May 25, 2018
NHLA MOURNS PASSING OF BOARD MEMBER ANGELO FALCON
Latino community loses a tireless advocate
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The National Hispanic Leadership Agenda, a coalition of 46 of the nation’s preeminent Latino advocacy organizations, mourns the loss of one of its long-time board members and a lifelong advocate for the Latino community, Angelo M. Falcón.
Mr. Falcón was most recently president of the National Institute for Latino Policy (NiLP) and has been well known as a stalwart advocate for the civil rights and empowerment of Puerto Ricans and the Latino community as a whole. His contributions to NHLA’s policy work have been immeasurable, particularly on the census, voting rights, and Puerto Rico’s financial crisis, among other issues impacting the island. Over the years, Angelo built a network of Latino nonprofit leaders, policy advocates, and academics that spanned the country. Unafraid to ask provocative questions, Mr. Falcón’s inquisitive mind, research, and wit contributed to the advancement of NHLA and Latino civil society.
"Angelo played an essential role in the development of NHLA. He was always a reliable and continual source of information, insight, and inspiration. We will miss his wit, his wisdom, and his keen intellect," said Thomas A. Saenz, Chair of the National Hispanic Leadership Agenda and President and General Counsel of MALDEF.
“Angelo Falcón’s passing is a tremendous loss for the Latino/a/x community,” said Jessica González-Rojas, Vice Chair of NHLA and Executive Director of the National Latina Institute for Reproductive Health. “I’ve had the privilege of working alongside Angelo for 20 years on issues ranging from political representation to census to redistricting to Puerto Rico policy matters. He was a bold, fearless and unapologetic advocate for our community, and wielded his smarts with a ton of humor. Angelo will be missed; as a coalition, we will continue his legacy of fiercely fighting for the Latino/a/x community.”
“Angelo Falcón's genius was that he never pre-maturely threw away anything that could have value for the Latino community. He made friends, formed alliances with all kinds of groups, encouraged public virtue, established a refreshing focus on truth, and always had the courage to speak with firm convictions about what the Latino community needed. He wasn't always liked as a result. But he was deeply respected for his courage and for his unique perspective on how to move the Latino community forward. I befriended and worked with Angelo since we were both in high school, at Brooklyn Technical High School. His incredible commitment to Latino community needs as well as his dogged intelligence developed early and never ever wavered”, said Jose R. Sanchez, Chair and NiLP co-founder, NiLP Board of Directors.
“It is with great sadness that Hispanics in Philanthropy mourns the passing of Angelo Falcón. As a nationally-recognized political scientist, academic, author, and advocate, Falcón was instrumental in creating new Latino organizations to bring attention to Latinos underrepresented in philanthropy, in the media, census, and innumerable public policy issues in the U.S. His voice will be greatly missed,” said Ana Marie Argilagos, President of Hispanics in Philanthropy.
"Angelo was a noble friend and phenomenal leader. Angelo helped lay the foundation for all of the important advocacy efforts through his commitment to giving our community a platform in politics. We share his vision for creating policy that is inclusive and equitable for the Latino community through advocacy and voting. We hope to honor his memory by continuing to advocate for Latinos and building our political power. Today we are in a better place because of his efforts, but we must collectively strive to fully meet Angelo's vision," said Ben Monterroso, Mi Familia Vota.
"Deeply saddened by the loss of our dear brother Angelo Falcón, a fierce advocate who continually promoted our community’s interests and an equally important supporter of the labor movement. He will be missed but his legacy will endure. Rest in Power brother Falcón," stated Hector Sanchez Barba, Executive Director of the Labor Council for Latin American Advancement (LCLAA).
"Angelo was a dear friend for almost 30 years, and a great supporter of ASPIRA. His commitment to the Puerto Rican and Latino community as its chronicler, a strong political voice and, at times when he needed to, its critic, was unwavering. He will always be in my thoughts and in those of the many people he touched. We will all miss him very much. Hasta siempre amigo," said Ronald Blackburn-Moreno, President and CEO of the ASPIRA Association.
"Our hearts mourn the passing of Angelo Falcón. Today, we honor Angelo’s tireless work that gave our community a voice through academia, media, and public policy. Tomorrow, we’ll pick up the mantle and continue empowering the Latino community with his remarkable example. Descansa en poder hermano," said Maria Teresa Kumar, Executive Director of VotoLatino.
“LatinoJustice PRLDEF mourns the passing of Angelo Falcón, former staff member of Puerto Rican Legal Defense & Education Fund, and current President of the National Institute for Latino Policy. Although Angelo had been battling a number of illnesses, it never stopped him from sharing his insights and analyses of policies that affected nuestro gente. He was a brilliant, generous and tireless advocate, a gadfly; to some, even a pain. But few can rival his commitment to pushing the envelope on policies that affect our community. Que descanse en paz,” said Juan Cartagena, President and General Counsel at LatinoJustice PRLDEF.
