Carlisle, PA- We’ve always heard the expression, “It was a picture-perfect day” and with that, it was another memorable, sunny weekend for the Latino Sports production crew of Byron Hunter, Julio Pabon, and George Alverio who hosted the premiere of ‘The Legacy of 21’ in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. The 200 mile trek from New York wasn’t simply to premiere this unbelievable film but to participate in the 13th annual AMANI festival that brought out the very best of this historic, quaint town filled with rhythmic music, stylish dancing, delectable food and over 40 multi-ethnic street vendors.

Luis Clemente, Sean Gibson, Dr. Rosario, Danny Torres, Andy Tosetti, Raul Colon and Linda Ruth- Tosetti Credit LSV

Besides a schedule filled with an eclectic group of entertainers, it was the part of the festive day with children that kept the entire day in focus. Every year, the AMANI committee welcomes the children of Carlisle to compose an original piece of poetry where the winning entry will be announced. The children would also recite their poems at this annual festival. This year’s theme was based on a quote from the legendary Pirate ballplayer, Roberto Clemente, “Any time you have the opportunity to make a difference in this world and you don’t then you are wasting your time on earth”.

The winners would be announced and at the suggestion of the AMANI chairperson, Dr. Eliseo Rosario, he decided to extend an invitation to the Clemente family. After hearing from Dr. Rosario, Luis R. Clemente, son of the late ballplayer, accepted the invitation and flew from Puerto Rico to New York on Saturday morning. He arrived at JFK airport in New York at 5:30am. Because of Clemente’s commitment to arriving for the 12 noon awards presentation, a family member of Dr. Rosario, who was also traveling to the festival, picked up Clemente and arrived in Carlisle in a timely fashion. Clemente, along with Linda Ruth-Tosetti, the granddaughter of Babe Ruth and Sean Gibson, the great-grandson of Negro League fame, Josh Gibson would also commit themselves as presenters at the poetry contest.

It was truly a well-organized weekend that didn’t disappoint considering that the estimated attendance throughout the entire festival was believed to be around 10,000 people.

After the festival, the Latino Sports crew and invited guests would gather at the campus of Dickinson College to once again witness history unfold. A film on the life of Roberto Clemente through the eyes of those he inspired in order to become better citizens. Many who have already seen the movie continue to go to each premiere and talk about how this documentary has educated them on Clemente and why we should never forget this extraordinary human being. The President of Dickinson College said it best; “This was a real legend.” Before the film, Dr. Rosario thanked a number of individuals. In particular, he thanked the Latino Sports Crew, Dickinson College, the AMANI committee, the esteemed panel of invited guests, the festival sponsor, UPS, a number of local businesses, Mr. and Mrs. Marvin Gordon who opened their home for pre and post- festival hospitality and Mr. Danny Torres for his invaluable assistance throughout the weekend. The secretary of the State of Pennsylvania, Pedro A. Cortes who coincidentally was born in Clemente’s hometown of Carolina, PR, paid a special visit to Carlisle to see the film and read a proclamation from the Governor of Pennsylvania, Ed Rendell. His proclamation celebrated Roberto Clemente Day throughout the festival and extending his tireless support of the work of AMANI and the Clemente family.

At the conclusion of the documentary, Dr. Rosario moderated the Q/A and a number of interesting questions was presented to the Latino Sports crew. A particular question comes up in every premiere is what's the position of MLB on retiring Clemente’s number. Not knowing if Clemente’s son would be speaking, he surprisingly walked to the podium and explained the position of his family and talked about a meeting that actually took place in NY at the offices of Major League Baseball. Along with his brother, Roberto Jr., the meeting would also have a special visitor present who is known throughout baseball as the widow of Jackie Robinson. While Clemente didn’t get into details he did say that MLB did ask what the family wanted to do in regards to their father’s number. Clemente stated that the family agreed that the decision to retire his father’s number should come directly from the fans and those who continue to celebrate his legacy. Clemente would thank Latino Sports for their work and express that his family continues the unfinished work of their father and hope to see the number retired in the immediate future.



 

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