The true spirit of “Sí Se Puede” was alive and shining at La Unión del Pueblo Entero’s 7th Biennial Gala. Our community members and trailblazers came together to celebrate how far our movimiento has come, and to reaffirm our commitment to the fight ahead. The night was filled with orgullo, joy, and gratitude for the collective power that continues to move us forward.

The evening was opened by the vibrant sounds of mariachi by La Mera, Mera, Orfy, whose music filled the room with joy and music that reflected upon our culture, and reminded us of the deep roots that sustain our movement. Later, we were joined by none other than Paola Ramos, an advocate of their community and Emmy award-winning journalist, who took the stage to deliver powerful keynotes centered on the power of endurance and the heart of the Rio Grande Valley families. Her remarks were followed by a thoughtful conversation with Presidential Fellow at Chapman University in Southern California, Julie Chavez Rodriguez, an advocate and political consultant who is also the granddaughter of the United Farm Workers leader Cesar Chavez, about the importance of staying united as we confront the political challenges that we are enduring under the current presidential administration.

The gala honored three remarkable leaders whose work has uplifted plenty of families across the colonias in the Rio Grande Valley. Emma Alaniz, recipient of the Sí Se Puede Award, who has spent years pushing for safe infrastructure and dignified living conditions, proving that when neighbors unite, positive change will shortly follow. María “Trini” Arias, who was awarded with the Self-Help Award, has dedicated her life to empowering residents to speak up and claim the resources they rightfully deserve. And Judge Fernando G. Mancias, who was honored with the Farmworker Lifetime Achievement Award, has been a steadfast advocate for policies that respect the dignity and labor of farmworkers. As exemplary members of our community, we thank them for their continued effort to the cause of La Union del Pueblo Entero, and their unwavering commitment to their neighbors– their community.

The gala means more than a celebration of our roots, it is a standing reflection of how far the legacy of our ancestors has come and continues to flourish in the midst of adversity.

¡Sí Se Puede, hoy y siempre!