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Mayor's Office on Latino Affairs (MOLA) Newsletter |
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Mayor Muriel Bowser celebrated our #DCValues in June by recognizing Immigrant Heritage Month and Pride Month. These celebrations exemplify our DC Values of accepting diversity and inclusivity that makes our city stronger. Our outreach efforts ensured that every community member felt included and got connected to Mayor Bowser’s new initiatives and programs.
As the first self-identified Afro-Latino leading MOLA, my team and I were excited to launch the 2nd Annual DC Afro-Latino Fest at the Malcolm X Park. At the Afro-Latino Fest, we were able not only to portray the diversity within the DC Latino communities but helped to start the developing of a stronger connection interest from the broader DC community to learn more about the Latinos.
The 3rd Annual Mi Pequeño El Salvador event magnified the voices of the Salvadoran diaspora by highlighting Salvadorian businesses, restaurants, and musicians that have contributed to the Mount Pleasant community. I was speechless to see countless Salvadorians at Lamont Plaza, engaging with community-based organizations and other DC residents. The MOLA team will ensure that Salvadorians are visible and represented, as they make up such an integral part of the diverse Latino community in DC.
I was so happy to end the month of June with the Summer Youth Employment Program orientation. I greeted new faces and described the benefits of this program to the 100+ youth who attended the orientation. It was a fun-filled informative day, which included a visit to Martha’s Table for a Dress for Success activity and at the end Latino youth were able to pick out professional clothes to wear on their first day of the program.
Our outreach efforts ensure that every community member felt included and aware of Mayor Bowser’s new initiatives and programs. You can learn more about our upcoming events at the end of this newsletter.
You can also learn more about upcoming events by visiting our Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter @OLADCGov. Also, to learn more about grant opportunities, language access, and other initiatives, read this new edition of La Voz de MOLA or call us at 202-671-2825.
Remember, MOLA is open, and we are here to serve you!
Estamos aquí para servirle,
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 Eduardo Perdomo
Executive Director
Mayor's Office on Latino Affairs (MOLA)
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Mayor Muriel Bowser is creating a safer, stronger, more resilient, connected, and equitable DC. To get a glimpse of the important work happening across all eight wards, click the "Letter from the Mayor".
If you are feeling depressed, anxious, stressed, or just not yourself, remember that you are not alone & help is only a phone call away.
The District's Mental Health Hotline provides free, confidential mental health support 24/7. Talk to someone at 1-888-793-4357 or call 988. DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA MENTAL HEALTH HOTLINE.
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Casa Iris Surprise Visit
 On June 8th, on behalf of Mayor Muriel Bowser Director Eduardo Perdomo visited Casa Iris for the purpose of delivering KN95 facemask to ensuring the well-being of our beloved seniors during the poor Air Quality Index week. reached Code Purple.
One Year Anniversary of the Mayor’s Office of Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing
 On June 8, Director Eduardo Perdomo was invited to the Mayor’s Office of Deaf, Deafblind and Hard of Hearing One Year Anniversary celebration. Director Eduardo Perdomo was able to speak and give words of encouragement to the Deaf, Deafblind and Hard of Hearing residents of DC.
MOLA on the Street: Kenyon Street
On June 9th. MOLA took to the streets to connect with residents in the vibrant Mt. Pleasant neighborhood and share valuable information about our wide range of services.
We are excited to announce that we have planned multiple street outreach events throughout the summer. We invite you to follow us on our social media channels to stay updated on our street outreach activities and catch us in action. Be sure to keep an eye out for our upcoming events and join us in making a positive impact in the community.
DC Pride Parade
On June 10th. The Mayor's Office on Latino Affairs joined Mayor Bowser in commemorating LGBTQIA+ pride, standing in solidarity with our LGBTQIA+ community.
The parade was an exhilarating celebration of colors, individuality, positive energy, and love. We were truly inspired by the diverse organizations and LGBTQ+ communities that showcased the immense value of embracing diversity, equity, and inclusion. As representatives of the DC government and the vibrant Latino community, it was an honor to actively support and uplift our LGBTQIA+ community in such a meaningful way.
Shining Stars Montessouri Academy PCS Graduation
 On June 15th, Director Eduardo Perdomo was invited as the keynote speaker to give an uplifting speech to the graduating class of 2023. Director Jackie Reyes was also invited to support the Shining Stars. The graduation was filled with fun, laughter and nervousness as they will heading to middle school in August. It was an honor to provide comfort to the young DC residents.
Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) Kick-Off
On June 23rd, we had the pleasure of hosting the Summer Youth Employment Kick-Off event, led by Director Eduardo Perdomo and the dedicated MOLA Team. This exciting day was filled with a wide range of engaging activities to prepare our youth participants for a successful and enriching summer employment experience.
The event encompassed various sessions, each designed to equip the students with valuable skills and knowledge. Among the highlights were the Dress for Success session, where students received guidance on professional attire and learned essential tips for making a positive impression in the workplace. Additionally, food demonstrations, art therapy, and wellness activities provided. It was a truly empowering and confidence-building activity for our youth participants. #EveryDayCounts
2023 DC Community Soccer Tournament
On June 24th, in celebration of Immigrant Heritage Month, Mayor’s Office on Latino Affairs participated in the 2023 DC Community Soccer Tournament with MPD, Mayor’s Office on Asian American and Pacific Islander Affairs (MOAAPI), and Mayor’s Office on African Affairs (MOAA) where all the communities compete in a friendly soccer game.
