Latinos Unidos Celebrates Hispanic Heritage

By Jennifer L. Warren

NEWBURGH – “Bridges between cultures.”

It’s a phrase Dr. Karen Eberle McCarthy likes to use to describe the local, hub organization whose roots can be traced back to a kitchen table where a group of school district people thought the creation of a community liaison group would be beneficial for the increasing number of Spanish-speaking people.

Now, close to two decades later, that contingent: Latinos Unidos of the Hudson Valley is thriving, expanding its services, evolving into a more critical, appreciated resource than ever.

“Basically, we are a referral group, located in the Armory in Newburgh, and can locate the right resources for people,” said Vice-President, Eberle McCarthy about the group that provides free, Saturday morning English classes as well as no-charge Citizenship Preparation ones along with health workshops and talks, complimentary flu shots and a host of other pivotal necessities. “We really try to be involved with the community as much as possible.”

That community immersion was evident Saturday night at the Town of Newburgh’s Powelton Club where the organization hosted its 19th Annual Hispanic Heritage Celebration, a key fundraiser, allowing Latinos Unidos of the Hudson Valley to continue to deliver quality, integral resources-being that needed “bridge between cultures” in the area. Here, a large group of loyal supporters, clad in formal eveningwear, enjoyed networking, dining, dancing and participating in a large raffle of diverse items, while honoring the organization’s mission, one not only embedded in availability of needed resources, but so too: ensuring the dignity and integrity of individuals as well as community empowerment through diversity. In that very vein, two individuals-symbolizing those virtue and community prioritization-were honored.

Rene Campos was the recipient of the 2025 De Hoy Award. A native of El Salvador, Campos possesses a passion for both music and entrepreneurship, along with a dedication to his Newburgh community. The owner and mastermind behind DMU Music on Broadway in Newburgh since its 1987 opening, Campos not only created a store, but a “community music hub,” whose altruistic mission transcends all it does. Whether it’s volunteering at Habitat for Humanity, ARC, Cornerstone or the Newburgh Library, Campos has been laser-focused on lifting others up while strengthening his community for over three decades.
“Thank you very much; this is a true honor, especially coming from an organization which has been doing amazing work for so many years,” said Campos upon receiving his recognition. “Thank you to everyone for supporting this organization.”

Also saluted for her vast contributions to the community was Sister Yilana Hernandez. Introduced as someone “tremendously involved in the community and who truly cares about people- someone who is determined to get things done.” Hernandez, a veteran, potent force in the local field of education, was the Founder and Principal of the Nora Cronin Presentation Academy (NCPA), a school whose mission lies in educating low income girls to become the leaders of tomorrow. Celebrating its 20th Anniversary next year, NCPA has been a cornerstone, successful piece of the Newburgh education community. Although now retired from her education role, Hernandez continues to work as part of the Interfaith Coalition, diligently pushing for Hudson Valley Cities to maintain sanctuary policies that ban cooperation between local police and Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers.

“Now that I’m retired, I’m busier than ever; a burning passion within me is working for the safety of Latin brothers and sisters,” said Sister Hernandez, who came to the United States from Cuba back in the 1960’s, carving out successful education and career paths. “I do it because I am a child of God, my religion.” Reflecting further on the severity of her present work, Sister Hernandez added, “I invite you all, right now, to help me protect our brothers and sisters right here in Newburgh.”

To learn more about and-or become involved with the organization that is a “bridge between cultures,” email: Latinosunidoshv@gmail.com.   Photo Gallery