by Christina Lee The New Haven independent
Kica Matos and her “barrio!” shoes. Credit: Contributed photos
The statement piece of Kica Matos’ gala outfit, a clean-cut blazer paired with black dress pants, was her shoes: Converse sneakers with “Barrio!” — the Spanish word meaning neighborhood or community — written on them.
On Thursday night, the immigrant rights activist and Fair Havener was honored for her longstanding contributions to the New Haven community, as one of eight awardees at the 14th annual Board of Alders Black and Hispanic Caucus gala.
The gala was held at Anthony’s Ocean View in Morris Cove, and saw hundreds turn out to raise money for a variety of beneficiaries, including the Super John Williamson Youth Empowerment Initiative, City Angels Baseball Academy, and Upright Ministries Youth Excursions.
“In the moment that we are in right now,” Matos said about being honored at Thursday’s gala, “it’s more important than ever to both be in community and find joy, and events like this encourage people to find joy.”
Matos is the president of the National Immigration Law Center and the Immigrant Justice Fund. She’s long been on the front lines of the city’s — and, now, the nation’s — fight to uplift immigrants.
She was one of eight recognized for their efforts in advocacy, education, and mentorship at Thursday’s gala. In addition to Matos — who received the Heritage Award for her devotion to immigrant rights and racial justice — fellow awardees included retired Probate Court Judge Clifton E. Graves, Jr., Dr. Chaka Felder-McIntire, coaches Michelle Moore and Gary Moore, City Angels Baseball Academy, Black Wall Street, and the New Haven Police Activity League.
The gala, themed “Black Out: An All Black Affair,” saw the Anthony’s Ocean View ballroom decked in black tablecloths, politicos dressed to the nines in all-black outfits, a live band filling the hall, and even a 360 photo-booth. Against this backdrop, attendees praised the night’s honorees for their contributions to the community.
“Kica Matos continues to be a strong advocate for the immigrant community,” said Mayor Justin Elicker. “She’s been a strong voice to make sure that we’re continuing to be a welcoming city.”
Another attendee, Westville Alder Adam Marchand, said that Matos being honored felt “timely.” Marchand said, “Right now, we’re all thinking about immigrants, so Kica Matos has played a really important role, a leadership role. Not just here in New Haven, but nationally, for immigrants’ rights.”
But alongside the caucus’ shared concern for the immigrant community was hope in progress. The black-out theme was also about optimism for the future, said East Rock Alder Anna Festa. “It’s about trying to bring light into the darkness that we are in,” Festa said. “It’s all positive.”
“I love this theme black-out,” added Newhallville/Dixwell/Prospect Hill Alder Troy Streater, “because Black is beautiful.”
Of the charities that the gala supported, Streater singled out praise for those that work with the city’s youth. “I tend to lean towards the ones that are doing things for the kids. The kids are our future… I believe in training a child and showing them the correct way… We look at the fruit that you bear.”
“I think it’s a great event,” said Newhallville/Prospect Hill Alder and Black and Hispanic Caucus Chair Kimberly Edwards. “You bring people, community together and we do great things. … All of the honorees tonight, we love, and they hold a place in our hearts.”
In his acceptance speech, Judge Graves also pointed out the importance of supporting the city’s youth. He was the recipient of the Legacy Award for his work as a judge for the New Haven Probate Court, and as the manager of Project Fresh Start, a city program aimed at integrating formerly incarcerated people back into the community.
“I say to you, all of you here, don’t give up on our children,” he said. “Show respect for them.”
The evening’s emcees included Hillhouse High School student Amelia Tamborra Walton. Walton, who was offered the opportunity for her work on the Q-House advisory board, called speakers to the podium.
In addition to acceptance speeches from the night’s honorees, the gala featured opening remarks from Alder Edwards, Mayor Elicker, and City Clerk Michael Smart, among others.
Across the opening remarks, another message was especially clear: no work talk. “I appreciate the Mayor saying no business tonight,” said Board of Alders President Tyisha Walker-Myers. Just before Walker-Myers spoke before the podium, Elicker encouraged attendees to avoid discussing work affairs.
The Gala, was, more than anything, a celebration.
Judge Graves (center). Alder Prez Walker-Myers. Mayor Elicker and Fire Chief Alston.
