Community:
As I reflect on the tremendous success of LatinoFest 08 I find that the overwhelming emotions that I experience are gratitude and love. The gigantic crowd, the amazing music, food and village atmosphere are still fresh in my mind and heart. I know that Jose’s spirit was present and his smiling portrait above the stage served as a focal point that continues to inspire many to work for social justice and immigrant issues.
This work focuses on increasing Latino’s access to educational opportunities and cultural experiences that enable the community to realize the benefits of life in the United States of America. I want to thank the organizing committee and the volunteers.
Their spirit of volunteerism is so amazing and their hours of service are incalculable. I also want to thank all the sponsors and vendors. it is their participation that enables EBLO to showcase entertainment that is culturally relevant and unique. I can not of course forget the importance of the community in the success of LatinoFest. The crowd this year was as always peaceful and respectful. There were children everywhere you looked experiencing their culture through live music and dance.
LatinoFest is a work in progress. Going forward we will continue to grow this event in Baltimore so that as the premiere festival of the Mid-Atlantic region it is known for bringing the best of Latino culture and music to the public. The future is not guaranteed to anyone. What we have is the moment and the awareness that our actions affect others. Love is the motivation, civic responsibility is the action.
Gracias por todo y…a todos
Claire Hollister-Ruiz
Co-founder of EBLO and LatinoFest
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