Miami’s businesses, community leaders, and the community at large will come together on February 16, 2018 for the third annual Pa’Lante Awards presented by Gay8 Festival. Gay8 (GayOcho!) is the first Latino LGBT art, music and food street festival in Miami’s historic Little Havana. Pa’Lante Awards represent a recognition and celebration of people that have helped move the South Florida community forward. Individuals are selected based on the impact of their effort as well as the length of their service. “Pa’Lante” is Spanish slang, short for “para adelante,” to push or move forward.
“This year’s Pa’Lante Awards recipients represent our community champions on the front lines of immigration activism” said organizer Damian Pardo. “We hope that by highlighting the efforts of these heroes we can add to the power of their voices and celebrate the Gay8 values of diversity and working together”.
This year’s Pa’Lante awards recipients are:
- Carlos J. Martinez – From working at an Exxon on Calle Ocho to becoming the Public Defender for Miami-Dade County, Carlos J. Martinez is a home-grown success story and a champion for immigrant rights.
- Juan Carlos Carabantes – As DACA champion and participant, Juan Carlos Carabantes understands that community knows no borders. His activism stretches from immigration to LGBT rights, and from his home in South Dade to the inside of a jail cell while pressing congress to pass a clean DREAM act.
- Christina Ponthieux – Ronyde Christina Ponthieux isn’t your ordinary 10-year-old – she’s a Miami Shores Elementary student AND a TPS activist fighting for protection for vulnerable communities. She recently took to the stage during a Miami concert of Arcade Fire in front of thousands to advocate for the extension of temporary protected status for Haitian immigrants.
- WeCount! – Defending worker and immigrant rights in the Homestead area, WeCount! has worked to build the power of the immigrant community through leadership development, community education, coalition building and campaigns for social change.
The awards will be presented by other prominent community activists, such as Marleine Bastien, Francesca Menes, and Cheryl Little, Esq. Attendees will enjoy a fun-filled night of live music, light bites, and cocktails. Tickets are $100 and are available on the Gay8 Festival website.
For complete information including the full Gay8 Festival schedule of events and sponsorships, visit the Gay8 Festival website here.
WHO: Local businesses and community leaders
WHAT: Pa’Lante Awards presented by Gay8 Festival (GayOcho Festival)
WHERE: CubaOcho Museum & Performing Arts Center (1465 SW 8th St #106, Miami, FL 33135)
WHEN: Friday, February 16, 2018 from 7 PM to 10 PM
WHY: Pa’Lante Awards represent a recognition and celebration of people that have helped move the South Florida community forward. Individuals are selected based on the impact of their effort as well as the length of their service. “Pa’Lante” is Spanish slang, short for “para adelante,” to push or move forward.
By connecting Miamians, Gay8 Festival ignites opportunities by bringing people together through food, music and fun.
