Juan Marcos Gutierrez Gonzalez, the Consul General of Mexico in Los Angeles, recently presented his government's distinguished Ohtli Award to 1st Disrict Los Angeles County Supervisor Gloria Molina, acknowledging for her work to support the well-being of local Mexican-Americans and the broader community of Los Angeles.
During a November 20 gala dinner at Biltmore Hotel, the California State Assembly also acknowledged Molina for her work in the community.
"Gloria Molina is a hard-working woman who defends the migrant community," said 22nd District Caifornia State Senator Gil Cedillo. "She is a leader in these critical times, working responsibly. Many thanks for her leadership."
When he presented the Ohtli to Supervisor Molina, Consul Juan Marcos Gutierrez Gonzalez called to mind that "the word Ohtli in Nahuatl means 'road or blaze a trail', just like her leadership and activism. Supervisor Gloria Molina has known how to give to the Mexican community and the community of Los Angeles."
Throughout her career, Supervisor Gloria Molina has carried out numerous actions and activities that have had a positive impact on the wellbeing of the Mexican communities in Southern California," he explained.
50th District Assemblymember Hector de la Torre said that Molina has collaborated and supported efforts to achieve acknowledgement of the consular registration cards — or matricula consular cards — issued by the Mexican consulate. That's been a key form of identification for many immigrants throughout the region, accepted by some banks as valid for establishing accounts, and also useful for travel purposes. De la Torre said Molina has also played key roles in the establishment of various health programs that have helped immigrants.
Molina dedicated the award to her parents, Leonardo and Concepcion Molina.
"I understand the Latino struggle, no matter how long they've been here," she said. "We know we have to work twice as hard."
The Institute of Mexicans Abroad annually grants the Ohtli Award, which consists of a medal, a silver rosette, and a diploma. This acknowledgment honors people who have dedicated most of their lives and career to "blazing a trail" abroad, so that the younger generations of Mexicans who have followed them will find a path that is relatively easier to walk.
For those who receive the Ohtli Award, it means that the Mexican residents in the country or abroad acknowledge and appreciate the value of the activities they carry out in favor of the well-being of our Mexicans or peoples of Mexican descent, wherever they may be.
Past local recipients of the award include Cedillo, Monica Lozano, the editor of the Spanish-language daily newspaper La Opinión, United Farm Workers (UFW) president Arturo Rodriguez, UFW co-founder Dolores Huerta, activist; and the late Assemblyman Marco Antonio Firebaugh.
Mireya Olivera is editor of Impulso.
Photos by Impulso.
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