The tournament served as a remarkable platform to honor and highlight our collective immigrant heritage, paying homage to the rich contributions made by individuals from various backgrounds. Through the universal language of sports, we were able to showcase the spirit of togetherness and sportsmanship that unites us all.
3rd Annual Mi Pequeño El Salvador Festival
On June 25th , MOLA hosted the 3rd annual Mi Pequeño El Salvador Festival at Lamont Plaza. There was live music from local Salvadoran bands like the Salvadorereina and Moises y su Chanchona. The whole event was fun-filled for all ages and encouraged DC residents to get up and dance!
In case you missed the festival, please click below to see the live performances:
Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4
Mercado en tu Barrio
 On June 21th and 28th, the Mayor’s Office on Latino Affairs performed the free monthly food distribution. MOLA distributed 12,428 pounds of fresh produce in Wards 4 and 7. MOLA has been organizing a series of activities such as blood pressure checks and Zumbia around the food distribution program to promote healthy lifestyles among DC Latinos.
Queerceañera
 On June 29th, Director Eduardo Perdomo hosted the first ever Queerceañera to end Pride Month MOLA style. It started with a panel discussion about how it felt to be in the LGBTQIA community while living in traditional Latino homes. This was followed by a Drag performance and the night ended with a special dance.
 On July 4, Director Eduardo Perdomo and the MOLA team had the privilege of representing the Mayor in the Independence Day parades on Capitol Hill and the Palisades. It was an honor to accompany the Mayor in these parades and to have the opportunity to let DC residents know that MOLA is a symbol of strength for the city.
Walking alongside the Mayor in these parades was a significant moment to show our commitment to the community and reaffirm our message of unity and resilience. It was an honor to be able to participate in these emblematic celebrations and convey the message that together we are stronger. As a MOLA team, we are proud to represent the Mayor and to be an integral part of the DC force. #DCsStrong
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Director Eduardo Perdomo has been meeting every Friday with Pedro Biaggi at La Nueva Radio. The weekly interview “Al dia con la Alcaldia” talks about Mayor Muriel Bowser’s agenda and events conducted by MOLA and its community partners.
June 2nd- Director Eduardo Perdomo was invited by the FOX5: DMV Zone to discuss the Afro Latino Fest. This interview made its way to the country of Australia so you can click below to see how far is MOLA’s reach:
FOX5: Afro Latino Fest this weekend in DC
Australian publications of FOX interview:
June 3rd- For the second annual Afro-Latino Fest, there was a lot of news circulating throughout DC radio, newspapers, news channels, and websites. Please click the links below to see what people were saying about Afro Latino Fest:
Be Latina: Celebrate the Vibrant Afro-Latino Community at DC’s Spectacular Afro-Latino Festival
DCist : D.C.’s Afro Latino Fest Is Back. Here’s What You Need To Know
WTOP: DC park to be filled with jazz, funk, salsa Saturday at Afro Latino Fest
EL Tiempo Latino: Afro Latino Fest: Celebrando la diversidad y la música en Washington D.C.
Newsbreak: Join the Vibrant Celebration of DC's Afro-Latino Culture at the 2023 DC Afro Latino Fest This Weekend! 🎉🎶🌞
June 21st- Director Eduardo Perdomo talked with Telemundo about the SYEP Program’s impact . To see the full interview please click the link below:
June 25th- For the third Annual Mi Pequeño El Salvador Festival, DC radio, newspapers, news channels, and websites were abuzz with an abundance of news regarding Mi Pequeño El Salvador Festival. Explore the links below to discover what people were discussing about the event.:
Telemundo: Festival “Mi pequeño El Salvador” se celebrará el domingo
Fox5 Video: 'Mi Pequeño El Salvador' celebrated in DC
Fox5 Article: 'Mi Pequeño El Salvador' festival celebrated in DC
Yahoo.com: 'Mi Pequeño El Salvador' celebrated in DC
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For the month of July, MOLA is proud to highlight an LCDG grantee, GALA Hispanic Theatre. GALA Hispanic Theatre is oldest and most established Latino performing arts organization in DC. Their mission is to develop, produce, and present works that explore the breadth of Latino performing arts, making it accessible to the broadest possible audience and using theater as a vehicle for social change. Throughout its 46-year history, GALA Hispanic Theatre has produced more than 283 critically acclaimed bilingual productions of Hispanic plays; commissioned work by Latino performing artists; educated thousands of Latino youth in the dramatic arts and production; and produced bilingual children’s theater and community festivals
MOLA would like to highlight this month because GALA Theatre as GALA is one hosting sites for 2023 Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP). A recent success story from GALA is of Justin Sanabria. He is one of Paso Nuevo’s students, he performed for the second show (“Best of 2022”) he played a detective and told us he has never been on stage before and felt nervous to act on stage. But his best friend Yudaiquis Villanueva, a student with previous experience in Paso Nuevo told him about her experience on stage and that the key to success. For her, the key to success was the rehearsal process and that she learned to trust it, not rush and trust the teachers. Justin did a great job, he added his touch to the character, and brought ideas that enriched the characters, like props, adding to the choreography, etc. Justin had a great show although still nervous to get on stage, he did a wonderful job and used the techniques we taught him, he was overjoyed with the audience’s applause.
MOLA is proud to witness community partners like GALA Hispanic Theatre continue to make Washington DC the most welcoming city in the world. We cannot wait to hear how GALA Hispanic Theatre, Yudaiquis Villanueva and Justin Sanabria continue to assist our Latino community!
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Mayor's Office on Latino Affairs (MOLA)
mola.dc.gov
202-671-2825
2000 14th Street NW, Ste. 206
Washington, DC 20009
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