Los Angeles will celebrate the start of Hispanic Heritage Month by raising funds for undocumented workers affected by COVID-19.
Despite the fact that Los Angeles County continues at a high level in terms of COVID-19 infections, this has not stopped Latinos from celebrating the traditional Cry of Independence of Mexico in a fun but safe way this September 15.
What makes this year’s event more emotional is that it will have the purpose of not only being a musical event presented virtually but also as a telethon to help the undocumented community affected by COVID-19.
The Scream of the Independence of Mexico was originally made by Father Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla in 1810 who, when he struck the bells, called to arms to start the War of Independence.
In the city of Los Angeles, as has been a tradition for three decades, Latino councilors are in charge of organizing the celebration that usually attracts thousands of people to the steps of the city hall.
When the councilor of the Seventh District, Mónica Rodríguez, received the baton to be the godmother of the event, she did not expect that she would have to be a pioneer in the virtual Cry of Independence of Mexico.
“When the pandemic began, we hoped that by this time it would be over,” said the councilor. “But it was not like that and so we worked quickly to change it to an event with a virtual telethon.”
Rodríguez said the unprecedented pandemic has disproportionately affected Latinos, who are often the essential workers and sustain the supply chain during the crisis. Latinos play a critical role in the food, agricultural, and service sectors.
However, many times it is these same workers, and mainly immigrants without documents, who are left without receiving the necessary financial assistance.
The money raised will go to the ‘Undocu-Indigenous Fund’ of the CIELO organization.
Odilia Romero, director of CIELO, said they were taken by surprise to learn that they had been chosen to distribute these funds. But she agreed that the undocumented, mainly indigenous people, are forgotten when it comes to receiving aid from the government.
“What is being done is an unprecedented action and we are very grateful to Councilor Rodríguez because she is showing her face to openly declare that the aid is for the undocumented,” said Romero.
Romero, who is also an interpreter of indigenous languages, said that in other years indigenous Mexicans would be celebrating El Grito in their homes or possibly attending the Los Angeles city hall celebration.
However, this year not only cannot be celebrated in large groups due to the pandemic, but many immigrants have become essential frontline workers who will be working.
The consul of Mexico in Los Angeles Marcela Celorio, said that they will also be part of the significant celebration this Tuesday and they have been preparing for several months to help the Latino community in general.
“We are happy that this celebration is with a cause to help our community,” said Celorio.
He indicated that help from the Mexican consulate in Los Angeles has not only been offered to Mexicans during the pandemic, but also to all Latinos regardless of their place of origin or immigration status. Among this help are COVID-19 tests and food pantries offered by the consulate.
Hispanic Heritage Month
The “El Grito” event will kick off the official celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month — which runs from September 15 to October 15. This holiday will highlight the vibrant Latino community in Los Angeles and showcase the immense contributions Latinos have made to the city’s culture, history, and economy.
Consul Celorio said that she considers it an honor to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, which is a reason to present the culture, language and gifts that Mexico has given to the world.
“I am proud to say that the color of our skin is brown,” said the consul
Councilor Rodríguez added that she, as the first generation of Mexicans, feels proud to know that over the years her parents’ dream of having a better future has come true. While her father was a farmer in Tulare, Central California, she has become a local political and community leader advocating for Latinos.
“Hispanic Heritage Month is something to be celebrated and something to be proud of,” Rodríguez said. “Together we are more powerful and that is why it is important to vote and it is important to be counted in the census.”
The Grito event can be seen from 7 pm virtually at https://elgrito2020.com/ where donations can also be given.
Among the participating artists are Los Tucanes de Tijuana, Ozomatli and the Santa Cecilia band.
Councilor Rodríguez expressed that no amount of donation is small and invites everyone to do their bit to continue helping Los Angeles without documents.
