L.A. Kicks Off ‘Latino Heritage Month’
‘El Grito’ will sound from the steps of City Hall on Sept. 15.
By EGP News Service
“Viva Mexico!” The traditional cry for freedom that marks the annual start of the Mexican Independence Day/Dieciséis de septiembre celebration will be heard coming from Los Angeles City Hall on the evening of Tuesday, Sept.15th.
Hundreds of people packed City Hall last week to the month-long observance of Hispanic Heritage Month. Musician Sheila E., teacher Jaime Escalante (white jacket) and actor Jimmy Smits, right, were recognized by L.A. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa for their contributions to the advancement of Latinos. (EGP Photo by Fred Zermeno)
Council President Eric Garcetti (CD-13) and Councilwoman Jan Perry (CD-9) are the sponsors of the 2009 El Grito Celebration, a long-standing city of Los Angeles tradition that is closely tied to the city’s own deep Mexican roots and large Mexican-American population.
Mexico’s Consul General, Juan Marcos Gutierrez Gonzalez, Mayor Villaraigosa and other elected officials are expected to join and sound off “El Grito:” a re-enactment of the patriotic call to arms spread from church to church across the Mexican countryside in the 1810 war for independence. Mexican-Americans today celebrate El Grito as a celebration of their heritage.
This year’s celebration includes the traditional sounds of Mariachi Reina de Los Angeles, as well as the more urban and contemporary sounds of “Quetzal,” “Nortec Collective” and “K-Paz de la Sierra.” The celebration begins at 6 p.m. in front of City Hall.
Hispanic Heritage Month, or Latino Heritage Month as it is being renamed in the city of angels, is observed nationally from September 15 through October 15. The month-long observance is used as a time to call attention to the accomplishments of Hispanics in the U.S., as well as their cultural traditions, celebrations and contributions to the country.
The celebration got off to any early start this year when Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa kicked off the city’s local festivities at City Hall on Sept. 4. The celebration, held in City Council Chambers, included the traditional presentation of flags from Spanish-speaking countries’ and samba dancers and musicians entertaining the packed chambers.
“[Hispanic Heritage Month] is an opportunity for all Angelenos to learn and share the creativity and enterprising spirit that have been the hallmark of the City of Angels since its foundation,” Villaraigosa said.
Three Angelenos of Latino descent were recognized at the event. The mayor presented “The Spirit of Los Angeles Award” to Jaime Escalante, a calculus teacher renowned for helping students at Garfield High School excel. The 1988 movie “Stand and Deliver” was based on Escalante’s story.
“Through gentle coercion, skillful presentation and the force of his presence, Jaime helped his students achieve at levels they never thought possible,” Villaraigosa said. “He didn’t just teach his kids, he mentored them. He made them reach beyond the life they knew and think about career, family, living a life of purpose and dignity.”
Actor Jimmy Smits, who starred in “L.A. Law,” “The West Wing” and “NYPD Blue,” was honored with the “Hope of Los Angeles Award.”
“Off-screen, Jimmy has dedicated himself to public service, co-founding the National Hispanic Foundation for the Arts to expand career opportunities and increase access to education for Hispanic artists and professionals,” the mayor said.
Grammy-nominated musician Sheila E., best known for her work with Prince and Ringo Starr, received the “Dream of Los Angeles Award.”
Villaraigosa said the three had made significant contributions to the advancement of Latinos in the country and worldwide.
Latino Heritage Month features various cultural events and art competitions. Information and schedules are available online at www.culturela.org.
See the Art & Entertainment section of this newspaper to see a calendar of local “Fiestas Patrias” events compiled by EGP.
Print This Post
September 10, 2009 Copyright © 2010 Eastern Group Publications, Inc.
Comments
One Response to “L.A. Kicks Off ‘Latino Heritage Month’”
Feel free to leave a comment.... but for your safety, please do not post personal information such as home addresses and phone numbers. If you would like to contact us directly or give us your contact information another way, you can call our office number at (323) 341-7970 or email us at editorial@egpnews.com.
We Are the Largest Chain of Hispanic Owned Bilingual Newspapers in the U.S.
Eastside Sun / Northeast Sun / Mexican American Sun / Bell Gardens Sun / City Terrace Comet / Commerce Comet / Montebello Comet / Monterey Park Comet / ELA Brookyln Belvedere Comet / Wyvernwood Chronicle / Vernon Sun
[...] From: EGPNews.com [...]