Accomplishments

Accomplishments

The National Hispanic Prayer Breakfast and Conference (NHPBC) is a unique event. First, it is the largest convener of Hispanic clergy members of different protestant denominations meeting together in the nation’s capital, and representing a broad spectrum of Hispanic America. Secondly, the NHPBC is nonpartisan, and we have active participation from members of both political parties. However, these are not the main reasons for its uniqueness. It is unique because the event is a time of worship and intercession. Moreover, as people of faith, we believe God hears and acts on the intercession of His people. This is the unique aspect of our NHPBC, and it is what drives our overall efforts to advocate and train leaders.

Each year, we offers various trainings about diverse subjects, ranging from advocacy and civic education to building capacity of faith- and community-based Hispanic-serving organizations, workforce development, and women’s leadership. These trainings help our participants prepare for their advocacy work and to accomplish their organization’s goals, among others.

Esperanza has undertaken the challenge of bringing attention to the disproportionate effect HIV/AIDS has on Hispanics nationwide and began an initiative called “Pacto de Esperanza” (Pledge of Hope) to change this reality in the Hispanic community. The first Pledge of Hope was presented at a press conference during the 2003 NHPBC. The pledge was signed by the Reverend Luis Cortés, Jr. and a group of pastors and faith leaders, confirming their commitment to educate themselves and others about HIV/AIDS and to take action against this deadly virus. From that day on, Esperanza has made significant strides towards HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention; launching a nationwide public service campaign called “Tú eres la respuesta” (You Are the Answer) , which includes books, music, and a short film, among other resources. Also, in a joint venture with the University of Notre Dame’s Institute for Latino Studies, Esperanza has presented the results of two studies related to HIV/AIDS and the Hispanic community. Additionally, Esperanza has been awarded several grants for this health initiative.

Besides these health studies, Esperanza has also made a commitment to provide research studies on the issue of housing and the Hispanic community in the United States.  Past housing study partners include the University of Notre Dame’s Institute for Latino Studies and the Council of Federal Home Banks. All three studies were highlighted at the NHPBC.

On the issue of immigration policy, the NHPBC has been a platform for advocacy since 2004. Each year, the day prior to the breakfast, Esperanza facilitates 250–300 Hispanic pastors and community leaders’ making over 75 scheduled visits to Capitol Hill to meet with their members of Congress to discuss immigration reform and other important issues for the Hispanic people. During the 2007 NHPBC two awards were given for advocacy on immigration: the Esperanza Advocate Award was given to Mr. Juan Hernández and to Mr. Eddie Sotelo (“Piolín”) for their efforts to give a voice to the voiceless. Past recipients for this award also include Mr. Miguel Gómez, director of the Leadership Campaign on AIDS; Mr. Robert Polito, director of HHS Center for Faith-Based and Community Initiatives; Mr. Tim Goeglein, 2005 special assistant to the president of the United States and deputy director of the White House Office of Public Liaison; and Ms. Emily DeRocco, assistant secretary of Labor.

During the NHPBC, Esperanza also recognizes the work of other individuals for their efforts to make a difference in the Hispanic community with awards for leadership, spirit, and partnership. Past awardees for the Esperanza Leadership Award include President George W. Bush, former governor and Homeland Security secretary Tom Ridge, and Senator Edward M. Kennedy (D-MA). For the Esperanza Spirit Award, past recipients include chaplain Emilio Marrero, the Reverend Rosa Caraballo, Manuel Bonilla, Father Dr. Virgilio Elizondo, and the Reverend Dr. Eldin Villafañe. The Esperanza Partner Award has been given to Citizens Bank, Council of FHL Banks, PhRMA, and Jamison Advertising Group.

Besides our distinguished award recipients, every year Esperanza invites renowned gospel artists to lead the musical celebration and grace the event with their talent. We have had the pleasure of presenting such award-winning artists as Marcos Witt, Julissa, Ricardo Rodríguez, Samuel Hernández, René González, Lilly Goodman, Danilo Montero, Rocío Crooke, Blest, and New Wine Ministries, among many others.

On 2006, Latina women of faith from all parts of the United States started gathering at the NHPBC through Esperanza’s Mujeres de Esperanza (Women of Hope) ministry. Their emphasis on collective prayer and commitment to community service resonated in the voices of their distinguished keynote speakers, who have included Ms. Anna Escobedo Cabral, treasurer of the United States, and Congresswoman Grace Napolitano (D-CA), head of the Hispanic caucus in the U.S. Congress. As a result, the affirmation of Hispanic women in ministry is now celebrated annually in the nation’s capital, making the National Hispanic Prayer Breakfast and Conference a historic event.