Some Friday nights are better than others, challenging all other Fridays to step up.

That was the case Friday, October 2, 2026 — the fourth annual Latino Heritage Celebration in Oakland. 

On that particular Friday, more than 300 SEIU 1021 members and their guests packed Oakland’s Just Dance Ballroom for good food, inspiring words, and dances from across Latin America. From start to finish, the room was full of hugs, group photos, and laughter.

The joy in the room was palpable, and as SEIU 1021 President Theresa Rutherford reminded everyone in her evening speech: Joy is resistance.

“We had another great Latino Heritage Celebration! This event was attended by many Local 1021 union members from different chapters and regions throughout our Local. Our theme this year was ‘Our Strong Roots Unite Us and Our Diversity Makes Us Stronger.’ We know that many communities, especially immigrant and communities of color, have been heavily targeted under the current administration and, unfortunately, this is not something new in the history of this country,” said SEIU 1021 Latino Caucus Chair Angel Valdez. “We need to speak up to stop the current administration from attacking our communities. One of the most effective ways to do this is via the ballot box. If you are able to, please make sure to vote in the upcoming general elections on November 3. And make sure to remind those around you about the importance of exercising this right.”

SEIU 1021 members can join the Latino Caucus here. Meetings are held on Zoom the third Thursday of each month at 6 p.m.