"Los Angeles is made up of so many different communities, such an amazing melting pot of people...we're just one part of this huge, beautiful tapestry." - Ulises Bella (sax, clarinet, requinto jarocho, keyboards, backing vocals)

Ozomatli is a community-based Latin fusion group that formed twelve years ago as part of a local labor protest. As a group, they have won several major music awards, including three Grammy's, a Latin Grammy, a Latin Billboard award, and an Alma Award. Their unique, global sound has garnered them acclaim and fans from all over the world. Ozomatli is currently made up of seven members: Asdru Sierra (lead vocals, trumpet), Raul Pacheco (lead vocals, guitar, tres, jarana), Justin Poree (rap vocals, percussion), Wil-dog Abers (bass, backing vocals), Jiro Yamaguchi (tabla, percussion, backing vocals), Ulises Bella (sax, clarinet, requinto jarocho, keyboards, backing vocals) and Mario Calire (drums). As global ambassadors of Latin music, they are highly respected by rock enthusiasts around the world both for their music and for their dedication to human rights, peace, and environmental issues.

"Every day, someone brings me a new problem...Every day, I see a new challenge."

Alex Nogales, President and CEO of the National Hispanic Media Coalition (NHMC), was born and raised in the border town of Calexico, California to a family of migrant farm workers. Mr. Nogales spent the majority of his youth traveling the length of California, picking whatever crop was in season, and often experiencing frustration with the mistreatment of the Latino immigrant community. His life experience prepared and emboldened him for a future in civil rights and media advocacy.

"I'm really proud to have pushed back against those who have opposed...the right to be diverse. Everyone should be able to do what they want."

Lalo Alcaraz is one of the most prolific Chicano artists in the nation. He has been busy for over two decades, chronicling the political ascendancy of Latinos in America and vigorously pushing the boundaries of Chicano art in the Post-Chicano Art Era. He is the creator of the first nationally syndicated, politically themed Latino daily comic strip, "La Cucaracha," which is distributed along with other such famous comics as "Doonesbury" and "The Boondocks" by the Universal Press Syndicate.

"I am a concerned American who wants our county to live up to its promise of equality, liberty and justice for all."

Sal Castro, a life-long educator, is well known for his role in the 1968 "Blowouts," the student protests against unequal conditions at schools throughout the Southern California area. His passionate activism and commitment to improving educational opportunities for Mexican-American students has defined his entire career.