Historical Night
Honoring Our Legacy, Shaping Our Future
For the first time in our organization's history, we gathered for what we simply and powerfully called Historical Night, an evening dedicated to honoring the depth of our collective legacy and recognizing the work that lies ahead. Though not tied to a specific anniversary, this event was more than a year and a half in the making. It was the result of the Historical Committee’s patient research, curation, and vision.
Latino lawyers, judges, and activists from across the state, including many who traveled from Tucson and surrounding cities, came together not just to remember, but to reconnect. To recognize our past while building new bridges for the future.
A Living Archive
The ten panels displayed throughout the venue represented the first steps toward creating a permanent and evolving archive of our history. Each panel told a part of the story. They shared the lives of trailblazers, courtrooms and classrooms, protests and victories, and the quiet work done in offices and neighborhoods to ensure justice for our communities.
The panels were not just information. They were mirrors. They reflected how far we have come and what still remains to be done. The first four panels were made possible by donations from members of our board. Additional panels were completed thanks to generous support from the broader community, including a final contribution made at the event itself. To all those who contributed, thank you for believing in the importance of preserving and sharing our story.
These historical panels will be on display once again at our upcoming gala. For more information please visit our Historical Exhibits Page.
The Evening Program
The evening opened with remarks from Hector Arevalo, who welcomed guests and introduced the vision behind Historical Night. He offered a brief history of Los Abogados and framed the evening as both a reflection and a call forward.
Ernesto “Ernie” Calderón spoke next, honoring the legacy of Valdemar Cordova and highlighting the enduring importance of scholarships that open doors for future Latino legal leaders. His remarks connected past public service with present responsibility.
Following him, Antonio Bustamante reflected on the era of SB 1070 and his role in civil rights advocacy. He spoke candidly about the challenges of board leadership and the importance of standing firm when injustice surfaces in policy and law.
Danny Ortega Jr. shared deeply personal experiences shaped by his decades-long involvement with Los Abogados. He challenged the audience to think beyond programs and legal pathways, reminding us that our mission must also speak to the broader injustices our communities continue to face.
Anthony Molina then shared his own journey, offering an example of mentorship in action and the kind of inspiration that grows when our community lifts up its own. His story illustrated the tangible outcomes of Los Abogados' mission.
Adriana Genco, current President of Los Abogados, brought the focus to present-day leadership. She spoke about the organization’s initiatives, its continued relevance, and how those stepping into leadership today are building on the foundation laid by others. Adriana closed with heartfelt fundraising remarks, inviting those in attendance to sustain and expand the work still ahead.
A Note of Gratitude
To everyone who took the time to attend from Phoenix, Tucson, and beyond, thank you. Your presence gave the night meaning and energy. It is one thing to study history. It is another to show up for it.
We extend heartfelt thanks to the volunteers who helped bring this vision to life, and especially to the members of the Historical Committee who dedicated long hours to scouring archives, scanning documents, and piecing together the stories that shaped our organization. A special acknowledgment goes to our committee chair, Hector, for leading this work with tireless commitment and care.
This event marks the beginning of a broader effort. Our goal is not just to reflect on where we have been. It is to build an infrastructure for remembering, honoring, and organizing.
Special Thanks to Our Historical Committee
Hector Arevalo
Adriana Genco
Margarita Silva
Jessica Sanchez
Anthony Molina
Alejandro Molina
Damián Preciado
If you would like to stay informed about future efforts, whether related to our historical archive, committee work, or community engagement, please send us an email. We will be in touch soon.
Email us at history@losabogados.org