Established in
1972
Buenas Ondas was born from our desire to create a ripple effect of positivity, transforming lives one kind gesture at a time."
Marie Young & Joe Morris, founders
Our Mission
The mission of the Recognition Committee, a non-profit organization, is to foster the recognition and celebrate the contributions of Cape Verdean Americans; and promote
the educational development of Cape Verdeans in the Greater New Bedford area. The primary vehicles for carrying out the mission will be through the activities and initiatives
of the Cape Verdean Recognition Parade Committee and the Cape Verdean Recognition Scholarship Committee.
10,000
Lives Touched
Every Hand Helps Us Grow
500
Volunteers
Uniting Hearts and Actions
250
Projects Completed
Milestones of Hope and Change
Our Story
History of the Cape Verdean Recognition Committee of New Bedford
The Cape Verdean Recognition Committee of New Bedford was founded in 1972 by community leaders who sought to honor the rich history, culture, and contributions of Cape Verdeans in the Greater New Bedford area. Recognizing the deep roots of Cape Verdean immigrants—many of whom arrived to work in the region’s whaling and textile industries—the founders envisioned an organization that would preserve cultural pride while promoting unity and progress.
The Association’s first major initiative was the Cape Verdean Recognition Parade, created to celebrate Cape Verdean Independence and to acknowledge the impact of Cape Verdean-Americans in the city’s social, economic, and cultural life. Over the decades, the parade has grown into one of the largest and longest-running celebrations of Cape Verdean heritage in the United States, attracting participants and visitors from across the country.
In addition to the parade, the Committee has expanded its mission to include educational and youth empowerment initiatives, notably the Cape Verdean Recognition Scholarship Program, which provides financial support to students pursuing higher education. Through its dedication to culture, education, and community service, the Cape Verdean Recognition Committee continues to uphold the legacy of pride, resilience, and unity that defines New Bedford’s Cape Verdean community.