Over the years, Diversity Richmond has evolved into a multi-faceted organization which has distributed more than $850,000 to area non-profits organizations. The organization envisions a community where LGBTQ+ citizens are treated with respect and dignity, and their unique gifts are championed and celebrated.
National Hispanic Heritage Month is the period from September 15 to October 15 in the United States, when people recognize the contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans to the country’s history, heritage and culture. On Saturday, October 5, Diversity Richmond will host Viva RVA! Hispanic Music Festival, a free family-friendly extravaganza from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
“Building and strengthening communities is what we do every day and we excited to recognize the phenomenal contributions of Hispanic people. We are so indebted to the Hispanic community and see our efforts as not only a way to bridge and build, but to unite as we work for a city of true inclusion,” said Bill Harrison, Diversity Richmond, Executive Director.
Performers and highlights of the event:
- Kadencia’s repertoire is made of original compositions written by Maurice Sanabria and arrangements from Puerto Rican composers.
- Quatro na Bossa plays a wide range of Brazilian music and has been a repeat featured artist at Dizzy’s Club at Jazz at Lincoln Center in New York City.
- Margarita and the Maracas is a Virginia-based duo featuring the voices of Anais Alonso and Tony Corsano, perform a mix of salsa, son, bolero and rumba flamenco.
- Angel A. Rodríguez Serrano (The Salsa Guy) is a Latin and ballroom dance instructor in Richmond.
- VIVA RVA! Pride Dress: Levi Haskins and Joe Heffern, junior fashion design students at VCU School of the Arts designed a dress made of materials from Diversity Thrift, flags of all Latin American countries and the rainbow colors of PRIDE.
- Diversity Richmond Hispanic Heritage Award honorees: Flor López Trejo,Latinx Community Advocate at Virginia Anti-Violence Project and Mark Loewen,Founder of LaunchPad Counseling
“Since 2017, I’ve helped elevate many of Diversity Richmond’s signature events, including the Black and Bold Awards. Bill asked me to spearhead an event to engage both the Latinx and LGBTQ communities in Richmond and I immediately said, “YES!” Viva is a common word in Spanish used to express goodwill or approval and it embodies the spirit of the event,” said Fernando L. Rodríguez, Viva RVA! Founder and Chair.
