Ila Plasencia (left), Henry Vargas and Mary Campos were the first inductees into the Iowa Latino Hall of Fame in 2017. The 2021 celebration this weekend will induct the fifth class. Photo: Iowa Latino Hall of Fame.
Six people will be inducted into the Iowa Latino Hall of Fame at a virtual event at 6 p.m. Saturday. The ceremony, which will be broadcast via the Iowa Department of Human Rights Facebook page, recognizes contributions in social and racial justice, communications, fair wages, journalism, and human rights.
Honorees include:
- Elizabeth Bernal, Iowa City, involved in several organizations assisting immigrants.
- Marcela Hurtado, Iowa City, co-founder of the Center for Workers Justice of Eastern Iowa.
- Dr. Lorenzo Jasso, Des Moines (posthumous), one of the first Latino school principals in the Des Moines School District.
- Nixson Benitz, Des Moines, journalist and student.
- Itzel Padron Zuniga, Des Moines, researcher and program facilitator at Al Éxito and mental health advocate.
- Juan Manuel Galvez, North Liberty, owner of the El Trueque Iowa magazine and founder of the Iowa City Latino Festival.
