La Cena: A Celebration of Latino Culture, Resilience, and Resistance
Los Angeles, California – On a vibrant evening in the heart of Hollywood, over 200 prominent Latinos from the worlds of music, television, film, and other creative industries gathered for La Cena: Celebration of Latino Culture. This momentous event, orchestrated by media executive Ruben Garcia, had been postponed from January due to the devastating wildfires that ravaged Los Angeles.
As the evening commenced, guests were greeted by a bustling red carpet featuring a diverse array of multigenerational talent. Edward James Olmos, Barbie Ferreira, Constance Marie, Gabriel Luna, Danny Ramirez, Jose Velazquez, Dolores Huerta, Becky G, and many more graced the occasion, embodying the multifaceted contributions of Latinos to the cultural landscape.
A Night of Community, Celebration, and Defiance
Far from a formal affair, La Cena was conceived as a sanctuary for Latino excellence and a testament to the power of community. "No presentation, no fireside chat, just dinner," Garcia declared in his opening remarks. "Now more than ever, we need to continue to remind the people outside of this room the power of community."
The evening was marked by a defiant rejection of the Trump administration’s relentless attacks on the Latino community and other marginalized groups. "Your very existence is a political act," proclaimed actor Tonatiuh. "And we are here to consistently remind everyone the price and value of Latin gold. Don’t sell yourself short."
Honoring Luminaries and Inspiring Change
Beyond the collective celebration, La Cena recognized the exceptional contributions of individuals who have made significant impacts on Latino representation and social justice. Dolores Huerta, the legendary civil rights activist, received the Luminary Award for her tireless work on behalf of farmworkers and the underprivileged.
Actress Nava Mau was honored with the Culture Catalyst Award for her transformative role in "Baby Reindeer," a film that explores the intersection of gender identity, immigration, and the search for belonging. Mau used her platform to address the challenges facing the queer community under the current political climate, emphasizing the importance of coalition and solidarity.
Becky G Lauds Huerta’s Legacy
Singer Becky G took the stage to introduce and pay tribute to Huerta. "One of the greatest labor and civil rights activists of our time," Becky G declared. "To think of this evening tonight that we’re all gathered here, eating together, getting the nourishment that we need for the fight ahead of us, right?" Huerta, now 94 years old, received a standing ovation as she took the stage.
Advice for Young Latino Actors
On the red carpet, Oscar-nominated actor Edward James Olmos shared his wisdom with aspiring young Latino actors. "As long as you stay in [the industry], you’ll be in it," he advised. "Don’t ever stop living your dream. And if you have to work outside of the industry to stay in the industry, do that."
Fighting for LGBTQ+ Rights in the Face of Adversity
Bamby Salcedo, founder and CEO of the TransLatin@ Coalition, spoke out against the Trump administration’s attacks on LGBTQ+ people, particularly transgender individuals. "To know that there are organizations like the TransLatin@ Coalition who are fighting for you," Salcedo declared, "please be you, always."
A Call for Unity and Bold Storytelling
Alessandra Lacorazza, director of "In the Summers," emphasized the importance of unity and storytelling in resisting authoritarianism. "We have to stand together to fight against the authoritarian rhetoric," she said. "Now more than ever, its very important to stay in community and to continue to tell our stories in a bold, loving, and brave way."
Legacy Award for ‘Mi Familia’ Director
As the evening drew to a close, director Gregory Nava received the Legacy Award for his work on the critically acclaimed 1995 film "Mi Familia." Nava was joined by the cast of the film, including Benito Martinez, Edward James Olmos, Jimmy Smits, Constance Marie, Maria Canals-Barrera, and Jenny Gago, for a heartfelt reunion after 30 years.
La Cena concluded with a profound speech by Nava, who expressed his gratitude and emphasized the enduring power of the Latino community. "Latinos are here to stay," he declared. "And we are going nowhere."
