Bob and Blenda Ontiveros received a Dream Award from the Illinois Department of Human Rights. | WIU.com
Bob and Blenda Ontiveros received a Dream Award from the Illinois Department of Human Rights. | WIU.com
The Illinois Department of Human Rights (IDHR) recently awarded Dream Awards to two community members and three local organizations, which work to improve the quality of life in the Quad Cities area for immigrants.
The IDHR in conjunction with Western Illinois University and the Chicago Minority Supplier Development Council Leaders recognized Bob and Blenda Ontiveros, Quad Cities Alliance for Immigrants and Refugees, the Greater Quad Cities Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and World Relief Moline during a ceremony at the Martin Luther King, Jr., Community Center.
During the ceremony, Illinois Lt. Gov. Evelyn Sanguinetti highlighted the state's cultural diversity.
Lt. Governor Evelyn Sanguinetti
| www.illinois.gov
"As our nation's first Latina lieutenant governor and the daughter of immigrant parents -- my mother a refugee from Fidel Castro's Cuba and my father an immigrant from Ecuador -- I'm proud of Illinois' rich cultural diversity and heritage," Sanguinetti said.
The awards ceremony was part of an IDHR Fairness and Equality Campaign to celebrate the Illinois Bicentennial "Born, Built & Grown," as well as the celebration of Immigrant Heritage Month.
"It's what makes us special," Sanguinetti said. "We are a country of immigrants. Our ancestors came to America for freedom and opportunities. This month, I urge everyone to reflect on the values that make us the greatest nation on Earth."
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