Gala Celebrates Hispanic Heritage

By Jennifer L. Warren

NEWBURGH – “When we first started, we were told we wouldn’t last six months.”

Joann Lugo relayed these words Saturday night to a room full of attentive guests at Saturday’s Latinos Unidos of the Hudson Valley’s 20th Annual Gala and its now 25 year celebration of serving the community. Colon, the Executive Secretary & Treasurer of the “grassroots organization,” whose humble roots lie in a kitchen residence, went on to discuss the 501(C)(3)’s incredible contributions directed at bringing residents, educators, community leaders and families together while solidifying transformative bonds. Serving the region since 2001 and developed by folks in education and community leaders, Latinos Unidos expertly detects where help is needed-gaps are evident and delivers a deep sense of understanding, clear direction and unwavering support to all those in need. Aligning with individuals and families, they provide cherished mentorship and professionalism while assisting with securing imperative resources, including their English and Citizenship classes, all while providing a welcome setting for all.

“We are open to all groups, helping anyone who comes through our doors,” explained Dr. Karen Eberle-McCarthy, Vice President. “The work is community-led, always supporting people with respect.”

Guided each day by that mission, the now quarter of a decade old group, honored three people at the anniversary gala which encapsulated the organization’s revered qualities, while carrying out the integral community work which Latinos Unidos strives to accomplish each day.

Felicita Colon-Cordero of Affinity by Molina Healthcare, Laura Garcia of the New York Immigration Coalition and Chuck Stewart of the Hudson Valley Press newspaper were each recognized for the lasting imprints they have left on their communities, while ensuring equity, empathy, respect and hope for those whose lives they so powerfully impact.

Introduced by her friend of 38 years-Maritza Calderon-Caballero, as having “a heart so big, giving her life to children, while being dedicated and hardworking, running from event to event,” Colon-Cordero, a passionate community advocate and Community Engagement professional, like the organization honoring her, is defined by connecting families to what they need. The Community Service Award recipient, Colon-Cordero and work with Molina Healthcare is laser-focused on building community partnerships, creating a better quality of life for all she encounters.

“I love being a bridge for people, knowing they don’t need to be alone while navigating,” said Colon-Cordero about her passion for her work. “It’s always about connecting people to their community; sometimes the smallest things can have the biggest impact, and we just try to make life easier.” She added, “Your connections, kindness and service matter; keep showing up and asking, ‘How can I help?’”

Someone who has consistently displayed that altruistic spirit was another recipient, Garcia, who earned the Leadership Award. A DACA recipient who resides in Newburgh, Garcia, an immigrant from Mexico, has devoted her career toward racial and social justice in the Hudson Valley. With a focus on educating present bilingual students on how to understand and proceed within their systems as undocumented pupils, Garcia is involved with multiple programs, aimed at ensuring their rights and humane treatment.

“These are not easy times, especially for the Latin community, but we don’t want to define ourselves by that but rather by our accomplishments,” said Garcia. “Our stories and accomplishments deserve recognition, and even in difficult times, there is room for joy, pride and celebration and remembering all we have overcome and are capable of achieving.”

That perseverance and ever-evolving spirit has been evident throughout the journey of the final honoree, Chuck Stewart, Editor and Owner of The Hudson Valley Press, who was recognized with the Local Business Award. The first and only minority newspaper in the six county Hudson Valley region, the Hudson Valley Press- formally The Black Press- originated on November 24, 1983, when Stewart’s father noted a huge dearth of, as well as, negative coverage of African-Americans in newspapers. Changing that trajectory by promoting positive Black news and overall unity while celebrating the beauty of diversity, the publication, which also was once told it would not make it six months-will celebrate its 44th anniversary next month.

Stewart, alluding to a profound memory relating to the paper’s Newburgh Free Academy career mentorship, spoke about a student who vividly recalled her mother posting stories from the publication on her refrigerator. One of those articles contained the image and narrative of the first African-American woman, Mae Jemison, to go to space. Simply viewing it and seeing someone who looked like her, accomplishing such a lofty feat, planted a life-changing seed for the student, opening up a whole new world of once unknown possibilities. Believing she too could now pursue a career in aviation, she secured admission to the HBCU, North Carolina A&T State University which had a partnership with NASA, a place she eventually secured a position with upon graduation.

“Telling our stories matter,” said Stewart. “It’s why we need to continue doing what we do.”

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