On November 2, 2024, Morris Park Avenue will be transformed as the Bronx County Conservative Party hosts a large-scale “Make America Great Again” (MAGA) event, led by one of its strongest voices, Gonzalo Duran. MAGA, a phrase popularized by former President Donald J. Trump and inspired by President Ronald Reagan’s slogan, “Let’s Make America Great Again,” has grown from a campaign mantra into a powerful cultural symbol. For Duran, it’s more than just a slogan—it’s a call to action and a vision of a united America.
As Vice Chairman of the Bronx Conservative Party and a Congressional candidate for the 15th District, Duran played an essential role in bringing Saturday’s MAGA Rally to life. Reflecting on his inspiration, Duran explained that former President Trump’s recent visit to Crotona Park East ignited his passion. “A few months before Trump’s visit, I penned a letter inviting him to the Bronx after countless conversations with Bronxites who felt a connection to his message. While I had no direct influence on his visit, I like to think I manifested it into reality in my own way.”
Duran observed that Trump’s Bronx visit lacked significant local representation, which fueled his drive to initiate the rally’s planning. “Organizing an event like this required intense focus on location, permits, financing, and publicity. Thankfully, it felt like everything just aligned,” he shared.
The rally gained momentum when Christopher Reid, Chairman of the Bronx is MAGA Coalition, walked into Duran’s office. Their initial work together on other projects soon evolved into planning the MAGA Rally itself. Shortly after, 14th Congressional District candidate Tina Forte joined the effort, bringing not only her unwavering support for Trump but also significant resources to promote and host the event. “With cross-party collaboration and Tina’s commitment, we were able to bring the rally to the Conservative Party meeting, where it passed unanimously,” Duran said.
Patrick McManus, Chairman of the Bronx Conservative Party, echoed the sentiment. “Supporting this rally was an easy decision. The Conservative Party stands with President Trump, and patriotism naturally aligns with MAGA.”
As the event approaches, Duran’s vision extends beyond the rally. “My goal is to bring together organizations and share our unique views on what MAGA stands for and what it means to support Trump’s movement,” he explained. “I want this rally to remind everyone that expressing pride in our country isn’t divisive—it’s patriotic.”
Duran hopes the event fosters a space where everyone can share their vision of what makes America great. “Being patriotic about America is not a bad thing,” he emphasized. “If we can provide a platform where everyone feels safe expressing their vision for our country, then we’re truly building unity.”
Featured image credit: DepositPhotos.com
