Sports
Shakira Gifts Brooklyn Show Tickets to World Cup Workers, Venezuela Relief Volunteers & More Uplifting Moments in Latin Music
As Shakira prepares to take the stage in Brooklyn, her upcoming concert is turning into a celebration of the unsung heroes who have been working tirelessly behind the scenes.

As Shakira prepares to take the stage in Brooklyn, her upcoming concert is turning into a celebration of the unsung heroes who have been working tirelessly behind the scenes. Among those being honored are volunteers at Lulla's supporting earthquake relief efforts in Venezuela, union workers who made the World Cup possible, and Colombian restaurant owners who participated in the city's World Cup dining special. This gesture is more than just a token of appreciation; it's evidence of Shakira's commitment to community and selflessness.
Shakira's decision to gift tickets to these groups of New Yorkers is not just a feel-good gesture; it's a savvy move that speaks to the heart of her fanbase. By recognizing the hard work of these individuals, Shakira is reinforcing her connection with the community and cementing her reputation as an artist who truly cares. As Shakira herself puts it, "So much of what made this World Cup special is the work that most fans never see: the thousands of hotel rooms kept clean, all of the stadiums that worked so smoothly." This statement highlights the often-overlooked contributions of workers like Biviana Pereira Leiva, a NYHTC member who has been working tirelessly in a Manhattan hotel.
The recognition of union workers like Biviana Pereira Leiva and Sandra Leiton, a 32BJ member, is particularly significant. These women are the backbone of the service industry, working behind the scenes to ensure that events like the World Cup run smoothly. Their labor is often invisible, yet it's the unsung heroes like them who make the magic happen. By honoring these women, Shakira is acknowledging the importance of their work and the impact it has on the community.
While Shakira's gesture is undoubtedly uplifting, another Latinx artist, Ximena Sariñana, is also making waves in the industry. The Mexican singer-songwriter is set to receive the Hispanic Heritage Award for Music at the 39th annual Hispanic Heritage Awards on September 10. This recognition is evidence of her dedication to music, activism, and film, and serves as a reminder of the impact that Latinx artists can have on the world.
Shakira's Brooklyn show and Ximena Sariñana's Hispanic Heritage Award are more than just individual achievements; they're part of a larger cultural movement. They represent a celebration of Latinx resilience, creativity, and community. As Maya Handa, the New York World Cup Czar, puts it, "Union workers, so many of them women, who are making this World Cup possible, volunteers supporting Venezuela relief, and Colombian restaurateurs who opened their doors for the community are the heart of this city." This sentiment speaks to the heart of what it means to be Latinx: a community that values hard work, selflessness, and community.
As Shakira takes the stage in Brooklyn, we can expect to see a celebration of community and selflessness that will leave a lasting impact on the audience. With her commitment to recognizing the unsung heroes of the World Cup, Shakira is cementing her reputation as an artist who truly cares about the community. As for Ximena Sariñana, her Hispanic Heritage Award is evidence of her dedication to music and activism. As we look to the future, it's clear that Latinx artists like Shakira and Ximena Sariñana will continue to inspire and uplift their communities through their music and activism.


