LOS ANGELES, Dec. 2, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Over 400 people attended the 20th Annual Noche De Las Memorias at the AIDS Monument in Lincoln Park commemorating World AIDS Day and celebrating the founding of the organization.
(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20131202/DC26245LOGO)
The organization was founded on World AIDS Day, 1993 to construct an AIDS Monument to people who have died of AIDS. The purpose of the monument was to draw attention to the epidemic that was impacting the Latino community.
Richard L. Zaldivar wanted to create a project that would engage the Latino community in a safe and trusting manner. He stated, "When I first dreamed of building a monument, I had no idea that The Wall-Las Memorias would have played such a major role in the community. The people in the community must be congratulated for contributing to such a success," Zaldivar further stated.
In this special 20th Annual celebration, the evening was opened by Manuel Sanchez, a flautist, followed by the traditional Aztec dancers.
Fox Newscaster Laura Diaz and Los Angeles Dodger Sportscaster Jorge Jarrin acted as Masters of Ceremonies and introduced ministers of faith that opened the event. They were Reverend Roberto Colon, Senior Pastor of USA Presbyterian Church; Reverend Kathy Cooper-Ledesma, Pastor of Hollywood Methodist Church.
The evening then followed with songs by Lina Marie Aguirre who sang the "Ave Maria" and a song that she specially wrote for this special night. Xavier Mejia, a strong and longtime supporter wrote a poem dedicated to those who live with HIV today.
Los Angeles City Councilman Gilbert Cedillo, who played a key role in securing a $400,000 from the State of California to help build the monument, congratulated the organization by praising the founder for having fulfilled his commitment. "I knew when Richard commits, he delivers. He also got the community to commit. I am proud of The Wall-Las Memorias Project for the monument, the programs and services that they provide," stated Councilman Cedillo.
The evening continued with inspirational messages from supporters. They included: Esteban Torres, board chair, Abigail Marquez, board member, Joey Ponce de Leon, Ida Tagliente, past board member and Eddie Martinez, former associate director and Grace Dryness, a member of the Project Faith Advisory Board.
On the special occasion, Jorge Castillo of Alcohol Justice congratulated The Wall-Las Memorias Project by stating that, "They have adapted their community mobilization model which has proven highly successful in expanding their work in alcohol and substance abuse prevention. We are so proud of their accomplishments," Castillo further stated.
The organization provides HIV prevention and testing services to gay men and communities of faith, substance abuse prevention and recruitment for enrollment of Latino LGBT to the Affordable Care Act.
The event culminated with the presentation of the most recent names submitted by loved ones to be engraved on the monument. Constructed in 2004, the monument uniquely blends art, architecture, landscape and public participation to create a unique public health message for the Latino community. The two panels will eventually hold approximately 7,500 names.
The Wall-Las Memorias Project was established on December 1st 1993, with a goal of constructing an AIDS monument at Lincoln Park. That same night 20 years ago, a group of 33 people came together at the planned AIDS monument site, held a prayer vigil and grieved about their loved ones. It was on that night that Noche De La Memorias was born. And, now has become one of the largest World AIDS Day events.
The 20th Annual Noche de las Memorias was sponsored by Anthem Blue Cross , Molina Healthcare, Los Angeles County Office of Public Health Department of HIV/STDs and Los Angeles City Council District 1.
The Wall-Las Memorias Project is dedicated to promoting wellness and preventing illness among Latino populations affected by HIV/AIDS by using the inspiration of The AIDS Monument as a catalyst for social change.
Visit us at www.thewalllasmemorias.org
Contact: Andres Magana
Office: 323 257.1056 extension 28
Email: amagana@thewalllasmemorias.org
SOURCE The Wall-Las Memorias Project (TWLMP)
