Members of Congress, Policy Advocate Honored in DC by the National Hispanic Media Coalition

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 1, 2016

CONTACT Courtney Holsworth 989.572.8162 press@balestramedia.com

PHOTOS: Members of Congress, Policy Advocate Honored in DC by the National Hispanic Media Coalition

7th Annual NHMC Washington, D.C. Impact Awards Reception Honors Policymakers Protecting People of Color, Bridging the Digital Divide

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Last night, November 30, the National Hispanic Media Coalition (NHMC) honored Congresswoman Nydia M. Velázquez, Congressman Xavier Becerra, and media policy advocate Cheryl Leanza, for their contributions toward policies that bridge the digital divide and protect the interests of the Latino community and other people of color. View photos from the event here: https://flic.kr/s/aHskHzuQMq   [caption id="attachment_9818" align="aligncenter" width="423"]President and CEO Alex Nogales                                    President and CEO Alex Nogales[/caption] "Those of you who we honor here today play a pivotal role in ensuring that policy is made to protect Latinos and all people of color," said Alex Nogales, president and CEO of the National Hispanic Media Coalition. "Now, more than ever, our communities need to be connected online to express themselves freely, access education and health care and continue to move up the economic ladder. What we celebrate today is the fact that we have these leaders who will never stop fighting to ensure that we are seen and heard in ways that can open minds and influence change." While she wasn't able to accept the Outstanding Public Service award in person, Congresswoman Nydia M. Velázquez released the following statement: "When we talk about media policy matters, what we are really discussing is economic and political empowerment. In areas ranging from media diversity to bridging the digital divide, the National Hispanic Media Coalition has been a tireless champion for progress. I'm honored to be recognized by them and look forward to working closely with this organization as we go forward." Congressman Xavier Becerra was unable to attend the reception but wrote in accepting the award for Outstanding Public Service: "We are a nation that is stronger because of our diversity - because of people like my parents, who grew up in Mexico and then worked in the U.S. to build our country up. Too often, though, the contributions of hardworking individuals from the Latino community are overlooked. I commend the National Hispanic Media Coalition for leading efforts to make sure the Latino community is represented in media and has opportunities across all platforms and industries as creators and consumers. Our stories must be told and I will keep working to expand our narrative and visibility."   [caption id="attachment_9817" align="aligncenter" width="419"]dsc_9592 Cheryl A. Leanza and NHMC Executive Vice President and General Counsel Jessica J. González[/caption] Cheryl A. Leanza, President of A Learned Hand, accepting her award for Outstanding Advocate, stated: "Since NHMC is one of the groups I admire the most at the intersection of civil rights and media justice, I could not be more flattered to receive this honor. The voices of all people, no matter their race, religion, or background are an essential part of our vibrant democracy. Without a representative and accountable media, we will never achieve true social justice." For six years, NHMC has honored individuals from the Washington, D.C. area who are working to enact policies that that benefit people of color. Past honorees include Senator Robert Menendez, Senator Ed Markey, Congresswoman Anna G. Eshoo, Congresswoman José E. Serrrano, Congressman Ben Ray Luján, Congressman Raúl Grijalva, Congressman Lucille Roybal-Allard, Congressman Hakeem Jeffries, FCC Commissioners Mignon Clyburn, Jessica Rosenworcel and then-FCC Commissioner Michael J. Copps, and then-Congresswoman Hilda Solis. NHMC's title reception sponsor is National Association of Broadcasters and T-Mobile.

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The National Hispanic Media Coalition (NHMC) is a media advocacy and civil rights organization for the advancement of Latinos, working towards a media that is fair and inclusive of Latinos, and towards universal, affordable, and open access to communications. Receive real-time updates on Facebook, Twitter @NHMC and Instagram @NHMC_org.]]>

National Hispanic Media Coalition (NHMC) is a woman-led 501(c)(3) non-profit civil and human rights organization that was founded to eliminate hate, discrimination, and racism toward the Latino communities.
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