New London — The public is invited to an event Sunday that is being hailed by organizers as a first-of-its-kind celebration of the city’s heritage and diversity.

Somos New London, or We Are New London, is in part a parade that will start on State Street at 2 p.m. and end at Parade Plaza, where there will be music and other entertainment that includes performances by local students. The staging area is on Washington Street at State Street.

City Councilor Efrain Dominuez said he, fellow Councilor Anthony Nolan and New London resident Wanda Cotto thought up the idea as a way to express pride in the city. Participants are encouraged to wear green and gold, the school colors.

“We started talking about how we need a parade to celebrate New Londoners, who we are,” Dominguez said. “It’s about pride and unity in our city, a way to bring people together and celebrate who we are."

Zeni Martínez will serve as grand marshal of the event. Martinez is a longtime New London educator, teacher of the year, cancer survivor and — at the age of 82 — still working in the New London school system.