Despite Latinos representing 13% of the total population, less than 1.5% of all philanthropic dollars in the U.S. go to Latine-serving nonprofits. The Latino Equity Fund was created in partnership with The Boston Foundation to help our philanthropic sector in Massachusetts address this gap. As a proud recipient of a Latino Equity Fund grant, the Lynn Hispanic Scholarship Fund (LHSF) could not miss out on the opportunity to celebrate the work and impact of the Latino Equity Fund during its 10th anniversary Pa’lante celebration.
The LHSF Board hurriedly made its way to Bow Market in Somerville as the last bit of daylight struggled to pierce through the blanket of overcast clouds. As we entered the function room, the eerie calm of an impending rainy night quickly became a distant memory as we were met with the lively chatter of familiar voices, the infectious rhythm of salsa pulsating through the air and the delicious aromas of Latine cuisine cascading through the crowd reassuring us that it would be a great night celebrating the Latino Equity Fund, the only philanthropic fund dedicated to Latinos in Massachusetts.
Throughout the night, we connected with past and present leaders of the Latino Equity Fund, staff from The Boston Foundation, and various founders and/or Directors of Latino-led organizations who work tirelessly to address the needs of our Latino community throughout the state. Along with some inspiring conversations about the future, we were transported to Latin America by the Latino Equity Fund team. Not only were they able to center the night on the celebration of Latino culture through food and entertainment, but also through thoughtful supplier management that promoted inclusivity.
In the function hall we savored some Peruvian-inspired dishes like blue cod ceviche and pan con chicharron, a Peruvian delicacy consisting of braised pork, sweet potato, salsa criolla and rocoto mayo on a baguette. As we made our way through the various shops in Bow Market, Elena’s Bakeshop provided us with a taste of Colombia with their fruity salpicón and freshly (Photo: Javier Juarez, Director of the Latino Equity Fund)
baked arequipes. Taquismo introduced us to
some authentic Mexican flavors with their Mexican paletas and Southern Pines gave us the opportunity to explore southern food traditions via its sandwiches.
As we walked in and out of shops we enjoyed the live performances of Samba Viva, a nod to our Brazilian friends, Fraternidad Folklorica Boliviana de RI, from our Bolivian neighbors in South America, and Mariachi Estrella, our Mexican charros representing their culture proudly. All in all, it was a great night celebrating our culture and the efforts of the Latino Equity Fund to connect the philanthropic resources of the state to our Latino-led organizations on the ground. Though there is a lot of work to be done, we are hopeful that together, and with our allies, we will continue to move forward as one state, one community- Pa’lante!
(Left to Right: Jazmine Ramirez, Vice President of the LHSF Board, Vicky Rivera, President of the LHSF Board, Alby Mendez, Secretary of the LHSF Board)
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