Ben Echevarria of Somerville Celebrated at Latinx Achievement Event on Beacon Hill
Ben Echevarria was recently honored by the Massachusetts Black and Latino Legislative Caucus (MBLLC) at the first annual Latinx Excellence on the Hill day. State Representative Mike Connolly nominated Mr. Echevarria for this recognition because of his deep commitment to social equity in Somerville and across the Commonwealth. Mr. Echevarria was honored with other members of the Massachusetts Latinx community on Tuesday, October 2, in the Great Hall of Flags at the State House in Boston.
Ben Echevarria is the Executive Director of The Welcome Project, an organization dedicated to building the collective power of immigrants to shape community decisions. A pastor and a longtime leader in the Latinx community, Ben’s work in the social justice movement has led him to organizing and advocating for those whose voice isn't being heard. Ben now leads fights for affordable housing, educational policies that are equitable, and leadership development. Ben serves as a Boston Neighborhood Fellow for The Boston Foundation; and a member of the Massachusetts Latino Democratic Caucus, Treasurer for Community Works. Ben’s leadership on equity and equality has led to earned him the recognition as one of the “100 Most Influential People in the Latino Community” by El Planeta.
“I am proud to welcome my constituent Ben Echevarria to the State House to be officially recognized as a distinguished leader of the Latinx community in the 26th Middlesex District,” said Rep. Connolly. “Thank you, Ben, for all that you do to lift up immigrants, fight for affordable housing, and for truly embodying the progressive values of our community.”
“The event yesterday was a testament to the value that the Latinx community brings to the Commonwealth” said Massachusetts Black and Latino Legislative Caucus Chair, Representative Frank Moran. He continued, “The honorees we recognized are driving change throughout Massachusetts while inspiring the next generation to do the same. The entire caucus is extremely proud of them.”
The MBLLC was joined by Lt. Governor Karyn Polito, Speaker Robert DeLeo, Senate President Karen Spilka, and ALPFA Board Chair Yvonne Garcia as they all spoke of how invaluable the Laitnx community is to Massachusetts. The first of what will become an annual event was a statement to all that the Latinx community is thriving and ready to lead.
Created in 1973, the Caucus remains a voice for Massachusetts' communities of color in the Legislature. They seek to empower constituents to gain a deeper sense of political awareness on issues concerning them and their greater communities. The MBLLC’s thirteen legislators remain dedicated to serving communities of color throughout the Commonwealth through legislative, budgetary, and community endeavors.
