County Supervisor Hilda Solis addresses the audience Solis provides at the county’s Hispanic Heritage Month Reception Oct. 3 at the Kenneth Hahn Hall of Administration. Solis honored eight individuals and organizations for their contributions to the county’s social, economic, and cultural fabric.
Courtesy photo
Wave Staff Report
LOS ANGELES — County Supervisor Hilda Solis hosted her annual Hispanic Heritage Month Reception Oct. 3, bringing together civic leaders, labor organizers and community advocates to celebrate the achievements and resilience of the Latino community.
Held at the Kenneth Hahn Hall of Administration, the event recognized eight individuals and organizations whose work has helped strengthen the county’s social, economic, and cultural fabric. The celebration featured a live performance by the Grammy Award-winning Mariachi Divas de Cindy Shea and was emceed by Emmy Award-winning journalist Naibe Reynoso.
This year’s gathering held particular significance as Latino communities across the country continue to face heightened attacks and harmful rhetoric from the Trump administration, Solis said. Since the immigration raids began in June, Solis has introduced 14 motions to protect county residents. The reception served not only as a celebration of cultural pride but as a reaffirmation of unity, resistance, and shared purpose in the face of adversity.
“As we continue to navigate an especially challenging year, moments like today serve as a powerful reminder of the strength within our communities,” Solis said. “In our shared commitment, we not only care for one another but also foster growth, opportunity, y corazón (and heart).
“Today’s celebration is about uplifting the voices, stories, and contributions of our Latino community,”Solis added. “In the face of continued challenges, our community continues to show resilience, leadership and pride. Honoring these individuals and organizations reminds us that our heritage is not only rich in culture, but in courage and action.”
Honorees included: Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna, former U.S. Ambassador to Costa Rica Cynthia Telles, former entertainment industry executive and arts and culture advocate Diane Medina, William Estrada, the former curator of the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County; Ray Sosa, chief planning officer of the Los Angeles Metropolitan Transportation Authority; community organizer Gabriela Eddy, the Immigrant Defenders Law Center and the Council of Mexican Federations in North America.
As the only Latina on the Board of Supervisors, Solis considers the annual reception a cornerstone of her annual observance of Hispanic Heritage Month, held from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15.
