[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 177 (Thursday, October 26, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1020]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   HONORING PIERRE IVAN ARREOLA AS 2023 VALLEY LUCHADOR FOR HISPANIC 
                             HERITAGE MONTH

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. TONY CARDENAS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 26, 2023

  Mr. CARDENAS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Pierre Ivan Arreola 
as a Valley Luchador.
  Pierre Ivan Arreola aka Pierre Boogie is a proud son of immigrants 
that grew up in Pacoima.
  As he was growing up, he felt a deep connection to the arts through 
music and dance from his parents.
  In high school, Pierre and his friends created The GR818ERS 
(pronounced' GREAT-ONE-EIGHTERS), a collective that aims to uplift and 
empower their community through Hip Hop culture.
  Today, with the direction of Pierre, the GR818ERS host community 
events and youth programs throughout the year that highlight Hip-Hop 
culture as a platform for self expression and social justice.
  The GR818ERS founded AWOKE, a nonprofit organization inspired by 
empowerment and the arts.
  After a decade of building the movement, they opened the UNITE 
Cultural Center in Canoga Park--a San Fernando Valley-based hub for 
youth and community development through creative transformation, civic 
engagement, and collective healing.
  As the Executive Director of AWOKE, Pierre manages development 
efforts, administers funding contracts, and oversees a team of 15 
cultural ambassadors. One of the locations I would like to highlight is 
Sheldon Skate Park where the GR818ERS are bringing vital resources and 
programming to the youth and skaters.
  Pierre was a first-generation college student and received his 
bachelor's degree in Sociology from Brown University.
  Pierre has always been dedicated to his community and was recognized 
as the City of Los Angeles Impact Maker to Watch in 2016. Pierre has 
used his positions to continue to uplift vulnerable communities, spread 
hope, and advocate for justice.
  Currently Pierre serves as a commissioner on the City of Los Angeles' 
Human Relations Commission.
  He was appointed to the City of Los Angeles' Executive Task Force on 
Youth Development to help craft the blueprint for the City of Los 
Angeles' inaugural Youth Development Department.
  Pierre also serves as a board member of two academic centers at Cal 
State University, Northridge: The Center for Southern California 
Studies and the Center for the Interdisciplinary Pursuit of Hip Hop 
Elevation & Research.
  In 2022, Pierre received the Mentorship Award from the San Fernando 
Valley Young Democrats.
  I thank Pierre. It is my honor to recognize him as a distinguished 
leader and luchador during Hispanic Heritage Month.

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