generations,” Cooke told the crowd.

Cooke points out that Kent is tied for seventh as the most diverse city in the country, according to WalletHub.com, a social media company that examined the demographic profiles of the 230 most populated U.S. cities.

“With that diversity it is important that each of us knows the history that all our neighbors encompass and that includes the history of our neighbors here from Mexico,” Cooke told the crowd. “And it is with that appreciation of Mexico recognizing our relationship, this little city of Kent that is growing, to have bestowed upon us this symbol of the history of the people who now call Kent home.

“I’m looking forward to continued growing relationships with those of you who live here, who visit here, as well as with families that have not yet enjoyed what Kent has to offer,” Cooke added.

Cooke applauded the work of Kent’s Sister City Association.

“This partnership has been so valuable, as are the relationships that have been developed during our reciprocal visits,” she said. “(The association) has done an exceptional job in strengthening our ties, and supporting business and investment opportunities with Mexico and countries around the world.”

The ceremony coincided with the celebration of the country’s independence movement. Mexican Independence Day was Sept. 16.

In the early 19th century, Father Hidalgo advocated Mexican independence from Spain and rallied support for the effort. While captured and executed by royal troops in 1810, Hidalgo’s movement continued, leading to Mexico’s independence in 1821. The state of Hidalgo was later named in his honor.