Washington, DC – Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (NY-12), Chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI), today announced President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama will attend CHCI’s 32nd Annual Awards Gala on Wednesday, September 16, 2009, at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. President Obama will address more than 2,000 guests commemorating CHCI’s 32 years of serving the Latino community.
“As Chair of CHCI, I am honored to host President Obama and his wife, Michelle, as we kick off Hispanic Heritage Month,” said Rep. Velázquez. “The Latino community played a major role in his historic election and we are fully engaged with the Obama Administration to move America forward.”
This year’s Hispanic Heritage Month theme, Latinos Leading in a Global Society, highlights the vast potential of the Hispanic American community to lead our nation into the 21st century. “This evening caps a conference week showcasing Latino talent, growing political clout, and the many contributions – past, present and future – of this burgeoning population that makes America strong,” said Rep. Velázquez.
The Gala theme, Latinos Leading in the Arts, honors Latino achievements and contributions to the arts. Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid are expected to attend the evening’s events, along with as many as 40 Members of Congress who share CHCI’s vision to develop young leaders. Rep. Velázquez will present the 2009 CHCI Chair’s Lifetime Achievement Award to acclaimed Puerto Rican music icon Marc Anthony.
For press credentials, please visit http://www.chci.org/news/page/2009-hhm-media-credentials. Please contact Scott Gunderson Rosa at 202-548-5876 or via email at sgrosa@chci.org with any questions.
About Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute
Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI), a nonprofit and nonpartisan 501(c)(3) organization, provides leadership development programs and educational services to students and young emerging leaders. The CHCI Board of Directors is comprised of Hispanic Members of Congress, nonprofit leaders and corporate executives. For more information, call CHCI at (202) 543-1771 or visitwww.chci.org.
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