Puerto Rican Icon to Receive National Ceiba Award, Recognizing Deep Commitment to Uplifting the Puerto Rican People and Promoting Rich Art and Cultural Traditions
CHICAGO, Illinois (April 27, 2023) – The National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture today announced international superstar and philanthropist Ricky Martin will be attending the 10th Raices Gala, this year set to be held in person Thursday, September 14, 2023, where he will receive the National Ceiba Award. The annual event, celebrating the rich heritage and contributions of the Puerto Rican community in the United States, promises to be the most exciting yet in bestowing the 2023 National Ceiba Award to the Puerto Rican icon. The roster of past National Ceiba Award recipients, which recognizes the deep commitment of individuals to uplifting the Puerto Rican people and promoting their rich art and cultural traditions, features incredible Puerto Rican actors, authors, artists, and philanthropists including Lin-Manuel Miranda, Rita Moreno, Jimmy Smits, Gilberto Santa Rosa, and Antonio Martorell.
In addition to his successful career as a musician and actor, in 2004 Martin founded the Ricky Martin Foundation, which believes that all rights are human rights, and works to combat human trafficking and other forms of exploitation. Because the risk of human trafficking is tremendously heightened after any natural disaster, for almost two decades RMF has also been a first responder, helping to ensure the safety of vulnerable children and families. Martin has additionally been a tireless advocate for equality, particularly for the LGBTQ+ community, and RMF’s programs include at-risk LGBTQ+ youth, elders, and other individuals.
Ricky Martin; Photo Credit Omar Cruz
“As an artist, I believe that it is my responsibility to use my voice to make a positive impact on the world, especially at a time when human rights around the world are at historic peril,” said Ricky Martin. “The National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture gives Puerto Rican artists a platform to explore and share our unique culture and build community with the world. I am honored to be recognized as the National Ceiba Award recipient at the Raices Gala 2023, and hope that this event can serve as a reminder of the power each of us has to create change.”
The annual Raices Gala is the largest fundraising event of the year for the National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture, with proceeds supporting the museum’s year-round mission to keep its exhibitions free and accessible to the public while promoting and preserving Puerto Rican art, culture, and history as well as furthering the museum’s humanitarian efforts in Puerto Rico. The gala promises to deliver lively performances by talented local musicians and dancers transporting guests to Puerto Rico.
“Through his music and philanthropic work, Ricky Martin has inspired countless people to join in creating a better future for all,” said Billy Ocasio, CEO of the National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture. “As the only museum dedicated to the arts and culture of the Puerto Rican people in the diaspora, NMPRAC is proud to stand side by side with such a renowned artist as Ricky, highlighting and celebrating the Ricky Martin Foundation’s important human rights work.”
Sponsorship opportunities available with more information at this link. Further details and special guests for this, the tenth anniversary of the biggest celebration of Puerto Rican arts and culture in Chicago, will be announced in the coming months; check back often at https://nmprac.org/event/10th-annual-raices-gala/.
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