"Hot Spot of the Day:" Jennifer Lopez, 54, calls Chita Rivera one of the Hispanic stars who paved the way for her in Hollywood: 'She inspired me'

"Hot Spot of the Day:" Jennifer Lopez, 54, calls Chita Rivera one of the Hispanic stars who paved the way for her in Hollywood: 'She inspired me'

Jennifer Lopez looked elegant in a beige gown on Thursday evening as she attended the Hispanic Federation's annual 2024 gala. 

The 54-year-old singer also delivered a message when receiving an award at the annual event.

The wife of Ben Affleck said she felt that so many help build up the Hispanic community in Hollywood before her.

JLo named Rita Moreno, Chita Rivera as well as Sonia Sotomayer and Dr. Ellen Ochoa as some of the women who have been trailblazers before her.

'Let us embrace our heritage, celebrate our diversity, and stand united as we work towards a brighter future,' said the This Is Me... Now star.

'To those facing challenges or uncertainties, please remember that you matter, you are important, and you are not alone. Together, here with the Hispanic Federation, we stand beside you, ready to support and uplift you.' 

Jennifer Lopez attended the Hispanic Federation's annual 2024 gala on Thursday. The wife of Ben Affleck said she felt that so many help build up the Hispanic community in Hollywood before her.

JLo named Rita Moreno , Chita Rivera as well as Sonia Sotomayer as her icons

Jennifer Lopez attended the Hispanic Federation's annual 2024 gala on Thursday. The wife of Ben Affleck said she felt that so many help build up the Hispanic community in Hollywood before her.

JLo named Rita Moreno , Chita Rivera as well as Sonia Sotomayer as her icons

Chita Rivera seen in 1969. After making her Broadway debut as a dancer in Guys and Dolls (1950), she went on to originate roles in Broadway musicals such as Anita in West Side Story (1957),

Velma Kelly in Chicago (1975), and the title role in Kiss of the Spider Woman (1993)

She began her speech with: 'It is a privilege to witness Lin and Luis's unwavering commitment to amplifying the voices of the Hispanic communities and championing causes that matter,' she said.

'Receiving the Hispanic Federation's Premio Orgullo Award, which celebrates bringing pride to our community, is not only a tremendous honor but also a responsibility that I don't take lightly.

'I accept this award on behalf of all those who have built up our community long before me and those who continue to inspire – from Rita Moreno and

Chita Rivera to pioneers like Sonia Sotomayer and Dr. Ellen Ochoa… and to Monica Gil and Karen Menendez Coller, who were both honored tonight.

'With the Hispanic Federation and its network of dedicated partners, we have the opportunity to make a lasting difference,

from education to the environment, immigration to Disaster Relief Assistance, health and LGBTQ+ initiatives.

'Let us embrace our heritage, celebrate our diversity, and stand united as we work towards a brighter future.

To those facing challenges or uncertainties, please remember that you matter, you are important, and you are not alone.

Together, here with the Hispanic Federation, we stand beside you, ready to support and uplift you.' 

The Hispanic Federation Gala recognizes individuals who have made a lasting impact in Latino communities across the country. 

Chaired by Lin-Manuel Miranda, the gala raised more than $3.3 million in support of Latino causes, breaking HF’s fundraising record for the third year in a row.

'Our gala is an opportunity for us to honor and celebrate the amazing collective of Latino community advocates, philanthropists,

business leaders, and public servants that make our work possible,' said Frankie Miranda, president and CEO of Hispanic Federation.'

Lopez said: 'Let us embrace our heritage, celebrate our diversity, and stand united as we work towards a brighter future'

'The model of the Federation is centered on community and coalition-building, and it’s that focus that’s allowed us to create groundbreaking initiatives that provide care, refuge, and empower diverse Latino families and communiti