On Dec. 5 , ALMA, the Association of Latinos/as/xs Motivating Action, celebrated its 35th anniversary and growth with its third community reception at Barcocina at 2901 N. Sheffield Ave.
The event brought together members of the Latino and LGBTQ+ communities for an evening of mingling, reflections and award presentations. It also included a full buffet and performances from drag artist Sarena Fiierce. Frankie Miranda, president and CEO of the Hispanic Federation received the ALMA Del Lider Award and sent a taped greeting for the reception.
As the near-overflow crowd dined on Bang Bang Shrimp, pineapple pork and braised brisket, aldermen, community leaders and other supporters mingled in a festive atmosphere. The brief program began with ALMA founder Julio Rodriguez greeting the crowd; he was followed by Araceli Arroyo, who spoke about the impact that ALMA has had since it was started in 1989. Current board members Alfredo Flores and Elizeth Arguelles spoke on the continued importance of the organization today.
Board member Dulce Quintero presented Roberto Valdez with Miranda’s award. Relatively new board member Yessica Torres spoke on how welcome she felt when she joined the organization, with Mary Johnson speaking about ALMA’s continued mission.
ALMA Executive Director Manuel Hernandez spoke at length about the organization’s evolving mission. He said, “At ALMA we believe connection across communities is not a value…it’s a necessity. In a world where race, gender, and identity are too often used as tools of division, we have chosen to embrace the power of unity.”
Hernandez later said, “It requires courage to confront systemic inequities and resilience to build bridges where others see walls. It requires all of us, as individuals and as a collective, to lean into discomfort and embrace the transformative power of connection.”
He said, “Friends, we are at a pivotal moment in our history. Today more than ever, it is vital for our communities to come together and support one another. From the rise in anti-LGBTQ legislation to the persistent challenges found by communities of color, the stakes have never been higher. ALMA is more than an organization. It is a movement, a family, and a testament to what is possible when we come together with a shared purpose.”
He closed by saying, “But here’s what gives me hope: Every one of you in this room, together we are proving that advocacy is not just about pushing for policy changes. It’s about creating a culture of inclusion, justice and equity. It’s about showing up, time and time again, for those who need us most.”
Originally founded in the midst of the AIDS Crisis, ALMA has since shifted to serve the LGBTQ+ Latino community through advocating for fair treatment and equity. The organization offers arts programs aimed at LGBTQ+ youth, family referrals, an LGBTQ+ leadership institute and a statewide network.
All photos by Vern Hester
