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The Race in Sports panel, from left, Tom Soto, moderator, Danny Villanueva, Jr., Maria Elena Salinas, Mayor of Pasadena Victor Gordo and Luis Zendejas during Race and Sports, Latinos in Sports, a tribute to Danny Villanueva, Sr., at the Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena, Wednesday, September 22, 2021. (Photo by James Carbone)
Tom Soto, Moderator, introduces Danny Villanueva, Jr., Maria Elena Salinas, Mayor of Pasadena Victor Gordo and Luis Zendejas during Race and Sports, Latinos in Sports, a tribute to Danny Villanueva, Sr., at the Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena, Wednesday, September 22, 2021. (Photo by James Carbone)
Mayor of Pasadena Victor Gordo, left, and Luis Zendejas during Race and Sports, Latinos in Sports, a tribute to Danny Villanueva, Sr., at the Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena, Wednesday, September 22, 2021. (Photo by James Carbone)
Mayor of Pasadena Victor Gordo talks about the influence of Danny Villanueva, Sr., during Race and Sports, Latinos in Sports, a tribute to Danny Villanueva, Sr., at the Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena, Wednesday, September 22, 2021. (Photo by James Carbone)
Mayor of Pasadena Victor Gordo during Race and Sports, Latinos in Sports, a tribute to Danny Villanueva, Sr., at the Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena, Wednesday, September 22, 2021. (Photo by James Carbone)
Maria Elena Salinas former journalist for Univision talks about her career during Race and Sports, Latinos in Sports, a tribute to Danny Villanueva, Sr., at the Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena, Wednesday, September 22, 2021. (Photo by James Carbone)
Pasadena Council Member Tyron Hampton, left, Darryl Dunn the CEO/ General Manager of the Rose Bowl Stadium, during Race and Sports, Latinos in Sports, a tribute to Danny Villanueva, Sr., at the Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena, Wednesday, September 22, 2021. (Photo by James Carbone)
Guests arrive for Race and Sports, Latinos in Sports, a tribute to Danny Villanueva, Sr., at the Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena, Wednesday, September 22, 2021. (Photo by James Carbone)
The Rose Bowl Institute hosted its first in-person program at the Rose Bowl Stadium on Wednesday night, a Dialogue on Race and Sports focused on Latinos in Sports.
The session was dedicated to and honored the life and legacy of former NFL kicker, media executive, businessman, and civil rights leader, Daniel Villanueva, Sr.
The event featured four panelists — one of whom was Pasadena Mayor Victor Gordo — who have knowledge of the various aspects of Danny Villanueva’s life and impact and who also could speak to the need to improve the opportunities for Latinos in sports, according to the Institute.
Besides Mayor Gordo, the other panelists included Daniel Villanueva, Jr., businessman and founding president of the LA Galaxy; Maria Elena Salinas, former news anchor for Univision; and Luis Zendejas, former NFL kicker.
The session was moderated by investor and entrepreneur Tom Soto.
The hour long live moderated discussion took place on the playing field at the Rose Bowl Stadium. It was also streamed live on the Rose Bowl Institute’s YouTube and Facebook channels.
“Just as the Rose Bowl Institute dedicated its first Dialogue on Race and Sports to Pasadena great Jackie Robinson,” said Charlie Firestone, president of the Rose Bowl Institute, “it is appropriate to recognize the life and impact of the legendary Danny Villanueva. Their legacies extend far beyond their athletic abilities to their human and social values.”
The Rose Bowl Institute, an arm of the Rose Bowl Legacy Foundation, champions sportsmanship, leadership, and citizenship, and aims to “leverage the power of sports to unite people everywhere.”
“This is a great first topic for a local Rose Bowl Institute live event, addressing the issues of diversity and inclusion in sports, and doing so by showcasing and honoring the legacy of a Latino legend in sports, media, business, and most of importantly, the community,” added Pasadena Mayor Victor Gordo.
Dedan Brozino, Chief Development Officer for the Rose Bowl Legacy Foundation, pointed out that this was the first opportunity the Institute has had since its launch last summer to hold a live event highlighting issues of particular concern and interest to the local community. “We strive to be good local citizens of Pasadena and the surrounding area, and could not think of a better way to express that than focusing on a Latino who had such a tremendous impact on our community.”
For those interested in more information please email rosebowlinstitute@
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