2007 National Hispanic Prayer Breakfast and Conference Brief

The Hispanic Community Thrives During the 2007 National Hispanic Prayer Breakfast

Every year the National Hispanic Prayer Breakfast and Conference brings hope to the Hispanic community through prayers, musical celebrations and advocacy for issues that deeply touch Hispanics in our nation. This year was not an exception.

The events that took place from June 13 to 15 at the J.W. Marriot Hotel in Washington, D.C., were a testament of all the good things that take place when Hispanics come together with one goal in mind: to strengthen our community. All participants, a mix of Hispanic clergy members of different denominations and leaders of community-based organizations, began the three-day conference with very high hopes, and they were not disappointed. Each event exceeded their expectations.

The conference started with an exciting advocacy orientation on immigration reform and with passionate speeches from the Reverend Luis Cortés, Jr. and keynote speaker Mr. Frank Sharry, executive director of the National Immigration Forum. Later that evening, participants gathered for The State of Hispanic Housing Dinner. This event featured the release and discussion of Esperanza’s expanded research, Promoting and Maintaining Household Ownership among Latino Immigrants. Special guests at Wednesday’s dinner were, Senator Robert P. Casey, Jr. (D-PA) and Secretary of the U.S. Department of Commerce, Carlos M. Gutiérrez. Christian recording artist Julissa was in charge of the musical celebration for the evening, where she praised God through song with her award-winning voice.

On Thursday morning, the second day of the conference began with great expectations at the Advocacy Breakfast. After reviewing protocols and receiving orientations and briefings for the Capitol Hill visits, the Hispanic clergy and community leaders attended their scheduled visits with representatives and senators. The day’s efforts came full circle when the group, several hundred strong, from the National Hispanic Prayer Breakfast and Conference advocated for the revival of the much-needed comprehensive immigration reform and for private mortgage insurance.

The National Health Initiatives Dinner took place that evening, hosted by the Mujeres de Esperanza (Women of Hope) ministry. This leadership dinner focused on health issues affecting the Hispanic community. It featured the release of the newest study commissioned by Esperanza with Notre Dame University’s Institute for Latino Studies, Answering the Call: How Latino Churches can Respond to the HIV/AIDS Epidemic. Special guests included Mrs. Grace Nelson, wife of the Honorable Senator Bill Nelson (D-FL), the former first lady of Massachusetts, Mrs. Ann Romney, and the Reverend Dr. Elizabeth Conde-Frazier. In addition, Christian recording artists Lali Torres and Lilly Goodman graced the night with their gospel talent.

At last, Friday morning came and the much-anticipated Prayer Breakfast started with a joyful musical celebration presented by New Wine Ministry of El Rey Ministerio in Miami, FL. More than 750 Hispanic clergy and community leaders joined in prayer during the breakfast to hear messages of hope for our community from special guests, who included President George W. Bush; the chairman of the Democratic National Committee, Governor Howard Dean; Senator Mel Martínez (R-FL); and Senator Hillary Rodham-Clinton (D-NY). Four special awards were given to six extraordinary people. The Esperanza Leadership Award was given to Senator Edward M. Kennedy (D-MA) for exemplary leadership in the fight for comprehensive immigration reform. The Esperanza Partner Award was given to Jerry Jamison from the Jamison Advertising Group, for corporate citizenship and partner with faith communities. The Esperanza Spirit Award was given to Dr. Virgilio Elizondo and to the Reverend Eldin Villafañe, Ph.D., for exemplary ministerial service. In addition, the Esperanza Advocate Award was given to Mr. Juan Hernández and to Mr. Eddie Sotelo (“Piolín”) for advocacy on behalf of the Hispanic faith-based community.

The master of ceremonies, three-time Latin Grammy Award–winner, Marcos Witt, delighted the audience with a musical selection, as did Spanish Christian recording artists Samuel Hernández, Lali Torres, Lilly Goodman, and Julissa.

The 2007 National Hispanic Prayer Breakfast and Conference was a great celebration of the Hispanic culture in this nation. It joined together political leaders from both parties with Hispanic clergy and community leaders and it served as a platform for discussion and advocacy for comprehensive immigration reform, a serious issue that concerns all Hispanics in the United States. All in all, it was a successful event that highlighted how much we can do for our communities when we come together with one voice and pursue a common goal.