Carmen Yulín Cruz, the mayor of Puerto Rico's capital of San Juan, was honored Friday night during a downtown Miami concert featuring top Latin artists for World AIDS Day.
The AIDS Healthcare Foundation honored the San Juan leader for her work with the HIV-affected community in Puerto Rico.
"Maria tried to destroy us on September 20th and the next Monday our HIV clinic was working," she said during the event in which artists Becky G and Yandel performed.
December 1 is recognized globally as World AIDS Day.
The World Health Organization (WHO) established the annual observance in 1988 as a way to offer communities the chance to unite to fight against the HIV/AIDS stigma, commemorate those who have lost the battle with AIDS, and also show support for those who are living with the disease.
