Reflecting, Honoring, and Advocating: Special Memorial Art Piece at ALAS to be Unveiled to Remember the Lives and Inspire Ongoing Change
Half Moon Bay, CA – January 20, 2024 – Ayudando Latinos a Soñar (ALAS) and the Latino Community Foundation (LCF) are uniting for a special One-Year Remembrance Ceremony to honor the victims and survivors of the tragic shooting in Half Moon Bay on January 23, 2023. In this solemn event, we remember the seven lives tragically lost and reflect on the past year, which has been a journey of community building, healing, and unity in the face of profound loss.
The roundtable discussion is scheduled for January 23, from 12 pm to 1:30 pm at the ALAS Sueño Center (604 Main Street, Half Moon Bay, CA) titled, "Remembering and Advocating One Year Later – We cannot Forget." Esteemed speakers, including Dr. Belinda Hernandez Arriaga, Founder and Executive Director of ALAS, Julian Castro, CEO of the Latino Community Foundation, Congresswoman Anna Eshoo, San Mateo County Supervisor Ray Mueller, and other elected officials, alongside Chinese and Latino community leaders, and farmworkers, will share insights and recommend solutions. Additionally, a special message from President Joe Biden that will be read during the event.
Members of the media are invited to attend, capturing the valuable perspectives and recommendations presented during this event, aims to commemorate and advocate for lasting positive change.
Following the roundtable, a memorial event titled Corazón del Campesino (Heart of the Farmworker) Memorial Evening 6 pm-7:30 pm. at ALAS Casita and Garden (636 Purissima Street, Half Moon Bay, CA). Renowned artist Fernando Escartiz will unveil his artistic tribute to victims through his art work, Corazón del Campesino. The public is invited to join this evening, fostering community, spirit and sharing in reflection, art, poetry, and music.
"This art piece at ALAS stands as a tribute to the farmworkers we will never forget, reminding us of the imperative ongoing advocacy that must lead our efforts for change," said Dr. Belinda Hernandez Arriaga, Founder and Executive Director of ALAS.
Julian Castro, CEO of LCF and the LCF team will share remarks of unity and community. Dr. Belinda Hernandez Arriaga of ALAS, alongside the ALAS team, will contribute to the reflection, joined by the farmworker community and special guests.
"Since last year’s tragic shooting of seven farmworkers in Half Moon Bay, ALAS has set a powerful example for the nation on the importance of community-centered healing,” said Julián Castro, CEO of Latino Community Foundation. “It is a privilege to join ALAS and their Executive Director Dr. Belinda Hernandez-Arriaga. We will continue to stand alongside our partners and make meaningful change for the community.”
Immediate Action by ALAS:
After the tragic mass shooting, ALAS took immediate action by working directly with each of the displaced survivors and families to meet their essential needs, including providing food, housing, and mental health counseling. Additionally, ALAS extended its support to the entire community by offering free counseling services to anyone in Half Moon Bay, recognizing the importance of addressing the broader impact of the traumatic event on individuals beyond the directly affected families.
About Ayudando Latinos a Soñar (ALAS):
ALAS is a nonprofit, 501c3, based in Half Moon Bay, California that offers free programs of cultural arts, mental health, education, basic needs and social justice programs for Latino families, essential workers, and farmworkers of the Coastside. The vision of the organization was born from the desire to help children and their families to feel proud of their identity and culture and amplify their voices. For more information, please visit: www.alasdreams.com.
About Latino Community Foundation:
The Latino Community Foundation is on a mission to unleash the civic and economic power of Latinos in California. LCF has the largest network of Latino philanthropists in the country and has raised $100 million to build Latino civic and political power. It is the only statewide foundation solely focused on investing in Latino youth and families in California. For more info, please visit: www.latinocf.org
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