Hispanic Heritage Awards honor the people of Minnesota for protecting their neighbors

On Sept. 10 the Humanitarian Award at this year's Hispanic Heritage Awards went to the people of Minnesota. The ceremony took place at Orchestra Hall in Minneapolis and it was the first time the program has left Washington. The honor recognized residents who rallied to protect their Latino neighbors during last winter's federal immigration surge in the Twin Cities.

A first outside the capital

The program was started by the White House almost four decades ago alongside the creation of Hispanic Heritage Month. Past honorees include Rita Moreno and Gloria Estefan and Bad Bunny. Organizers chose Minneapolis after national Latino leaders visited in February and came away inspired by how people there looked out for one another.

Thirty Minnesotans on one stage

More than 30 Minnesotans walked on stage to accept the Humanitarian Award together. They represented community groups and businesses and other organizations that supported families through the surge. California's Los Tigres del Norte handed over the honor and performed two songs for Latin Americans living in the United States. Band member Luis Hernández told the crowd that people have to keep going and cannot give up in moments like this.

Hispanic Heritage Foundation president and CEO Antonio Tijerino said helplessness must never turn into hopelessness. He called Minnesotans neither helpless nor hopeless and praised their solidarity and bravery. He held up a sign that read "I am an immigrant" during the night.

Other honorees

Musicians Oscar D'León and Eladio Carrión and Ximena Sariñana accepted awards in person. Mon Laferte took the Social Justice Award. U.S. Rep. Joaquín Castro of Texas accepted the Public Service Award and praised the activism of Minnesotans during Operation Metro Surge. He said the whole country was inspired by how the community came together while thousands of federal agents were on its streets.

The ceremony premiered on PBS on Oct. 2.