Soledad O’Brien to be Honored at Hispanic Caucus Awards Gala

Washington, DC – The Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI) today announced renowned musician Lalo Guerrero and CNNanchor and special correspondent Soledad O’Brien as the 2009 Medallion of Excellence for Leadership and Community Service Awardhonorees at its 32nd Annual Awards Gala on Wednesday, September 16, 2009 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center.  This year’s theme is Latinos Leading in the Arts.

“The 32^nd Annual Awards Gala honors Latinos in the arts who have not only made a lasting impression in the entertainment business, but who realize the importance of giving back to their community,” said Rep. Nydia Velázquez, CHCI Chair.

Eduardo “Lalo” Guerrero, recognized as the “Father of Chicano Music,” will be posthumously awarded.  He became internationally acclaimed during a career that spanned generations, and always gave back to the community by sharing his love of music with young and old.  At the height of his recording years in the 1940s and 1950s, he dominated the Latin music charts in the United States and Latin America and was an early pioneer in writing and recording bilingual songs.  His son Daniel Guerrero will accept the award on his behalf.

Soledad O’Brien joined CNN 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.  On Wednesday, October 21 and Thursday, October 22, 2009, O’Brien’s groundbreaking documentary series, “Latino in America,” will explore the cultural contributions and impact of Latinos. For more information, please visit www.cnn.com/latinoinamerica.

President Barack Obama, joined by his wife, First Lady Michelle Obama, will address the crowd. Velázquez will also present the 2009 Chair’s Lifetime Achievement Award to music icon Marc Anthony.  

The event will be emceed by Maria Hinojosa, senior correspondent for the acclaimed series NOW on PBS, with gala entertainment provided by internationally acclaimed urban-Latino-and-beyond collision group Ozomatli.  More than 40 Members of Congress, including Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, are confirmed to attend the evening’s events. 

The 32^nd Annual Awards Gala helps raise funds for CHCI’s leadership development programs for Latino youth.  Gala Host Wal-Martjoins in supporting CHCI’s mission to develop the next generation of Latino leaders, along with Premiere Sponsors Comcast andToyota.

A Red Carpet will be held prior to the Gala at 5:30 pm at the Historical Society of Washington, D.C., 

Press Credential requests for Red Carpet and 32^nd Annual Awards Gala will close at 12:00 noon on Tuesday, September 15.

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 is comprised of Hispanic Members of Congress, nonprofit leaders and corporate executives.  For more information call CHCI at (202) 543-1771 or visit www.chci.org.