The community came together to celebrate the centennial birthday of Casilda Luna. Born in the Dominican Republic, Ms. Casilda Luna came to Washington DC in the early 60’s, and soon after, became an activist. As the city went through many changes, Ms. Luna became the voice for many. She helped organize the Latino community, helping to establish a number of non-profits that would later serve a growing community. Many credit her with laying the groundwork, and being an inspiration, for the younger generation in DC and beyond. In recent years, the President of the Dominican Republic honored her with the prestigious Oscar de la Renta award, given annually to a distinguished Dominican abroad. At her 100th birthday celebration, Ms. Luna was accompanied by her immediate family at the GALA Hispanic Theater and a community that wanted to celebrate her. DC Mayor Muriel Bowser declared April 4th, 2026, Casilda Luna Day in Washington, DC, and Maryland State Delegate Deni Taveras presented Ms. Luna with a Maryland General Assembly recognition issued by the Speaker of the Maryland House of Delegates, Joseline Peña-Melnyk. Congratulatory letters were received from: Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton, U.S. (Shadow) Senator Paul Strauss, DC Council Chairman Phil Mendelson, At-Large DC Councilmember Anita Bonds, and Ward One Councilmember Brianne Nadeau. Guests to the centennial event celebrated at Gala Hispanic Theater on March 4th, 2026, included U.S. (Shadow) Senator Paul Strauss, DC Councilmember Brianne Nadeau, Maryland Delegate Deni Taveras, and former U.S. (Shadow) Rep. Franklin Garcia.
