Soledad O'Brien To Host Hispanic Heritage Gala
WASHINGTON -- CHCI announced September 12-15, 2010, as the dates for its 2010 Hispanic Heritage Month celebration in Washington, D.C. with the theme "Celebrating History, Heritage and the American Dream." CHCI hosts the nation's premier events commemorating Hispanic Heritage Month, which draws over 3,000 Latino leaders from across the country to its Public Policy Conference, Reyes of Comedy Night, and Annual Awards Gala.
"This year's theme reflects the historical contributions of Latinos in the United States as we join the celebration of Latin American landmark independence anniversaries all over the hemisphere and the 400 year anniversary of the founding of the city of Santa Fe," said Rep. Nydia M. Velazquez, CHCI Chair.
"Our theme also embodies the Latino community's embrace of the American Dream and its commitment to the success of this great nation. We expect a huge turnout this year to hear from members of Congress, Cabinet secretaries, and other national leaders on how the Latino community will play an integral role in leading this nation forward in the 21st century."
CNN anchor and special correspondent Soledad O'Brien will celebrity host the 33rd Annual Awards Gala on September 15, 2010. O'Brien is a recipient of CHCI's 2009 Medallion of Excellence Award for Leadership and Community Service. She joinedCNN in 2003 and has reported breaking news from around the globe and award-winning, celebrated documentaries on the most important stories and issues facing the world today. Last October CNN aired O'Brien's groundbreaking documentary series, Latino in America, exploring the cultural contributions and impact of Latinos. Her documentary, Rescued, about orphans in Haiti, recently aired on May 8th.
Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated annually from September 15 - October 15. For CHCI, it also represents an opportunity to highlight its competitive and nationally acclaimed Latino youth leadership development programs, including two fellowship programs, a congressional internship program, scholarship awards, and a college readiness program, Ready to Lead (R2L)for high school students.
CHCI will kick off its 2010 Hispanic Heritage Month events with its annual Public Policy Conference at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center on September 12- 14, 2010. The conference assembles Latino leaders, experts and scholars to participate in timely discussions of major policy issues affecting the Latino community. This year, CHCI ChairNydia M. Velazquez will be joined by administration officials, Congressional Hispanic Caucus members, and national leaders in their fields. Key issues on the agenda include: corporate responsibility, education, economy and workforce, financial services, green economy, health, health care reform, immigration reform, international relations, labor, redistricting, and technology. An important component of the conference, the Ready to Lead (R2L) program, also educates and engages high school students in all these policy discussions while preparing them for college.
On the second night of the conference, CHCI will hold the 10th Annual Reyes of Comedy Night, which will take place at the Warner Theatre on September 14, 2010. This popular event features both established Latino comedians as well as emerging Latino talent for a night of exceptional entertainment.
The closing and premier event of the conference is CHCI's 33rd Annual Awards Gala to be held at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center on September 15. This prestigious dinner and awards presentation will celebrate the outstanding accomplishments of Latino leaders who are giving back to their communities. The Gala draws more than 2,200 guests including federal and local elected officials, corporate and nonprofit leaders, and celebrities.
2010 Hispanic Heritage Month Registration is now available.
Mark your calendars:
September 12-14
Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center
Washington, DC
September 14
Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center
Washington, DC
September 14
Warner Theatre
Washington, DC
September 15
Walter E. Washington Convention Center
Washington, DC
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 comprises Hispanic Members of Congress, nonprofit and labor leaders and corporate executives. For more information call CHCI at (202) 543-1771 or visit www.chci.org.
