Hispanic and Black Leaders Drive Social Justice and Economic Empowerment During Hispanic Heritage Month
Hispanic Heritage Month, celebrated from September 15 to October 15, serves as a time to commemorate the contributions of the Hispanic community to American society. This year, Hispanic and Black leaders are taking the opportunity to champion social justice and economic empowerment for their constituents.
U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona emphasized the significance of recognizing the Hispanic community and its unique contributions. He stated, Hispanic Heritage Month is an opportunity to celebrate our Latino roots and what makes us unique. It’s also about celebrating the beautiful diversity of the U.S. This country is unique because it brings people from different places together under one flag.
During the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute’s (CHCI) 2023 Leadership Conference and 46th Annual Awards Gala, members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) gathered to discuss the future and the opportunities that lie ahead. Isabel Guzman, the administrator of the U.S. Small Business Association (SBA), highlighted the potential for Latinos to benefit from investments in infrastructure, broadband, and the manufacturing and supply chain sectors. Currently, there are nearly five million Hispanic-owned businesses in America, contributing $800 billion to the U.S. economy annually and providing employment for approximately one million workers.
Throughout the 118th Congress, the CHC has been successful in advocating for a greater Latinx presence on the Federal Reserve’s Board of Governors and in several other nominations made by President Biden. Moreover, they have reintroduced the American Dream and Promise Act of 2023, which aims to provide a pathway to citizenship for Dreamers of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and Temporary Protected Status (TPS) holders.
To drive positive change, the CHC collaborates with other caucuses such as the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) and the Congressional Asian-Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) as part of the Congressional Tri-Caucus. The CBC recently reintroduced the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act with the support of the Tri-Caucus members, aiming to restore the full protections of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, which was partially deemed unconstitutional by the U.S. Supreme Court in 2013. By joining forces, these caucuses with their considerable memberships aim to demonstrate their unity and influence in areas such as voting rights, police reform, and gun safety.
As the CHCI leadership conference coincided with the CBCF’s Annual Legislative Conference, the momentum for change and equality was palpable. By addressing the cost stigma and treatment disparities, improving access to mental health care in Black and Hispanic communities has become a priority. Additionally, new research reveals that 63% of Maryland’s Black and Hispanic children were living in financial hardship even before the pandemic, highlighting the urgent need for economic empowerment.
Hispanic and Black leaders understand the power of unity and collaboration. By working together, they strive to promote social justice, economic empowerment, and government accountability. As Hispanic Heritage Month continues, it serves as a reminder of the shared goals and aspirations that bring diverse communities together.
