‘People of Minnesota’ receive Hispanic Heritage Award for resilience during ICE surge
Awards leave D.C., hosted in Minneapolis for first time ever
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The Hispanic Heritage Awards took place outside of Washington, D.C., for the first time ever Thursday night with a ceremony hosted in Minnesota.
The White House established the awards nearly four decades ago. They celebrate the contributions and accomplishments of Latinos in the United States and Latin America.
Organizers said they wanted to hold the event in Minneapolis this year because of the federal immigration surge last winter.
Antonio Tijerino is president and CEO of the Hispanic Heritage Foundation. He said a local man invited national leaders to visit in February and they left inspired.
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“You understand the horrors of what happened, but there was an inspirational story to be told that we didn't feel was told enough in terms of what people had overcome, or were overcoming at that time,” he said.
“But here in September, we’re able to tell what we think is a great American story that sets an example for what Americans are capable of in terms of coming together and the unity that we saw while we were here, and the absolute power of protecting the most vulnerable and standing up for your neighbor.”
Major Latino musical artists received awards in person at Orchestra Hall: Oscar D’León, Eladio Carrión, Ximena Sariñana and Mon Laferte.
U.S. Rep. Joaquin Castro of Texas was also present to receive the Public Service Award.
“The whole nation was inspired by how this community came together when it was under siege by ICE in the Trump administration, with thousands of agents on the street trying to pick up kids and their parents,” Castro said. “And so to have it here this year is very fitting.”
The big honor of the night — the humanitarian award — went to the people of Minnesota.
Tijerino referred to their bravery, unity and resilience.
The host committee invited over 30 Minnesota individuals and organizations who actively supported others during the federal immigration surge to receive the honor for the state.
