U.S. Secretary of Labor, Hilda Solis told the crowd at the October 3 recent fundraiser for the Los Angeles Theatre Center that more difficult times lay ahead before the U.S. comes out of the economic "pothole," and she urged everyone to remain united on the road to recovery.
"The United States is currently going through very difficult times in its economy, and I'm sorry to say that things are going to get worse," Solis said. "But we must all work together and make a little bit more of an effort to get over this. That's why I ask the sponsors, the directors of this theater, and the artists to keep on working and supporting the arts — and, in this case, Latino art.
Solis emphasized that the U.S. remains a country of opportunities, pointing to Barack Obama's election as the first African-American president as a prime example.
"Everyone should be where they want to be, should have an opportunity to be able to express their talent, their experience and their desire — bridges must be built for progress," Solis declared. "We mustn't forget where we come from, and we must be aware of our potential as a Latino community. Today is a wonderful opportunity to be with you and tell you how excited I feel to be with you tonight to celebrate Latino art and express my gratitude for the honor you give me."
Solis joined actor-director Jimmy Smits and Altamed Health Services chief executive officer Castulo de la Rocha in receiving honors during the annual fundraising gala for the LATC. All of them received Marco Firebaugh Legacy Awards for their support of the arts, named for a recently deceased state lawmaker.
LATC artistic director Jose Luis Valenzuela said the organization appreciated the support of the honorees, the group's board of directors, and all of the sponsors that help with the mission of promoting art.
Smits credited the LATC's sponsors, directors and artists for keeping the organization running for more than 23 years. Smits said he is particularly pleased that the Latino Theater Company now operates the facility on the 500 block of S. Spring Street in Downtown Los Angeles.
"You've achieved a lot!," Smits said. "When I go by here and I see the Latino Theater building Downtown, it's very important to me."
Smits also called on attendees to help meet fundraising challenges in the face of the economic downturn.
"During these times, the first thing eliminated are the budgets for the arts, and that's why more funds are trying to be raised tonight with this event in order to help boost theater," he said.
Related info:
* The Los Angeles Theater Center
* Valenzuela Says He'll Keep Polishing Latino Productions as LATC Fights Through Drama of Recession
Miriam Reyes is a contributor to Impulso.
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