By Elia Esparza
The event of the summer not to miss is the upcoming Farmworker Justice Awards’ 40th Anniversary — Los Angeles, which will celebrate 40 years of working to improve their health and well-being of farmworkers and their families. It will be held on September 14, 2021 at the prestigious venue LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes, located in downtown Los Angeles. This year’s Farmworker Justice Awards are being presented by Pepsico.
The gala awards will recognize individuals, businesses, and other organizations that have demonstrated leadership, commitment, dedication, and sacrifice to address the ongoing plight that farmworkers face each day in America. They also provide an opportunity for supporters and contributors from the business, legal, and nonprofit communities to help bring attention to the important work being done by FJ on behalf of the people who labor on farms and ranches to feed America.
Honorees for the evening include Thomas A. Saenz, President and General Counsel of Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund; Bel Hernandez, Founder/CEO of Latin Heat Media and Chair of the Farmworker Justice Advisory Council; Richard Montañez, Author, Motivational Speaker, Corporate Executive, and former farmworker, and John Echeveste, CEO of LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes.
The eclectic list of supporter includes Hollywood celebrities, social justice community advocates, and corporate America leaders. The evening will be hosted by Jordi Vilasuso (The Young and the Restless) with Farmworker Justice President Bruce Goldstein and UFW Co-founder and Dolores Huerta, Foundation President Dolores Huerta delivering the keynote remarks.
A live auction will conducted by the incomparable Charo and David Damian Figueroa, Farmworker Justice Awards’ Director of Development. Multimedia artist Yolanda Gonzalez‘ exclusive paintings and sculptures will available for sale, which will benefit the organization.
“It’s been an incredible honor to see Farmworker Justice reach this milestone of 40 years,” said Goldstein. “This past year has been challenging for us all, but especially for our farmworkers, who, despite being deemed essential workers, have had their rights challenged and their lives put at risk because of lack of protections. When considering the 40th anniversary of Farmworker Justice, it’s important to acknowledge the strides we’ve made, while being aware of the work that is yet to be done.”
Presenters will include actress/educator Dr. Alma Martinez, actresses Julie Carmen (Windows on the World, Milagro Beanfield War), and Pepe Serna (Flamin’ Hot, Scarface) and Antonia Hernandez the CEO of the California community foundation and the Honorable Gloria Molina, first woman and Latina elected to the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors will also be presenting.
In attendance will be actors Annie Gonzalez and Pepe Serna, both who recently finished filming the Flamin’ Hot movie which was directed by Eva Longoria. Also in attendance are actors Enrique Castillo (Weeds, Blood In Blood Out), Emilio Rivera (Mayans MC), Karina Noelle Castillo (NCIS, The Good Doctor), Naomi Gonzalez (Selena: The Series), Laura Patalano (Gentefied), JM Longoria (Miracles From Heaven), and Dyana Ortelli (Coco). Singer/performer Catie Waters, and Yvette Gonzalez Nacer (Vivo, In The Heights) will also join.
“I am very proud and honored to stand in solidarity with my friends at Farmworkers Justice, who work so tirelessly and heroically to assure fair and decent working and living conditions for our farmworkers who provide the food that feeds our families,“ said honoree John Echeveste.
The beautiful outdoor campus of La Plaza de Cultura Y Artes will come alive with the decorations of Ricardo Soltero. “We have retained the services of a renowned scenic designer, Ricardo Soltero, who will be designing the stage and entire campus of LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes for our celebration. Soltero is scenery director and stage-set designer for the annual Hollywood Forever Dia de Los Muertos celebration,” said Figueroa, who is also producing the event.
Farmworker Justice will be held Tuesday, September 14th at LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes, 501 N. Main Street, Downtown, L.A. Reception and Arts Program will commence at 6 PM to 9:30 PM (PST). Organizers will be observing both California and City of Los Angeles latest pandemic guidelines for events. Masks and proof of vaccination will be required. Tickets are still available: CLICK HERE.
For sponsorship opportunities: ddfigueroa@farmworkerjustice.org
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