Grammy-winning and seven-time Latin Grammy winning recording artist/producer/songwriter Carlos Vives was honored Thursday night by the Hispanic Heritage Foundation with the Legend Award for his work promoting the social and economic inclusion of Afro-Colombian and indigenous communities in Colombia.
During the week, in his role as the United States Agency for International Development’s (USAID) first Inclusion Ambassador, Vives met with leading political figures in the nation’s capital advocating on behalf of USAID whose efforts are producing real and measurable results in Colombia. He argued strongly that these efforts are essential to overcome decades of conflict and move toward peace in his country.
“It’s important to recognize that indigenous and Afro-Colombia communities have contributed immeasurably to our culture. We must first understand the underlying dynamics and then develop a consciousness about the hardships of our most forgotten people. We need to leave behind the complexities and prejudices of the past which has resulted in the lack of harmony in our society, and move toward a totally inclusive society,” said the international superstar who has sold over 17 million albums worldwide.
During his week in D.C., Vives met in the chambers of Representative Sam Farr of California, who served with the Peace Corps in Colombia. U.S. Congressman Joaquim Castro (Texas) hosted a meeting with Vives and members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus including Congresswoman Nydia Velázquez (New York), U.S Congressman Joe Garcia (Florida) and U.S. Congressman Joe Crowley (New York). At the White House, Vives met with Ricardo Zuniga, President Obama’s Chief Advisor on Latin America and members of the National Security Council to discuss the partnership with USAID and the rights of Afro-Colombians. Vives was the guest of honor at a luncheon at the Atlantic Council with 25 key members of influential organizations working on Latin American issues, and participated in a panel discussion at the Washington Office on Latin America (WOLA).
During the Hispanic Heritage Foundation Awards, broadcast September 29, the entire audience at the Warner Theatre was on its feet for Vives’ thrilling performance of his Latin Grammy hit “Volvi a Nacer.” In his acceptance speech he thanked the Foundation, its sponsors, and the people of Colombia for the opportunity to serve their future.
Vives is currently on his “Mas + Corazon Profundo Tour” which continues this month in Colombia (Medellin, Banquilla and Santa Marta) before traveling to Central America and then shows in Puerto Rico (11/26) and Miami (12/6).
