CHICAGO (WLS) — The National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts & Culture hosted its annual Raices Gala Thursday.
ABC7’s Mark Rivera and Hosea Sanders were at the event, which had plenty of star power.
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It is a celebration Chicago’s Puerto Rican community looks forward to every year. It’s about expressing pride in a noble heritage, from the homeland to Chicago.
The National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts & Culture knows how to throw a party. It just became only the third Latino institute to get special recognition for its excellence from the American Alliance of Museums.
“We need to be the premiere museum for Puerto Ricans throughout the world,” museum president and CEO Billy Ocasio said. “I think it’s important that we share who we are, every culture has contributed to Chicago and the nation.”
The National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts & Culture is in Humboldt Park. It’s the only center of its kind outside of Puerto Rico devoted to the creative achievements of the island’s people.
ABC7’s Mark Rivera took part in the ceremony as an event emcee at Rockwell on the River in Avondale.
Standouts in entertainment were honored with the museum’s National Ceiba Award.
“I learned everything here at Latino Chicago Theater on North Avenue, Damen & Milwaukee, I’m a true product of this city, the city game me a lot so I’m always happy to give back,” award recipient and actress Justina Machado said. “I was born in Lincoln Park, moved to Humboldt Park, Logan Square, basically I grew up around the corner, I went to Lane Tech, we walked here tonight.”
“Ricky Martin, Menudo, music is our faith to the world, we are very proud of our music and our artists,” award recipient, composer and musical artist Ángel “Cucco” Peña said.
“Take a moment to celebrate the things we’ve done, the people in this room,” award recipient, actor and musical artist Anthony Ramos said. I’m working developing movies and projects, I finally found a pocket of music that feels undeniably like me. I worked here a bunch. I cannot say enough good things about Chicago I love it, I love it the only thing keeping me from living here is that winter!”
“It’s a beautiful day in the city, I love you Chicago,” Machado said.
More information about the National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts & Culture can be found here.
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