Latino Leaders Network Hosts Inaugural Virtual Event with Civil Rights Icon Dolores Huerta

WASHINGTON - May 8, 2020 - PRLog -- The Latino Leaders Network (LLN), a non-profit organization dedicated to bringing leaders together, hosted over 600 guests from 25 states and Canada in its first-ever "Latino Leaders Speak" Virtual Cafecito with civil rights activist Dolores Huerta on Cinco de Mayo---Tuesday, May 5, 2020. The video featuring a conversation with Ms. Huerta about her personal story and the importance of uplifting the stories of Latino leaders across the country, has reached over 17,000 viewers. A special surprise greeting from actor and activist Edward James Olmos and a musical performance by Las Cafeteras, to celebrate her 90th birthday concluded the program.

Ms. Huerta read a passage from her chapter in the book Latino Leaders Speak: Personal Stories of Struggle and Triumph edited by Mickey Ibarra and Maria Perez Brown. Huerta then touched on her the importance of her work during covid-19. "In many parts of the country, farmworkers don't have any kind of healthcare coverage whatsoever. In California where I live, 65 percent of the people effected by the pandemic are Latinos. They need to be protected more than they are right now."

Huerta answered questions from viewers. She shared how the book, Latino Leaders Speak, can help educate Latinos and serve as a tool to inform others about Latino history and contributions to the United States. "If we don't know our stories and we don't know our history, then we really don't know who we are," said Ms. Huerta. "When we can retain our own dignity and our own history, then when others attack us as Latinos, we know it's not anything we're doing. Unfortunately, it's their ignorance and I think we must teach them about our history, teach them about who we are so we can erase the ignorance."

In partnership with the California Global Education Project, LLN developed a free curriculum guide including lesson plans, book chapters, and visual aids for students experiencing online learning at home and in the classroom. Latino Leaders Speak and new curriculum guide targets high school and college educators and students. The guide supports 14 keynote addresses delivered at the Latino Leaders Luncheon Series by leaders from a wide variety of occupations.

"We are delighted to share this valuable new learning resource online with educators, students and parents who will surely benefit," said Mickey Ibarra, Chairman of the Latino Leaders Network.

Sponsors of the "Latino Leaders Speak" Virtual Cafecito included Verizon and Bank of America. HipLatina served as the digital media partner.

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The Latino Leaders Network (LLN)

The Latino Leaders Network is dedicated to "Bringing Leaders Together" to establish relationships, build unity, and share our personal stories. It provides a unique platform to honor and celebrate national leaders who have made a significant impact on the lives of Latinos. Mickey Ibarra, Founder and Chairman, served as Assistant to the President and Director of Intergovernmental Affairs at the White House for President Clinton.