The Pittsburgh chapter of the Labor Council on Latin American Advancement (LCLAA) hosted its annual “¡Que Viva Clemente!” fundraiser on Oct. 8 at the Jeron X. Grayson Center in the city’s Hill District. USW Local 3657 member Jessica Rios Viner served as the event’s MC, making her union and Puerto Rican siblings proud.
“I was nervous at first, but everyone had a good time,” said Viner. “Plus, Roberto Clemente is a hero, and a leader I try to emulate. I have 100 percent admiration for him.”
Pittsburgh LCLAA raises money each year to assist new immigrants through a loan program developed with Casa San Jose, a community resource center that advocates for and empowers Latinos by promoting integration and self-sufficiency. The loans are slowly paid back by recipients, and folks are also provided with support for rent and living expenses when they are facing eviction or other difficulties.
This year, the even raised $18,000, half to go to a lending fund to assist immigrant families in crisis and half to a non-profit based in Puerto Rico that combats food insecurity on the island.
Guests at the fundraiser enjoyed a night of Boricua-style roast pig on a rooftop patio overlooking the city. Pittsburgh LCLAA received generous support to make this event happen from USW Districts 1, 4, 10, 11 and 13 as well as USW Local 6135 (in Puerto Rico) and Local 3657.
The celebration is also held each year to honor Pittsburgh Pirate icon Roberto Clemente during National Hispanic Heritage Month, recognized every Sept. 15-Oct. 15.