Amid a raucous community celebration attended by hundreds, the leader of North Bay's largest Latino leadership organization receives a prestigious award from the Mexican government for the organization's work supporting Mexicans in the region. did.
“The Autoli certification is the highest the Mexican government can bestow on members of the Mexican community living abroad,” Vicente Sánchez Ventura, Consul-General of the Consulate General of Mexico in San Francisco, said Thursday at Mitote Food Park in Roseland. It's a thing,” he said.
He presented the award to Los Cien Executive Director Herman G. Hernandez.
Sánchez Ventura said the recipients “are outstanding for their contributions to improving the lives of other compatriots.”
He said regional consulates will submit candidates and the final selection will be made at the central office of the Mexican government's Association of Overseas Mexicans.
Hernandez and Ross Cien join other locally acclaimed recipients, including the late Sonoma County farmworker advocate and activist George Ortiz, who received the award in 2018. fulfilled. Nationally known honorees include farm worker activist Dolores Huerta and actor Edward James Olmos. and MLB pitcher Fernando Valenzuela.
“Under Hernández's leadership, Los Cien has amplified voices and built bridges between Latino leaders and local elected officials,” Sánchez-Ventura said. “We have demonstrated a clear focus on the empowerment of American Americans and a commitment to including and elevating the voices of Latinos.” We build bridges between Latino, African American, Indigenous, and LGBTQ+ communities while supporting marginalized communities. ”
In his acceptance speech, Mr. Hernandez jokingly recalled that the consul confirmed that he had chosen the right Mr. Hernandez, and expressed his gratitude to his father, Herman J. Hernandez, co-founder of Los Cien, who was in the audience. expressed his gratitude.
“It is truly humbling to receive the Autry Award, but I want to be clear…this honor is a culmination of the efforts of the entire Ross-Thien family. I just happen to be the current Executive Director.” said the younger Hernandez.
Hundreds of people arrived for the celebration, including several Santa Rosa City Council members, members of the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors, and numerous leaders from nonprofit organizations, the business community, and the community.
Shouts, cheers and lively chatter from those in attendance reinforced the recognition as the consul placed the Autri Award, a silver medallion dangling from a red, white and green ribbon, around Hernandez's neck.
The name “Otli” comes from the Nahuatl language and means road or road, Sanchez Ventura said. The award recognizes individuals who have paved the way for future generations of Mexicans in California, he added.
Hernández is “a clear example of someone who has followed this straight path and dedicated his life to the betterment of Mexican and Latino communities abroad.”
During his speech, Hernández acknowledged other prominent Latinos in the audience, saying, “They do a lot of work, and people like me and our new generation are helping us do the work we do.” He made it possible for me to do this kind of work.”
Among them are activist and KBBF president Alicia Sanchez, Candido Morales, former director of the Mexican government's Institute for Overseas Mexicans, Sonoma State University professor Francisco Vázquez, and Windsor school teacher Roberto Ramirez and his wife Eva.・Includes Mr. Ramirez.
Performers included Mariachi Cantares de Mi Tierra of the Luther Burbank Center and members of the Ballet Folklorico program, as well as Jose Soto's Mariachi Barragan.
Just outside the main event, members of the Lanfritas Car Club and other lowrider enthusiasts who had been invited to participate stood proudly next to their shiny cars.
As the sounds of a mariachi group played in the background, Hernandez reflected on the award and the importance of the event.
“It was so powerful just watching people.” convenience (means “to live together'' in Spanish),'' he said. “Eating food and listening to mariachi…that's Los Ciens. It's part of Los Ciens. We come together to celebrate and build community.”
Contact Staff Writer Jennifer Sawhney at 707-521-5346 or jennifer.sawhney@pressdemocrat.com. X on Twitter @sawhney_media.
