By: Fredwill Hernandez
In 1992, Daymond John and three of his friends from Hollis, Queen – came together and created a sportswear [hip-hop] apparel company named FUBU, which stands For Us, By Us. Even though we are not talking about the creation or the birth of another apparel company, “but a convention in this case,” one can rightfully argue the similarities [in the thought process] of what led Kobian Zamora “to envision and create” [The] Urban Con.
“As a vendor I would go to shows, conventions, and other events and I felt like we [Latinos] were being left out [altogether], or not rightfully represented, so this led me to create something for us, by us, and “that idea gave birth” to the Urban Con,” explained Zamora, who enlisted the expertise of his friend Jose Hernandez, known to all as Kickz, “who is really the backbone of getting all the logistics covered in bringing the Urban Con to life” — which this second year had [among other sponsors] Modelo USA, as their main sponsor.
The second annual Urban Con held this year at the Ontario, Ca. Convention Center on Sun. – Oct. 22 — had two stages and various “simultaneous events happening.” As a barber [haircut] competition was taking place, there was a fashion show taking place on the other stage. As these two things were taking place, there were [also] models posing with and for attendees who wanted photos with [and of] them and the lowrider cars on display. One of those cars that stood out and definitely had [a lot] eyes on it — is owned by Steve Alcala, who hails from Pomona’s Traffic Car Club, who was awarded the Urban Con “Lowrider of the Year Award.”
Chicano Hollywood which was one of the others [event] “main sponsors” made their presence felt [among other things] conducting interviews throughout the day at their booth.
“We started Chicano Hollywood in March 2019 and since then it’s taken on a life of its own. The vision has always been to platform the Chicano voice in every space of culture. There’s “such a big need for it” so it’s been our mission to create as many opportunities as possible to make it happen,” explained Beth Murillo, co-founder of Chicano Hollywood, who along with her father Johnny L. Murillo received the Urban Con Pioneer Award in recognition of their hard work in bringing attention and providing opportunities for Latinos [Chicanos in Hollywood] which was one of a few Urban Con skateboard awards handed out. “My dad first met [Kobian] Zamora about two years ago. They first connected on Instagram but then met up for coffee once and talked about having the same mission and vision for our community. It was very important for us to be part of Urban Con. We fully support Kobian and Kickz, and their vision for the event. But even more so our main priority is to prove that “Latinos have to support each other” in order for our voice to get louder.”
The family friendly event also sponsored by Brown Label Entertainment, and Firme Mezcal also had wrestlers, vendors, sneakers, apparel, art, tattooing, influencers, singers, and actors was co-hosted by Commitment Soldier, and radio personality Cece [The Mamacita] Valencia [of 93.5 FM KDAY], who in anticipation “sponsored and heavily promoted” the event on the air and gave out a four pack of tickets in partnership with artists manager and concert promoter David Vegaz, of Concerts 4 You who [among other things] was also responsible for bringing rappers FACEvsIT, and Thas Legend to perform.
Among other singers and rappers who also performed were Rich G [of Brownside], MiaMae, Little Blacky, Kilo, The Real Mr. Homicide, Play De Ville, YB Ease, OG Rome, Tony Cota, Trece Boy, and Lari The G, amongst a few others. And to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of Hip Hop the Urban Con had rapper Cuban Link, who was joined on stage on timbales by Puerto Rican actor Panchito Gomez, who [famously] portrayed and played young Santana in the movie “American Me.” Gomez also joined the band Unsound Sunday on stage, a band founded in 2013 by its frontman and singer Cesar Aguilar, who is also an accomplished mixed media artist who uses acrylic, oil, oil pastels, chalk, spray paint, cardboard, and tape on canvas to bring “his art to life.”
“Panchito Gomez had reached out and said he was making an appearance and also performing at Urban Con so we anticipated having him join us on stage since we love to collaborate,” eloquently explained Aguilar, the self-taught musician who plays various musical instruments. “Living a tough life — I always felt that “music saved me” and found it therapeutic to my sanity. Through music and art — I can really express myself.”
Since its inception [last year] Urban Con has been [among other things] a platform to showcase new and upcoming artists as was the case with Musica Mexicana singer/songwriter Chava Jay R who brought with him Los Enclikados Del Puerto, a Musica Mexicana trio who hail from Wilmington, Ca. – comprised of Javier Ponce lead singer and guitar player, Gerardo Solando who plays the requinto, and Omar Medina who plays the tololoche.
Among other awards handed out at the Urban Con were the: King of Burpees Award handed out to Andres Rodriguez who is famously known as The [Real] Burpee King who had been on a streak of one thousand three hundred and three “straight days” of doing burpees, and during the burpee competition showed all “why he’s rightfully referred to as the king,” the Fashionista Award which was given to Peruvian fashion designer Elvira Zamora [of Chicano Elegance, Wardrobe Divas, and Thrifts], who was one of seven designers [among them Heathen, OG Family, Rebel Notions, Urban Vaquera, Señora Calzones, and House Oscura] who showcased their [fashion] designs at Urban Con, the Community Activist Award given to Paul Avila [of Pauly’s Project] for “all he does year round” in helping the less fortunate on behalf of his blind and autistic son Pauly, and the Humanitarian Award given to Alex Enamorado for his [continuous] work in “protecting street vendors.”
Among distinguished guests also spotted making their rounds included Long Beach Hip Hop staple [and executive] Frank Nitty, promoter Royal 13X3, influencer and rapper Izzy, actor Pete “Chivo” Vasquez from the movie “Blood In Blood Out,” Vadio Star [of PureUnkut], influencers Trino x Adam, cartoonish personality Tio Weso, makeup artist and model Make Up and Tatt2, influencer Pitbike Ji, model Sandy Navarrete, film director Cali Raskoe, rapper Lil G [of Different Estilo Clothing], podcaster No Moe 23, pro wrestlers Devin Reno who wrestled during the event, digital creator Bella Angelica, custom cups artist [and designer] Andrina Dh, Christina Rivas [of Lavish Kiidz], actor Fabian Alomar, Cholo On A Low Low, dancer [and influencer] C-Nova, music producer Westside Bugg, pro wrestler Clas who [also] wrestled during the event, rapper Chief Smoke, Mo and his peeps of ALAF [Always Loud As F?ck] Dispensary, LAFC Soccer Head who had his head and face painted with the Urban Con logo, and members of both Key Club, and Cali West Car Club[s].
