Latino group to honor Miyagishima with national award

LAS CRUCES - Las Cruces Mayor Ken Miyagishima and Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer will receive the Antonio Villaraigosa Leadership Award at the Tribute to Mayors hosted by the Latino Leaders Network on Sunday. The award is presented to a mayor "who has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to addressing the needs of the Latino community," according to a news release.

The reception will take place at the Indianapolis Marriott Downtown and will be broadcast live starting at 4:30 p.m. MDT via YouTube.

The network is honoring Dyer for his "exceptional leadership and critical work in helping Orlando’s Latinos move forward" in the face of "unimaginable challenges" following the June 12 mass shooting, the release said.

Miyagishima is being recognized for his leadership and passion to serve the community, the release said. "As a mayor in a border state, Mayor Miyagishima understands the challenges facing Hispanics every single day," according to the network.

Mickey Ibarra, founder and chairman of the Latino Leaders Network, said, "both of these mayors are champions for the Latino community and have demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to protecting and advancing the civil rights of all Americans."