Fellow Latinos, Let’s Stay In Touch

We Latinos seemingly matter to the broader national discourse only when our votes matter in deciding a close election.

Let’s change that perception.

As a majority of voters in this country grapple with the fact that their candidate was somehow not the victor, Latinos ought to remember the great diversity within our own community and the power that comes from staying organized and staying engaged with each other and with the country around us.

Though it is absolutely wrong, it is not a coincidence that most major media outlets, deprived of adequate representation by people of color, have characterized the Latino community as this newly empowered group ready to take on bigotry in our country. Latinos have been organizing around issues of equitable labor practices, immigration, housing, and other important policy areas for generations.

All of us today should view ourselves not only as benefactors of that legacy but as protectors of it.

Whether it’s weakening the National Labor Relations Board, deporting immigrants indiscriminately, or depriving civil rights enforcement of the funds needed to protect marginalized communities of housing protections, the harsh and punitive agenda against Latino interests in this country will only get more intense as we move through the next four years with a national leader as unapologetically bigoted in his populism as Donald Trump is.

We should feel empowered by those who came before us, and realize that their work is our own.

I spoke with Andrew Trevino, a fellow Colorado Buff and law student in Arkansas, to get his thoughts on the culture of Latino political engagement.

“Our community has been on the frontline of social and political activism in the streets of Los Angeles, Chicago, Denver, Phoenix, and many other major cities throughout this country for decades,” he said. He rejected what he called a “narrative” that paints Latinos in the 2016 election as a “sleeping giant” that had previously been apathetic and unorganized as a political entity.

Andrew and I are both engaged in our families and communities, and share a passion for organizing. As one man likely to gain prominence in the Latino community, he believes that we as Latinos “can continue to register people to vote, implore Latinos to run for office and hold leadership positions, and form stronger relationships with other marginalized communities in order to fight for a more just society.” 

The conscious effort to empower each other as individuals to take actions that will protect ourselves and our families will give us the political power to make change locally.  

Aldo Torres, a University of Colorado graduate and Auroran, is part of a growing number of young Latinos who view our economic prowess as an advancement for all of us at the local level.

He said, “I think the Latino population has made serious strides to being successful entrepreneurs in the past decade.”

According to CNBC, the Latino consumer market was $1.5 trillion and Latinos owned more than 3.3 million businesses as of 2012. Using statistical averages, if 100 of us opened businesses this year, we could potentially employ 860 employees and generate nearly $15.6 million in sales annually. By taking empowerment in an economy that has historically oppressed us, we could make a real difference in rejuvenating local neighborhoods and opening the door to increased political activity in the Latino community.

Though making money is itself a helpful tool for advancement in American society, Aldo believes there’s an emotional benefit too. He passionately believes Latinos starting and growing businesses is one way we can get prosperity for ourselves.

He argued, “This country runs on business, and Latinos are hardworking, dedicated individuals. At the end of the day, they want to prosper because here in this country, opportunities are everywhere.” For many in our community, America still represents a chance to provide for our families, and it remains a significant way we can organize our talents

The 2016 election may have dampened our spirits, but we are strong and resilient. Our community will heal and continue to grow stronger and more empowered. In finishing our conversation online, Andrew stated, “What I want Latino families to know after the election is that they still have a voice. The results of this election do not change that.”

So, I’ve got a favor to ask of my fellow Latinos and allies over the next four years. Let’s stay in touch?