By Councilmember Richard Fimbres
September 15 through October 15 is National Hispanic Heritage Month, which traditionally honors the cultures and contributions of both Hispanic and Latino Americans as we celebrate heritage rooted in all Latin American countries.
Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month gives us an opportunity to reflect on what makes Latinos such a strong, contributing force in America. Latinos were among the earliest European settlers in the New World, and Latinos as a people, like their many cultures, share a rich history and great diversity.
Latinos have had a profound and positive influence on our country through their commitment to family, faith, patriotism, hard work and service. They have enhanced and shaped our national character with centuries old traditions that reflect the multiethnic and multicultural customs of their community.
And to say our culture has little impact on our community would be a major understatement. Thanks to our Latino community and cuisine, we played a part when Tucson became the first City of Gastronomy as designated by UNESCO. You can see Latino influence on culture from here to New York but we think very little of it.
With over 50 million Latinos across the United States, Latinos now make up the largest minority group and represent billions in buying power. Latinos also represent the fastest growing segment of the American electorate.
Our first latina Mayor
First in Arizona, Raul Castro served as our first Latino Governor in the 1970’s. Second in 1991, Ed Pastor was the first Latino elected to represent Arizona in the U.S. Congress. Today there are two Latinos in Congress representing Arizona: Raul Grijalva and Ruben Gallego. The City of Tucson elected its first Latina Mayor in 2019, Regina Romero.
In Tucson and Pima County, Latinos have sent a strong message by turning out to vote and leading the state in the number of Latinos that have been elected to governing bodies. In a recent article in “Inside Tucson Business,” entitled “Hispanics a Key to Tucson’s Rebound,” it discussed the importance of buying power of the Latino Community in Tucson, Pima County and throughout Arizona.
It noted, “the Latino impact on the local and national economy and that their purchasing power represents $8 billion per year in Pima County. Number that is expected to increase by 88% in the next decade.” By 2024, Latinos are estimated to spend $14 billion in the Tucson economy, equating to 28 percent of the total market spending.
Hispanics are the largest group that has earned the Medal of Honor and have a wall dedicated with their names and how they earned their accommodations at the Pentagon.
Award Hispanic heritage
Sixty-one men of Hispanic heritage have been awarded the Medal of Honor, the most of all groups.
Of the Sixty-one Medals of Honor presented to Hispanics, two were presented to members of the United States Navy. Thirteen to members of the United States Marine Corps and forty-six to members of the United States Army. Forty-two Medals of Honor were presented posthumously.
The Latino Community has had to overcome many challenges, but as a community, we are very resilient and we persevere.
In Tucson, we have pushed to grow our workforce, which in turn, has grown our businesses and in Ward 5, which has resulted in 11,000 jobs created during my time as your Ward 5 Councilmember.
The City of Tucson relies on sales tax to provide public safety, streets and parks, it’s four core services. The Latino community, through purchases of goods and service, provides a lot for our entire community.
National Hispanic Heritage Month
Hard work, resilience, perseverance, patriotism and family have made our Latino community great and one with a remarkable heritage.
It is sad though to see members of the Latino community, who served this nation in the armed forces, now being deported as well as children being locked up. We must do better as a nation.
As we mark National Hispanic Heritage Month this year, meanwhile we must remember those from our families and community that we have lost from the COVID-19 virus.
Our community must remain strong, but also follow social distancing practices, wash hands frequently and to shelter in place, for our seniors and those with health conditions.
Our community must fill out their U.S. Census forms to be heard and be counted, especially during these times.
With more than 50 million of the population, So we also need to be heard and counted at the ballot box, by voting on November 3. Su voto es su voz.
