LEAD Summit XIV keynote speakers represent Latino influences in hip-hop and classic Chicano rock

West Coast hip-hop and “brown-eyed soul” will be highlighted in keynote presentations by pioneers of both musical genres at LEAD Summit XIV, set for Oct. 3 at Cal State San Bernardino.

Henry “HEN GEE” Garcia, an American rapper, producer and cultural advocate, will be the featured morning speaker, and Willie Garcia, better known as “Little Willie G” and the “Godfather of Brown-Eyed Soul,” will present the afternoon keynote address.

Their appearances highlight’s the 2025 summit’s theme, "Telling Our Stories — Our Way, Our Voice: Latino Representation in the Arts, Media and Education,” which focuses on the urgency and impact of authentic Latino representation.

Also featured will be the photo exhibit “Our Stories Are Ancient,” by Rony Armas, which explores how the symbols of Indigenous peoples’ ancestors add to the richness of contemporary stories.

The LEAD (Latino Education and Advocacy Days) Project is inviting the public to the annual all-day gathering focused on Latino expression, identity and empowerment through the arts, media and education. The summit will take place from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 3 at the Santos Manuel Student Union South Events Center on the campus of Cal State San Bernardino.

Registration, which is free, may be done online. Sponsorships for the summit are also available. Visit the LEAD Sponsors webpage for information.

Through keynote addresses, panel discussions and community-driven sessions, LEAD Summit XIV will spotlight the creative and educational contributions of Latino communities — from Indigenous and African diasporic roots to present-day cultural leaders. Attendees will explore how accurate and multidimensional portrayals of Latino life can dismantle stereotypes, expand understanding and inspire the next generation of learners and leaders.

“This year’s LEAD Summit stands as a powerful affirmation of our right to tell our stories on our own terms,” said Enrique Murillo Jr., executive director of LEAD. “'Telling Our Stories – Our Way, Our Voice' is more than a theme – it is a declaration of cultural resilience and intellectual sovereignty. By centering Latino voices in the arts, media and education, we honor our legacies while forging new narratives that challenge stereotypes and empower future generations.”

Henry “HEN GEE” Garcia

Henry “HEN GEE” Garcia’s work has been a driving force in the hip-hop scene for more than 20 years. Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., to Honduran parents, HEN GEE came of age during the formative years of East Coast hip-hop. Alongside his younger brother Eric — better known as “DJ Evil E” — he absorbed the rhythms and rhymes of the New York streets before the duo relocated to Los Angeles. Planted in Southern California, they became early architects of a burgeoning West Coast movement that would go on to reshape the sound and spirit of hip-hop. 

HEN GEE distinguished himself not only through his “beats and bars” but also by proudly embracing his Afro-Latino heritage. He frequently rapped in Spanish and used his platform to spotlight Latino talent in a genre that had often overlooked their voices. His dedication to representation extended beyond the studio: HEN GEE has worked behind the scenes as a manager for artists and producers, combining creative instincts with sharp business acumen.

Equally committed to community empowerment, HEN GEE has championed arts education in underserved neighborhoods. Through initiatives like the “El Movement After School Program,” he has introduced young people to music and other creative outlets, mentoring the next generation of artists and leaders.

In their early days, HEN GEE and Evil E performed as the “Spin Masters,” showcasing their DJ skills and building relationships with rising West Coast artists, such as Kid Frost. Their deepening involvement in the scene led them to link up with the legendary Ice-T, ultimately becoming key members of the influential Rhyme Syndicate collective. HEN GEE and Evil E were not just background players — they appeared in Ice-T’s early music videos and live performances, bringing a dynamic presence and multicultural flair to the stage.

In 1991, the Garcia brothers released “Brothers,” a celebration of their bond and bilingual identity.

HEN GEE remains a vital force in hip-hop. Whether through storytelling, mentorship or performance, he continues to honor the culture that shaped him while paving the way for those who follow.

Willie “Little Willie G” Garcia

Willie Garcia is better known as “Little Willie G,” a legendary Chicano vocalist and songwriter who served as the frontman for the group “Thee Midniters” during the golden age of Chicano rock n’ roll of the 1960s, blending the sounds of R&B, doo-wop, soul, Latin rhythms and British invasion rock. Their unforgettable sound resonated across Southern California and beyond, becoming a soundtrack for an entire generation of Chicano youth.

