America’s Diversity Celebrated At Asian-American & Latino Inaugural Balls

WASHINGTON – With Joe Biden and Kamala Harris being officially swearing-in on Jan. 20th, many have come together to celebrate. The Asian-American community celebrated with an inaugural ball the night before, hosted by Brad Jenkins and Chloe Bennet. The AAPI Inaugural Ball: Breaking Barriers included various speakers and performers, some including Executive Director of Impact, Neil Makhija, and Asian-American Congress representatives. Being proud to call America home again with a new president was their goal, now it has become their reality. (Scroll down to watch the AAPI Inaugural Ball)

Not only was the Asian-American’s celebrating the election victory but so did the Latino community with the Latino Inaugural 2021: ‘Inheritance, Resilience, and Promise’. Their inaugural ball, also held on Jan. 19th, was hosted by Eva Longoria with feature appearances by Lin-Manuel Miranda, John Leguizamo, Rita Moreno, Edward James Olmos, Ivy Queen, and Becky G. So much detail was put into the way the ball was conducted from the background video to every speaker that was announced. Starting the evening was a list that showed many contributions that were made by Latinos including, Roberto Clemente and Redia Manino. (Be sure to scroll down to watch the entire event)

Many do not realize some challenges that were made, such as having walls put up to keep many out, while children are being put in cages to keep them in. However, more recent challenges have arisen such as COVID-19 infecting five times more Latinos and killing three times more than the white community. Nevertheless, Latios still fight back with 30% being essential workers during this tragic time, making sure their communities still had teachers, health care workers, and clerks. 

With Joe Biden being the light at the end of the tunnel, Latinos are regaining their hope. Many may be serving alongside Biden, just a few include Miguel Cardona who will be in charge of education and Alejandro Mayorkas who is a potential homeland security nominee. Latinos are also making political history by having four Hispanic Senators serving at the same time. 

To show some of the beautiful moments throughout Latino history, several performances were given. There were musical performances from Gilberto Santa Rosa and Gaby Moreno, featuring David Garza, Emilio Estefan, and All-Star Tejanos United – Stefani Montiel, Jose Posada, Shelly Lares, DJ Kane, and Mariachi Nuevo Santander from Roma High School in Roma, Texas. The event also included an Emilio Estefan produced performance of “One World, One Prayer” by The Wailers, featuring Skip Marley, Farruko, Shaggy, and Cedella Marley. This was followed by poet Reyes reading “The Promise.”

Many of these artists showcased the love that Latinos have to give, as long as America is willing to accept. To close out the show, Joe Biden gave a thank you message, as he applauded the record number of votes this election.

The Asian-American and Latino communities, along with the Black community which held a “We Are One” event the same night, finally have hope that with a new president, the American dream is big enough for all of us again.

ICYMI: Watch the AAPI Inaugural Ball: Breaking Barriers:

 

ICYMI: Watch the Latino Inaugural 2021: ‘Inheritance, Resilience, and Promise’: