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Watch: Celebration of life for JJ Saldaña

JJ Saldaña's family invites his Idaho community to come and celebrate his life together.

BOISE, Idaho — (*** You can watch the Celebration of Life in the video at the top of this story ***)

Boise State University will host JJ Saldaña's Celebration of Life this Saturday, Sept. 30, in the Simplot Ballroom - featuring Mexican dance and food. KTVB will be live streaming the service on KTVB.COM and on the KTVB+ app.

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The Saldaña family invites the community to dress fashionably and honor the life of a distinguished Latino leader, JJ Saldaña, who passed away in his sleep last Friday, at the age of 49. Despite their grief, the family aims to channel their emotions into a cheerful celebration of a life so devoted to serving others, particularly Latino youth.

"JJ's legacy is incomparable," said Rebecca De León, long-time friend and co-host of the award-winning podcast, The Latino Card. "There's not a Latino community in this state he didn't touch. His absence is devastating, but we want to honor his many contributions to the state and the city he loved dearly."

The celebration will have several speakers, including Boise Mayor Lauren McLean, Margie Gonzalez from the Idaho Commission on Hispanic Affairs, and Norma Pintar, the Artistic Director and founder of the Hispanic Folkloric Dancers of Idaho. Saldaña's family members will also speak at the event. Additionally, dignitaries have recorded messages for the family.

Cultural performances will be conducted throughout the event in his honor. 

Saldaña's family was overwhelmed with the support and donations from the community Saldaña loved so much and is returning the favor, said a news release. 

The event is from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. There will also be a Zoom link for anyone who prefers to attend virtually. All donations will be directed to the Voces Internship of Idaho, a program that supports young Latinos pursuing a career in journalism. 

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