With hits like the cruisers' anthem “” and a searing version of “,” Thee Midniters were headliners wherever they played. But their music was more than entertainment — it was cultural expression. Songs like “” and “The Ballad of César Chávez” signaled the group’s embrace of the growing Chicano Movement, with Little Willie G’s voice carrying the pride and pain of his community.

Little Willie G’s musical journey began in South Central Los Angeles, where he grew up in a racially diverse neighborhood steeped in cultural history. His older brother encouraged his early musical talent, and by age nine, Willie had already won a talent contest. He soaked in influences ranging from Jackie Wilson and James Brown to Pedro Vargas and Javier Solís, and from Frank Sinatra to Nat King Cole. These wide-ranging styles informed his own dynamic vocals and stage presence, which he further honed watching live acts at L.A.’s famed Million Dollar Theater.

In the late ’60s, as music and culture shifted, Willie left Thee Midniters and experimented with a solo career under the name Antonio Garcia, performing on iconic Sunset Strip stages like the Whisky a Go Go and the Troubadour. He later teamed up with Little Ray Jimenez to form God’s Children, a genre-defying group that recorded for Uni Records and sang the theme song for the TV series “Matt Lincoln.”

In the mid-1970s, Garcia joined Malo, the Latin rock band known for “Suavecito,” and recorded the critically praised “” album. He toured with bands that included Tower of Power and the Temptations, but soon faced the dark side of fame — addiction. A spiral into heroin and cocaine use nearly ended his career, but with the support of loved ones and the transformative power of faith, Garcia overcame his struggles. A born-again Christian, he has since dedicated his life to both music and ministry.

Based in nearby Whittier, Little Willie G continues to perform both as a solo artist and occasionally with Thee Midniters. He remains a beloved cultural icon, not just for his voice but for his resilience and unwavering commitment to his community. Little Willie G’s influence echoes through generations of Chicano musicians and fans. Whether sparking romance on the dance floor or igniting political pride, his songs continue to connect deeply with audiences.

“What I hope to do with my music is to have people connect,” he said. “These songs tell the stories of their lives.”

“Our Stories Are Ancient”

LEAD Summit XIV’s featured exhibit is an ongoing photography series by Los Angeles native Rony Armas, who explores how the symbols of the ancestors of Indigenous people add to the richness of their descendants’ individual contemporary stories.

Armas began the photo series in 2009 as a collaboration with friends, family, coworkers and notable personalities. Over the course of 16 years, his intention has been to explore Indigenous roots through native symbols and design. Each image represents a collaborative effort, allowing him — as the photographer — to both satisfy his own cultural curiosity and express deep reverence for the richness of each subject’s story.

“This series serves as a small reminder of where we came from and who we are, and our varied cultures,” Armas writes in his artist’s statement. “Sharing the pangs and triumphs and the beauty of our ancestors that has been dormant, awakened here in an image, for a moment. Getting in touch with our roots is such an important part of discovering and creating our identity. We are the accumulation of hundreds of generations, thousands of decisions, and millions of serendipitous yet fortuitous events. This is a series paying homage to all those who came before us and that live within us.”

Armas has worked as an independent contractor in photography for 23 years, in graphic design for 20 years, in art direction for 13 years, and in video for 13 years.

In keeping with the theme, the Padrinos de Honor/Honorary Chairs for LEAD Summit XIV are two cultural icons in the arts: José Feliciano, the multi-Grammy Award-winning musical artist whose timeless music transcends borders, and Ignacio Gomez, the renowned Chicano muralist and visual artist known for depicting powerful scenes of Latino history and resilience. Read more at “Latino entertainment and art icons named LEAD Summit XIV’s Padrinos de Honor.”

LEAD Summit XIV aims to bring together a diverse coalition of educators, students, scholars, artists, administrators, parents, civic leaders and advocates — all united in their commitment to educational equity and cultural recognition.

For more information, visit the LEAD Summit XIV website, as well as the LEAD Education Projects webpage.