If There Were More Allegras, the World Would be a Better Place

24th ST went to City Hall last week to honor our own Allegra Padilla and other Latinas in the Arts. Musical artist Sheila E. was also honored, as were Latinas from every City Council district in L.A. L.A. City Councilmember Nury Martinez spearheaded this event which celebrated Latinas who are making a difference all over the city. And we were very proud that Allegra was chosen as somebody who is making a difference. Just a year ago, she was battling cancer. Today she is healthy and overseeing our teen mentor program, our Teatro Del Pueblo program of adults from our community, and our Dia De Los Muertos celebration. Allegra gets surplus food from food banks and gives it to our neighborhood families. She goes door to door to alert neighbors about the street closing for our Dia De Los Muertos. Some years ago when two drunken homeless guys were fighting on the corner, it was Allegra and I who waded into the brawl to break it up. While others stayed back at the theatre, too scared to get involved in the melee, Allegra didn’t hesitate and I knew she had my back.

She’s saucy and sassy and militant. Her appetite for justice is insatiable. And if there were more Allegra’s, the world would be a better place. Thanks to the City Council for pointing out what we’ve known for a long time... that Allegra Padilla rocks. -Jay McAdams

From CD8, Bernard C. Park's newsletter:

In celebration of Latino Heritage Month, Council recognized Latinas in the Arts at the Tuesday meeting. We were proud to honor CD8’s own, Allegra Padilla.

Latinas in Art honoree Allegra Padilla (in grey dress) with Councilmember Nury Martinez and Allegra's mother

Allegra with her 24th Street Theatre Team

Allegra, an L.A. native, is currently the Community Engager at the 24th Street Theatre where she coordinates the After 'Cool program, the Youth Leadership Academy for local teens, the annual Dia de los Muertos event, and Teatro del Pueblo, a new community initiative that brings community members from the audience into the artistic process of creating and performing in a professional, high caliber, creative experience. Allegra truly loves giving back and being immersed in her community. Thank you Allegra for all you do and let’s continue to make and enjoy art every day.