Enbreve @ Latinos Unidos of Hudson Valley, Inc.'s 2nd Annual Hispanic Heritage Gala Honoring Latin Americans for their positive impact on American Society

 As advocates of the Latino music scene and activities that positively impact our culture, we at Enbreve Latin Jazz are staunch supporters of the folks at Latinos Unidos; kudos to Richard Rivera, the Latino Unidos Board of Directors and Advisors  for their vision and  impact on our youth and the community at large.

Latinos Unidos of the Hudson Valley Inc. is a community organization, founded in 2001 in response to the many and diverse needs of the Hudson Valley community. The Board of Directors is comprised of people from the community, from all walks of life, who are committed to quality of life issues. Latinos Unidos is concerned with equity and fairness. Latinos Unidos will be involved in, and serve as advocates and a referral service for the community in the areas of immigration, education, economic development, and housing, services for senior citizens and veterans, mentoring and other issues affecting the community at large.

Now we may have forgotten how we got here, but as Richard Rivera President & CEO of Latinos Unidos of Hudson Valley put it it’s the strength of Latino women such as our mothers that has served as the impetus for the success of many of our current Latino leaders; I for one, attribute my ethics, value system, and sense of business to my grand mother.

However, this was a night to celebrate the successes of our Latina Women as the key note speaker exemplified. The Honorable Dora Irizarry, U.S. Federal District Court Judge, Eastern District of New York, as the keynote speaker addressed the audience regaling us with the passion of a true Latina woman, as she shared her accomplishments in the face of adversity complete with anecdotal references that were both heart felt and whose impact was evident by the number of young Latina women waiting to chat with her afterwards. Born in San Sebastian, Puerto Rico and growing up in New York City’s Banana Kelly section of the Bronx (notable figures that emanated from Banana Kelley include: Collin Powell, Orlando Marin, Tony Figueroa, and Nydia Caro to name a few) coupled with the values of our Puerto Rican familial culture and the support of loving parents empowered young Dora Irizarry with the strength to seek the path less chosen.  

Lourdes Zapata-Perez, Community Development Director for the City of Newburgh, was the master of ceremonies for the event, relying on her warm charm and wonderful sense of humor in ushering the evening. Mr. Joe Conzo challenged the audience with giving credit where credit is due and reminded us that most of today’s Latin music inclusive of raggeaton derive their roots or where made possible through  the accomplishments of our own music of legendary, Timbalero and Orchestra leader, the great Tito Puente. He went further in commenting on the J.LO productions of “El Cantante” the made for Hollywood movie depicting the life of another Latino legend the great Hector Lavoe and stated that it was not a depiction of reality nor was it a good example for our youth as the message the movie conveys is one based on drug abuse; not the reality of the scene.  

The evening’s entertainment was provided by the Jimmy Sabater, Jr. & The Salsero’s Del Hudson with guest appearance by another legend Mr. Jimmy “Mo” Sabater Sr.  which immediately shifted the mode to dancing; we Latinos love to dance and in case your are wondering, yes, we even had the judge was dancing.

Now you know that wherever you mention salsa to Joe Conzo he’s going to be thinking tomato sauce and as one of his pet peeves is someone making references to the various styles of Latin music as salsa.

The evening was a tremendous success and is indicative of the momentum this organization is picking up throughout the valley. The turn-out was fantastic as over 180 contributors and guest came together in the sprit of unity to lend their support to this worthy cause. For further information on this organization and to find out how your organization can contribute to this worthwhile cause, please visit www.latinosunidoshv.org

John Neftali Irizarry, Editor in Chief, Enbreve Latin Jazz Magazine

Photography by: Claribel

Check out the pictures taken at the event.. Click here.

 Remember when you need to know where the Latin scene is at, check out Enbreve Latin Jazz Magazine!!

© Enbreve Latin Jazz Magazine, all rights reserved, 2007. This article may not be reproduce or restated without first obtaining written permission.