"Angelo educated so many of us on Latino politics and issues through his writings. On behalf of the National Hispanic Medical Association, I extend our sympathies to his family and loved ones," said Dr. Elena Rios, President & CEO of the National Hispanic Medical Association.
“We at UnidosUS are deeply saddened by the news that our friend and colleague Angelo Falcón has died. His energy, work and devotion to Puerto Rican and Latino causes touched countless lives and were a source of inspiration. Angelo made an indelible mark for justice and was a passionate champion for all Latinos, and we will sorely miss him. Our hearts go out to his family and to all of those who were impacted and enriched by his extraordinary efforts. Que en paz descanse,” said Janet Murguía, President and CEO of UnidosUS.
“NALEO Educational Fund mourns the passing of Angelo Falcón. We have lost an unparalleled American leader, and steadfast advocate for the Latino community,” said Arturo Vargas, Executive Director of NALEO Educational Fund. “I had the personal privilege to work alongside Angelo on a number of issues, including advocating for a fair and accurate census of Latinos and all Americans. His approach was often unconventional, yet his commitment and passion were never in doubt. He was the conscience of our movement, insisting that we always stay true to our values, and honor our community."
"Angelo Falcón was a fearless voice for all Latinos, he championed Latino empowerment at every level of society and government," said National Hispanic Foundation for the Arts (NHFA) Co-Founder Jimmy Smits.
"Angelo spoke his mind regardless of politically correct head winds," added NHFA Co-Founder Esai Morales.
"Angelo proved how one person can make a difference," said NHFA Co-Founder & Chairman Felix Sanchez.
"Angelo's newsletter was a daily must read, his opinions were highly valued and his activism was unparalleled, he will be sorely missed," said Gretchen Sierra Zorita, NHFA Vice President, Governmental and Corporate Policy.
“The Hispanic National Bar Association was heartbroken to learn of the recent passing of Angelo Falcón,” said Erica Mason, HNBA National President. “Though not a lawyer, Angelo has long been considered a part of our HNBA Familia as he stood as a vocal advocate at the leading edge of many legal issues impacting the Latinx community, including voting rights, census redistricting, and Puerto Rico’s financial crisis. His enduring love for our community, intellect, humor, and tenacity to fight the good fight for so long will never be forgotten.”
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FOR MORE INFORMATION:
| Christina McHenry | This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. | 202.257.1043 |
ABOUT THE NATIONAL HISPANIC LEADERSHIP AGENDA
The National Hispanic Leadership Agenda is composed of 45 of the leading national and regional Latino civil rights and public policy organizations and other elected officials, and prominent Latinos Americans. NHLA coalition members represent the diversity of the Latino community – Mexican Americans, Puerto Ricans, Cubans, and other Latino Americans. NHLA’s mission calls for unity among Latinos around the country to provide the Latino community with greater visibility and a clearer, stronger influence in our country’s affairs. NHLA brings together Latino leaders to establish policy priorities that address, and raise public awareness of, the major issues affecting the Latino community and the nation as a whole. For more information, please visit: www.nationalhispanicleadership.org.
NHLA MEMBER ORGANIZATIONS
Alianza Americas | American G.I. Forum | ASPIRA Association | Avance Inc. | Casa de Esperanza: National Latin@ Network | Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute | Farmworker Justice | GreenLatinos | Hispanic Association of Colleges & Universities | Hispanic Federation | Hispanic National Bar Association | Hispanics in Philanthropy | Inter-University Program for Latino Research | Labor Council for Latin American Advancement | LatinoJustice PRLDEF | League of United Latin American Citizens | MANA, A National Latina Organization | Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund | Mi Familia Vota | National Association of Latino Arts and Cultures | National Association of Hispanic Federal Executives | National Association of Hispanic Publications | National Day Laborer Organizing Network | NALEO Educational Fund | National Association of Latino Independent Producers | National Conference of Puerto Rican Women, Inc. | National Hispanic Caucus of State Legislators | National Hispanic Council on Aging | National Hispanic Environmental Council | National Hispanic Foundation for the Arts | National Hispanic Media Coalition | National Hispanic Medical Association | National Institute for Latino Policy | National Latina/o Psychological Association | National Latina Institute for Reproductive Health | Presente.org | SER Jobs for Progress National | Southwest Voter Registration Education Project | UnidosUS | United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce | United States Hispanic Leadership Institute | United States-Mexico Chamber of Commerce | U.S.- Mexico Foundation | Voto Latino
