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Bogotá, World Capital for Gospel Music

A few years ago I was a bit annoyed to see how in Bogotá more than 2 800 million pesos (over $1.5 m USD)  were designated for "Rock in the Park". The event in which different rock bands performed, unfortunately took place right in the middle of an atmosphere of high drug consumption, and many times ended in riots and damage to the Simon Bolivar park where the event was held. The questions I asked myself were: ‘Is it worth designating so much of public resources for an event that promotes art but doesn’t promote culture?’, ‘ Where is the investment for young people who like rock and concerts, but who don't take part in taking drugs or violence?. Moreover, ‘where can you find a music event that openly proclaims values to the youth and says an outright NO to drugs in the society of Bogotá? ‘

Meanwhile, I started to hear a desire coming from some of the sectors for Society and Tourism, to make Bogotá known, on an international level, as the gay Capital of the world. This idea would distort what Bogotá is, what we have achieved and the image of the capital as an example to follow. Because of the people we work for, we want a Bogotá free from drugs, alcohol and violence, and where family values and respect for human integrity prevail.

We dreamt of having an event with excellent artists, in one of the biggest squares in the capital, the events in the centre of Bogotá’s largest park Simon Bolivar, with free entry to the public. The aim was to give the attendees a positive message of hope for the city through music; and that the district would offer investment, sending a resounding message that Bogotá is open to the participation of those who promote family and life.

As a city councillor for Bogotá ; in line with public feeling, I have worked with commitment since the campaign to make sure that this dream would be palpable for the citizens of the capital. I applied to the District Administration and the Culture Secretary in 2008 for an event where families could enjoy a wholesome event, in an environment free from drugs and violence. With the support of the Mayor of Bogotá and the united work of the most representative churches of Bogotá, Bogotá Gospel was born. Thousand of Bogotanos and visitors to the city, have been able to experience this great event that until now has brought together more than 160,000 people to hear a message of life and love, without violence or drugs.

In Colombia we are making history through culture and art with Bogotá Gospel, held on the city's anniversary. Each year, filled with joy, we lift up our national flags and declare open heavens for our nation, to the rhythm of different music genres, but with the same message of faith in God, hope and moral values. In 2010, Bogotá Gospel helped proclaim the beginning of a new time for the nation, as it was held on the same day that Juan Manuel Santos took up office as the new President of Colombia.

Once again, thank you God, thank you to the Council of Bogotá, thank you to all the churches, leaders, media and artists who work hard for this cause, with no other agenda than to bless this city. It is an immense joy to see that it has been worth the effort defending this type of event. We will continue fighting, on many sides, because I am convinced that our city will not be the gay capital rather it will be the World Capital for Gospel Music. We are already on our way there.