On October 12, 2024, Sonia Manzano, best known for her role as Maria on *Sesame Street*, visited North Philadelphia to meet with the Latino community. Her visit was organized by UnidosUS Action PAC to encourage more Latinos to vote in the upcoming election and show support for Kamala Harris.
Sonia’s day began at Taller Puertorriqueño, where she attended the 6th Latin American Book Fair. She took photos with local residents and spoke with voters, emphasizing the importance of being involved in the election.
Later, she visited Cousins Supermarket on 5th Street, a popular spot for many Latino families. There, Sonia met with staff and customers, talking about the issues that matter most to the community. Cousins Supermarket, with its Puerto Rican roots, provided a special place for Sonia to connect with the people of North Philadelphia.
For lunch, Sonia and the UnidosUS team went to Tierra Colombiana Restaurant, where they shared a meal and mingled with local residents. The restaurant is well known for its food and its role in bringing people together.
The main event of the day took place at Esperanza Arts Center. Sonia joined local organizers, volunteers, and community leaders for a discussion on the importance of voting. Sonia Szymanski, the Philadelphia Field Organizer for UnidosUS, welcomed everyone, and the event began with a special performance of Puerto Rico’s national anthem, *La Borinqueña*, sung by local artist Michelle Negron.
During the program, Sonia shared why she was in Philadelphia for this special event. “Apparently, I was reading in the paper that Pennsylvania is the center of the universe because of this election season that we are in. Decisions made in Pennsylvania will impact the whole country, and I’m here to get the vote out for Kamala Harris, who is the candidate that I’m rooting for, and that’s what’s bringing me to Philly.”
Robert Rodriguez, a member of the National Education Association, added, «I’m here in Pennsylvania because it is one of our battleground states in this upcoming election, and we are supporting Kamala Harris for president of the United States and Tim Walz for vice president. I’m here to work with the Latino community to get out the vote.»
Charles De León, a mental health advocate, spoke directly to the men in the audience, emphasizing the vital role they could play in this election. He urged them to take action, explaining how their participation could make a difference for their families and communities.
The event featured a fireside chat moderated by Rafael Collazo, Executive Director of UnidosUS Action PAC. Sonia Manzano and Robert Rodriguez shared stories about their activism and discussed the importance of organizing within the Latino community to make an impact on the election. The fireside chat was followed by a Q&A session, where audience members had the opportunity to ask questions and engage in meaningful conversations with the speakers.
The day ended at Izlas Latin Cuisine, where Sonia had the opportunity to share her message with moe local residents.
