Recognizing and honoring Philadelphia's leading Spanish-language Newspaper, Al Dia, on the occasion of its 20th Anniversary Gala and the publication of its first book, "200 Years of Latino History in Philadelphia."

WHEREAS,

Al Dia

was founded in 1992 by Hernan Guaracao, a journalist who was told he was overqualified to work in the existing community newspapers; and

WHEREAS, Being compelled to create his own opportunies, Hernan and his wife, Elizabeth, started

Al Dia

in their 2nd floor apartment in the Olney Neighborhood; and

WHEREAS, Hernan and Elizabeth quickly distinguished their paper with an uncommon level of professionalism, and deep commitment to core principles of journalism; and

WHEREAS,

Al Dia

grew quickly in popularity, establishing itself as the most trusted source of news in the Latino Community. By 2000, the growing paper was able to move its offices to Center City; and

WHEREAS

, Al Dia

has transformed from humble beginnings into a premier news organization, recognized nationally for its coverage of Latino issues, and distinguished locally by its success in expanding the political discourse to include issues of importance to Philadelphia's Latino Community; and

WHEREAS,

Al Dia

has distinguished itself with coverage of immigration reform issues of national importance, with exceptional coverage of events in the Pennsylvania towns of Shenandoah and Hazelton, as well as mass immigration demonstrations in Philadelphia; and

WHEREAS, Hernan's contributions have been recognized by his peers and he has served as a former president for the National Association of Hispanic Publications; and

WHEREAS, On August 8th of 2011

, Al Dia

was one of only five Spanish-language newspapers invited to the White House to interview President Barack Obama; and

WHEREAS,

Al Dia

has created the national Felix Varela Award, known as “The Spanish Pulitzer Prize” to recognize and support exceptional Spanish-language journalism; and

WHEREAS,

Al Dia

is by far, the leading Spanish-language newspaper in the region, providing the Latino Community with coverage of both local and national news, as well as coverage of news events in Puerto Rico and throughout Latin America; and

WHEREAS

,

Through its “Latino Professional Network,”

Al Dia

has expanded its role as a community forum to additionally promote the development of relationships among members and supporters of Philadelphia's Latino Community through popular networking events; and

WHEREAS,

Al Dia

has published its first book

, 200 Years of Latino History in Philadelphia

; and

WHEREAS, This 229-page book is divided into four sections: “Our Shared History”; “Putting Down Roots: 1940-1980”; “Eye on the Community: 1980-1992”; “

Al Dia

: 20 Years, 1992 to Present”; and

WHEREAS, The first section chronicles the arrivals of the first Latino settlers to Philadelphia, including Felix Varela, a Cuban priest and journalist who came to Philadelphia in the 1820s and founded the

El Habenero

newspaper; and

WHEREAS, “Putting Down Roots” documents in images, the Latino families who came over in the major wave of immigration to Philadelphia in the 1940s and made the City their home; and

WHEREAS, “Eye of The Community” depicts the photography of celebrated photojournalist David Cruz, as he captures images that chronicle the diverse aspects and events that make up Philadelphia Latino life in the 1980s and 1990s; and

WHEREAS, “

Al Dia

: 20 Years” captures the defining images of

Al Dia

's 20 years of coverage of Latino Community; and

WHEREAS, The 20th Anniversary of

Al Dia

and the publication of this historic book will be celebrated by a ceremony and gala event at the Constitution Center on November 17th , 2012 at 6 PM; now therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Council of THE City of Philadelphia, Recognizes the incredible achievements of the

Al Dia

newspaper, and its founder Hernan Guaracao. Your contributions to the Latino Community, Philadelphia, and the field of journalism have been truly exceptional. We wish you many years of continued success with both your paper and future publications.

FURTHER RESOLVED, That a Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Hernan Guaracao and

Al Dia

as a sincere expression of the appreciation of this body.

End