Members of The Salvation Army’s Ray & Joan Kroc Center celebrated the diversity of Philadelphia’s Latino art and culture in observance of Hispanic Heritage Month on September 29. This year’s celebration featured a special unveiling: a new mural at the center created by Mexican artist José Lemus, known professionally as LEMUS.

Attendees from Puerto Rico, Mexico, Venezuela, the Dominican Republic and other countries enjoyed an afternoon of music, dance, singing and food, thanks to the team led by Rev. Bonnie Camarda, director of Partnerships and Government Relations for The Salvation Army.

The cultural program featured Raíces Boricuas, the Philadelphia Tabernacle Corps Dance Team, Israel V. Acosta, commander of The Salvation Army in Reading, and Move on Arts Studio. Renowned Venezuelan singer Alex Moreno performed the national anthem, opening the celebration under the direction of Tiffany Tavárez, vice president of Community Impact and Strategic Partnerships at Jefferson.

This year’s honorees included Salvation Army commanders Miguel and Francisca Robinson; María D. Quiñones-Sánchez of the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board; Juan López of Independence Blue Cross; District 7 Councilmember Quetcy Lozada; and artist LEMUS. According to the event organizers, all five are pioneers of change who are helping shape the future of Philadelphia’s Latino community.

Muralist Meg Saligman, founder of the arts organization Ministry of Awe, spoke about the collaboration between the center and The Salvation Army in creating the mural, which was led by LEMUS with the participation of neighborhood residents.

The hosts of “United in Our Celebration” emphasized the importance of coming together as a Latino community and supporting one another during these times. Throughout the celebration, attendees enjoyed appetizers prepared by Mexican restaurant Mole Poblano, followed by a Mexican dinner provided by Vickie’s Sweets Catering. The evening also included the presentation of recognition awards to this year’s five honorees.

The Salvation Army is an international evangelical Christian organization and one of the largest providers of social services in the United States. Each year, it serves more than 25 million people nationwide, helping them overcome poverty, addiction and financial hardship through a variety of social services. By providing food to people facing hunger, emergency assistance to disaster survivors, rehabilitation for those struggling with drug and alcohol addiction, and clothing and shelter for people in need, The Salvation Army provides services through approximately 7,200 locations across the country.