LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Angelo Cabrera, Founder and Director of
MASA, upon the occasion of its designation as recipient of the 2010 La
Union Cuauhtli Award

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize that the
quality and character of life in the communities across New York State
are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of those organiza-
tions and individuals that are devoted to the welfare of the community
and its citizenry; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Angelo Cabrera, Founder and Director of MASA, upon the occasion of its
designation as recipient of the 2010 La Union Cuauhtli Award; this
auspicious event will be celebrated on Saturday, April 24, 2010, at the
Trinity Lutheran Church, 411 46th Street, Brooklyn, New York; and
WHEREAS, La Union is an organization of people from the global south
working to advance the social, economic and cultural rights of the
communities in which these new immigrants to the United States now live,
and the communities they left behind; it is focused on the rights of
immigrant parents and students; and
WHEREAS, Based in the vibrant neighborhood of Sunset Park in Brooklyn,
New York, one of New York City's largest Mexican immigrant neighbor-
hoods, the 600 members of La Union are predominantly from the Mixteca
region of Mexico and from across Latin America; and
WHEREAS, Under the leadership of its co-directors, Leticia Alanis and
Artemio Guerra, La Union is a member-led organization with the goal of
empowering new immigrants to be actively involved in shaping the
dialogue surrounding immigration policy and reform, as well as to advo-
cate for themselves and their community in cases of exploitation, injus-
tice and inequality; and
WHEREAS, La Union's Cuauhtli Award is based on the word "Cuauhtli"
which is Nahuatl for eagle; in Aztec culture, the eagle was the symbol
of strength and only the most brave and fearless were admitted to the
Order of the Eagle; the leaders of La Union present the Cuauhtli Award
to recognize the contribution of immigrant leaders, activists and organ-
izations to advance the social, cultural and economic rights of New
Yorkers; and
WHEREAS, The Mexican-American Students' Alliance (MASA) is the recipi-
ent of La Union's 2010 Cuauhtli Award; this award will be accepted on
behalf of MASA by Angelo Cabrera, Founder and Director of MASA; and
WHEREAS, MASA provides positive guidance and support for underserved
youth of Mexican descent living in New York City; it encourages its
participants to strive to their fullest potential by setting and achiev-
ing academic goals through a tutoring and mentoring program; by foster-
ing cultural and civic awareness, it empowers a future generation of
active and involved citizens; and
WHEREAS, Angelo Cabrera has also been honored for his community
service by the City Council of New York and received a Certificate of
Merit from the New York State Office of the Attorney General; and
WHEREAS, A member of CUNY's Mexican Task Force and the Student Count
Council Committee for the United States Census Bureau, Angelo Cabrera
has collaborated with community leaders, Baruch College, CUNY and the
Mexican Consulate in his work with the Mexican-American community; and
WHEREAS, This auspicious occasion presents a unique opportunity for
this Legislative Body to recognize and pay tribute to Angelo Cabrera,
MASA, and La Union; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when individ-
uals and organizations of such noble aims and accomplishments are
brought to our attention, they should be recognized by all the citizens
of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Angelo Cabrera, Founder and Director of MASA, upon the occasion of
its designation as recipient of the 2010 La Union Cuauhtli Award; and be
it further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Angelo Cabrera, MASA and La Union.