Celebrating Casilda Luna: One Hundred Years of Dignity

Casilda Luna's centennial marks not only a milestone of longevity but a celebration of a legacy that continues to shape Washington, D.C. Affectionately known as "La madre de la comunidad Latina, la luchadora, or Abuelita" to generations of Latinos, her work in housing, youth development, senior services, and political advocacy has touched thousands of lives .

Hosted by: Afro-Latino Institute, DC Afro-Latino Caucus, Friends of Casilda, GALA Hispanich Theatre and the Luna Family.

Building Community, Creating Institutions

Luna's legacy is etched into the very fabric of Washington, D.C., through the organizations she helped establish. Her vision touched every generation:

For the Elderly: She co-founded the VIDA Senior Center, originally known as Educational Opportunities for Latin Americans (EOFULA), which continues to serve older adults in the Latino community .

For Youth: She was instrumental in creating the Latin American Youth Center, providing essential services and support to young people navigating life in a new country .

For Housing Justice: As president of the Imperial Apartments Tenant Association in Adams Morgan, Luna led her neighbors in a fight against their landlord during the gentrification of the late 1970s. Their efforts not only improved living conditions but ultimately resulted in the purchase of the building, transforming it into an affordable housing cooperative .

For Political Representation: Luna played a crucial role in the creation of the Mayor's Office on Latino Affairs (MOLA), ensuring that Latino voices would have a permanent place in local governance .

She was also among the organizers of Washington's Hispanic Festival—long before it became FiestaDC—and founded Latina Women In Action .

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

Get App

Host or Publisher Afro Latino Institute & Afro Latino Alliance