A powerful cultural movement is taking shape as Latino celebrities and influencers step into their power—not just as entertainers, but as advocates for justice and unity. The American Friends Service Committee (AFSC), a century-old Quaker organization dedicated to peace and equality, has launched its first-ever Hispanic celebrity PSA and publicity campaign, “Immigrants Make Our Communities Stronger.”

The bilingual, nonpartisan campaign represents a cultural awakening across the Latino creative community. For the first time, some of the most influential names in film, music, and media are aligning to uplift the dignity of immigrants, celebrate their contributions, and push back against divisive narratives with truth and pride.

A New Era of Latino Leadership

Latino immigrants have long fueled America’s progress—powering industries, enriching culture, and driving innovation. Yet in today’s political climate, fear and misinformation threaten to erase their humanity. AFSC’s campaign responds with compassion and storytelling, led by voices that reflect the very communities under fire.

“Immigrants make our communities stronger—neighbors, coworkers, students, and business owners,” said Brian Minter, AFSC’s Chief Marketing & Communications Officer. “But right now, immigrants are being detained and disappeared, tearing apart families and neighborhoods.”For Mexican-American actor Tonatiuh, the message is deeply personal: “My mother came to this country not knowing the language and without a roadmap. She faced an impossible task and persevered. Our story isn’t unique—it’s the story of countless Americans before us. Immigrants are not a problem to fix; we are the living embodiment of America’s values.”

Cultural Power Meets Social Impact

The campaign’s star lineup reads like a cross-section of Latino excellence: labor legend Dolores Huerta, actors Melissa Barrera, Tonatiuh, and Mishel Prada, Grammy-winning icons Los Tigres Del Norte, Ozomatli’s Wil-Dog Abers, Latin Grammy winner Chiquis, beloved singer Marisela, Univision journalist Daniela Ganoza, and radio personalities Don Cheto and Said Garcia Solis.

“Immigrants aren’t just part of America’s story; they are central to its success,” said Huerta, co-founder of the United Farm Workers. “The people being targeted are not just immigrants; they are the indigenous people of these continents. People are being harassed because of the color of their skin—it’s ethnic cleansing.”

Melissa Barrera, who has built a thriving Hollywood career while staying true to her Mexican roots, echoed the urgency: “As a proud Mexican actress working and living in the U.S., I’ve seen the strength and beauty that immigrants bring. We are not outsiders; we are an integral part of the fabric of the United States.”

Mishel Prada added, “Immigration is the heartbeat of American culture. Nothing great here was built alone. We’re all living proof of someone else’s courage to start again.”

The Numbers Tell the Story

• Entrepreneurship: Latino immigrants represent 52% of all Latino-owned employer businesses, employing 3 million workers nationwide.
  
• Economic Growth: Latino-owned businesses grew by 44% between 2018 and 2023, far outpacing their non-Latino peers.
  
• Tax Impact: Immigrants contributed $579 billion in U.S. taxes in 2022, including $96.7 billion from undocumented immigrants.
  
• Essential Work: Over 500,000 Hispanic immigrants power U.S. agriculture, and Latinos make up one in four workers across the food and service industries.
  

Culture, Courage, and Community

Running through the end of the year, AFSC’s “Immigrants Make Our Communities Stronger” campaign will appear across broadcast, digital, and social media platforms. The storytelling-driven effort highlights resilience, family, and cultural pride—core values that define the Latino experience in America.

By leveraging their platforms, Latino stars are not only raising awareness but reasserting leadership in shaping the national narrative on immigration. What emerges is a shared call to action: to recognize immigrants not as strangers, but as the heart of America’s story.

To learn more about the campaign, visit https://afsc.org/stronger-immigrants.

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In addition, they will highlight four Chingona Community members for their service to the community and for the greater good of women. Honorees include Jennifer Camacho, the first nurse hired by Athletics at the University of Southern California, Monique Barraza Gutierrez, founder of the Abigail Barraza Foundation, Adrienne Varela, Options for Learning State Preschool teacher, entrepreneur, and restaurant owner, Marie Brown of El Camino Family Restaurant in the City of Whittier.

The Chingona Community is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering women while giving back to the community through service, events, youth mentorship, and business networking.

For more information about the gala, visit https://www.chingonacommunity.com/events/chingona-community-quarterly-mtg-2ae8f-r8mgm-3jlfk

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In an effort to help sustain the arts community and to preserve the rich cultural arts ecology of the Eastern and South Eastern LA County region, LA Plaza EAI artist relief grants will be awarded to individual practicing artists experiencing hardship related to loss of creative work during the pandemic. Grants will be prioritized by need and eligibility. Artists of all disciplines, including creative crafts and other artistic occupations, may apply for one of two unrestricted one-time grant categories: $1,000 grant for financial emergencies due to the pandemic or up to $5,000 grant to help complete creative project halted during the pandemic due to financial restraints.

Applicants are also invited to submit a “Show Your Creativity” video along with the grant application to document how they are keeping their artistic spirit alive during the pandemic.  Selected videos will be featured on En Casa Con La Plaza, LA Plaza’s virtual programming sessions. Video submission is strictly optional and not required to qualify for a relief grant.  However, videos are helpful in showcasing artists’ creative work to EAI grants review committee.

During the past two funding cycles, LA Plaza EAI provided $95,000 in grant funding to support artists in need of financial assistance during the pandemic.

“There are no words to express my gratitude during one, if not the most, difficult times of my life and career,” dancer and theater artist Marissa Herrera said. Herrera received an EAI emergency relief grant during the previous granting cycle.  

“My EAI artist relief grant came at a very hard time when I needed emergency financial help during this pandemic, and I am most grateful,” said musician and multi-disciplinary artist Jonathan Perez. “I also appreciated seeing my video featured on En Casa Con LA Plaza along with the other videos featuring the creative work of my fellow artists.” Perez received an EAI emergency relief grant during the previous granting cycle.

Information from previous applications indicates a strong need not only for personal emergency financial assistance but, also a strong need for funding to complete unfinished creative projects due to financial loss during the pandemic. Applications received span from filmmakers to comedians, theatre technicians, musicians, writers and others in various art disciplines and occupations.

“The EAI is glad to continue supporting our local artists in need of financial assistance during these distressing times,” said Lupe Arriola, EAI Chair and LA Plaza board member.

For more information about the LA Plaza EAI artist relief grant guidelines and application, please visit www.eastsideartsinitiative.org.     

— Latin Heat News Service

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