“Noche De Guayabera”

Saturday, June 5, The Young Latino Network (Y.L.N.) held the “Noche De Guayabera” reception and fundraiser at the Wall Eye Art Gallery (Latino owned) which was attended by approximately 75 Latinos and their friends. The gallery has a number of works of art and photography from local Latino artists, including Alex Rivera.

The crowd was made up of Latinos, African Americans, and Anglos. The age ranged from college students to senior citizens.

The venue of the Wall Eye Gallery was energizing and upbeat, complimented by Latino hors d’oeuvres (empanadillas de carne and queso and taquitos) and Sangria and wine, as well as upbeat salsa music, which continued several hours after the reception ended. Most men wore their guayaberas.

Jose Feliciano, Jr., the President of the Young Latinos, stated “Latinos are one of the keys to the turn around of this city and the future of Greater Cleveland. The Young Latino Network is helping to shape the agenda for our entire community for the next generation. At the same time, one of our core functions is to develop a future Latino leadership. This event is one step.”

He mentioned two upcoming events: one is at Cleveland State University on June 25, 2010 in conjunction with 21 Century Leadership Forum, which, among others, includes Y.L.N., N.S.H.M.B.A,; Policy Bridge, National Black M.B.A.’s, and the Jeff Johnson Leadership Institute. The purpose of the event is to network and develop a common agenda. The second is Convencion 2010, which is the Latino Community Convention which will be held at St. Ignatius High School on Saturday, October 16, 2010.

One of the key organizers of the event was Frank Bacety (Secretary of Y.L.N.) who brought to bear his enormous leadership gifts organizing ...