On the same day that Barack Obama honored some of our greatests – Sandra Cisneros, Luis Valdez, Rudolfo Anaya, and Santiago Jimenez, Jr. – the Hispanic Heritage Foundation celebrated some of our heroes. On Wednesday night, the organization held its 29th annual Hispanic Heritage Awards and awarded Latinos for their civic and artistic contributions, according to NBC.
Not surprisingly, Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor – who received the Leadership Award – gave an inspiring speech. “This award is not about me,” she said. “It’s about the many mothers and fathers, abuelos and abuelitas, and all the others who had led our community, who have taught us all and carried us upward on their backs with hard work and determination.” But as a whole, Sotomayor’s speech was just entertaining and she had the crowd laughing and clapping.
The awards won’t air until September 30 on PBS, but in the meantime, here’s a small peak of the best moments:
1
Sonia Sotomayor reaveled that her mom is a huge Prince Royce fan
Judge Jenny Rivera, Prince Royce and his man bun introduced Sotomayor. The justice said, “Prince Royce, Mami told me that I had to tell you that she loves you. Mami, cumplí.”
2
Sotomayor dedicated the award to her mom
“Mami, esto es tuyo porque te encanta la joyería,” she said.
3
Junot Díaz delivered a poignant speech
Junot Díaz won the Literature Award. “We cannot just survive or live,” he said. “We have to fight for justice. We have to fight for equality. All of us must be free. All of us must be free, or none.”
4
Dr. Diana Natalicio won the Hispanic Heritage Award in STEM
Latinas aren’t proportionally represented in STEM careers, and this award is further proof that it’s not because we’re incapable.