September 7, 2007

Faith and Community Leaders Unveil Final AIDS Monument Mural

Presidential Candidate Governor Richardson Attends Morning Ceremony in Los Angeles

Los Angeles , CA - Faith and community leaders celebrated the unveiling of the final art mural for The Wall Las Memorias AIDS Monument in the eastside Los Angeles community of Lincoln Heights. What started as a dream for project founder and executive director Richard Zaldivar in 1993 came to a conclusion today with an unveiling of the "Spirituality and AIDS" mural. Ceremony was attended by Governor Bill Richardson of New Mexico; clergy members representing the Roman Catholic, Evangelical and Protestant communities and over 100 community members.

The AIDS monument was officially dedicated in 2004 but completion was delayed due to controversy surrounding the art mural "Spirituality and AIDS". Prior to the dedication of the monument, a few community members objected to one of the selected art mural depicting the image of a Madonna. Opposition viewed the piece as a violation of church and state since public funds were used to support the project. Monument organizers decided to not use the questioned mural and re-commissioned artist Alex Alferov to submit a new art piece reflecting the theme of spirituality and AIDS. The new art mural is called "I Once Knew a Child with AIDS" depicts an image of a child and butterflies.

Opening the official ceremony was Herbert Siguenza of comedy group Culture Clash who all attendees to the morning event. The opening prayer was provided by Rev. Kathy Cooper-Ledesma, board member for the Wall Las Memorias Project and Pastor of the Hollywood United Methodist Church. Richard Zaldivar provided the opening remarks and cited the lyrics of the theatrical song "The Impossible Dream". He felt lyrics of the song best depicted the passion and dedication of the project staff members in fighting AIDS in the community. Their commitment to providing education and grassroots organizing community at a grassroots level has built wide support for the project. According to Zaldivar, "AIDS is alive and recognition of project workers is important since they are the ones in the trenches fighting this pandemic". Zaldivar also thanked New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson and California State Senator Cedillo for their support of the unveiling ceremony. Senator Cedillo was scheduled to appear but unfortunately was not able to attend ceremony due to last minute work commitments in the state capital. From Sacramento, Cedillo offered his gratitude to all individuals especially faith leaders for using spirituality as a vehicle for discussing HIV/AIDS at the dinner table. Senator Cedillo stated "By continuing to work together we can increase awareness and prevention in combating HIV/AIDS among future generations".

Governor Richardson was given the opportunity to say a few words to audience. Richardson stated, "It is an honor to be here for the unveiling of the art mural at The Wall Las Memorias AIDS monument. "HIV/AIDS continues to devastate our families, loved ones and communities. I applaud the work of this organization in bringing together church leaders, parents, community based organizations, and the community. Together, they are creating a greater awareness and discussion about this devastating pandemic."

The event program also consisted of testimonials by Laura Heffron, Director of Community Relations for Macy's and Lupe Valdez Director of Public Policy and Community Affairs from Union Pacific Railroad.

Fr. Richard Estrada of Our Lady Queen of Angels Catholic church stated in his prayer that "God is watching and listening to the supporters of the monument The Wall Las Memorias. For without him and his help, we would not be here today among this magnificent crowd"

The audience was electrified with the performance of 18-year-old Karla Carillo, as she sang a cappella to Christina Aguilera's "Beautiful". Following the song, the crowd moved over to the art panel where Governor Richardson and founder Richard Zaldivar unveiled the art mural. The audience was moved as Karla Carillo sang "Amor Eterno (Eternal Love)". Doves were also released from the monument adding an emotional finale to the long hard campaign for the construction of the monument.

Other participants included Rev. Roberto Colon, Chairman of the Council, Synod of Southern & Hawaii, Presbyterian Church; Johnny Polanco, band leader, Conjunto Amistad; and Fr. Ruben Restrepo of St.Vincent De Paul Catholic Church.

There are sixty-five million people diagnosed with AIDS through out the world and in Los Angeles County over 45% of people living with AIDS are Latinos.

Founded in 1993, the mission of The Wall Las Memorias is to preserve the AIDS monument as an inspirational tool to educate the community about HIV/AIDS, cultural denial and to promote activism and a healthy living. The organization provides HIV prevention services to the high risk population in Los Angeles. The organization also provides services reaching out to the faith community and families.

For more information about The Wall Las Memorias Project please call (323) 257-1056 or visit www.thewalllasmemorias.org