Using Our Political Power During Hispanic Heritage Month

To celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month (or Latino Heritage, if you prefer) in these times is a bold statement. Unfortunately, at this moment there is an undercurrent, a fervor that feels very much anti-Latino. Yes, the focus seems to be on immigrants—and while fewer and fewer Latinos are identifying as immigrants, it’s hard to separate us from this issue. To me, being anti-immigrant is the same as being anti-Latino. People may try to make distinctions—oh I’m not anti-immigrant, just illegal immigration—but the vitriol feels very personal.

It’s perfectly reasonable to feel angry at this mistreatment—and it should make us angry that there are people who are, allegedly, trying to earn our votes but care so little about us that they disparage our people. But worse than anger, I hope it doesn’t make us so disillusioned that we decide to withdraw from civic participation. Because we deserve to have our voices heard and concerns addressed and that only happens when we participate actively in the system.

At times, it may feel like we’re working to join a system that does not want us, but the reality is that Latinos have a large stake in this country—whether the people in power want us or not. We are growing exponentially, creating businesses, protecting this country, heading households, and will continue to do the work to form a more perfect union.

So how can you make an impact this HHM?

1. Register to vote and help your family and friends register!
2. Support Latina leaders running for office, both at a local and national level.
3. Empower others to feel pride in being bi-cultural. The status quo wants us to believe in the “kill the Indian, save the man”  mentality; that assimilation is always the key– but we know the beauty and power that comes with bridging cultures.