| DON OMAR 2009 Hispanic Heritage Inspira Award Don Omar is known as the King of Reggaetón and sees himself as a constant innovator and a versatile Urban Latino artist. He draws influence from salsa, merengue, bachata, bolero, and rock. A native of Puerto Rico, Omar has received multiple Latin Grammy nominations and has owned the number one spot on Billboard’s Top Latin Albums. Omar has sold millions of albums in his career and his tours sell out from the US to Latin America to Europe. Born and raised in Puerto Rico, Don Omar, née William Omar Landrón, grew up in Villa Palmeras, a rough section in the San Juan area, where at age seven, he saw the first murder of his life. He moved on to what he described as a problematic adolescence triggered by the shooting and death of his close friend. In an effort to escape his circumstances Omar made the decision to get involved with a Christian church in nearby Bayamón. "Upon getting involved with my church everything started to change", said Omar, who formed a Christian rap band with people he met at the church. By the age of 21, Don Omar was collaborating with a pastor of a church with 800 members. People were attracted to the church because of his band and doors began to open. Suddenly Don Omar had become a real reggaetón artist working with established stars like Daddy Yankee. For more than his career achievements, the Hispanic Heritage Foundation recognizes Don Omar’s positive influence on young people as a high profile artist in the public eye by honoring him with the 2009 Inspira Award. Don Omar has used the media attention he receives as a best-selling artist to advocate for education and community involvement to youth. Don Omar works closely with SER (Society of Education and Rehabilitation of Puerto Rico), a Puerto-Rican organization which provides programs and services that help individuals with disabilities. He also supports Casa Protegida Julia De Burgos, which is a shelter for battered women. His music has helped change the stereotypes of Reggaeton as a genre that promotes violence and degrades woman. As the Inspira Award recipient, Don Omar will serve as the Official Spokesperson for the Hispanic Heritage Youth Awards. He will take part in a Public Service Announcement campaign as well as particpate in this years 22nd annual Hispanic Heritage Awards at the Kennedy Center in September. |
