This fourth of July flags will wave across the land, families will enjoy outdoor picnics, and an African American President will celebrate the birth of our country in the White House. It’s a day to reflect on the freedoms we enjoy. As a people, African Americans have come a long way from their initial fight for civil rights. Some have likened Hispanics’ fight for equal rights as being in the same early stages to their minority counterparts.
Today all minority groups benefit from those early struggles and the lives sacrificed against the tyranny of oppression and discrimination. Hispanics now being the largest minority group are center stage in our nation’s debate of our future.
Anti immigrant feelings still flow as strong undercurrents in the general population with justified reasons. One of these is the criminality of a small percentage of thugs that have no regards for laws in any country. This past week in our own city, a Hispanic police officer was laid to rest. Gunned down by one of those illegal criminals with a police record.
Another simile used in the Hispanic debate is the large influx of Italian and Irish immigrants from the turn of the century. Similar dynamics of the ”undesirables” settling in America.
Today, few would argue the positive contributions made by these European immigrants now assimilated into the fabric of The United States. Some day, if not in my lifetime perhaps my son’s adulthood, I dream of the day when Hispanics will enjoy the same recognition and rights. It is estimated that by the year 2050 Hispanics will be the majority in America. Now is the time to prepare leaders with a more inclusive and common sense logic needed to find solutions to social problems.
So I wonder once Hispanics reach the milestone enjoyed by African Americans, which ethnic group will emerge the fight for their own rights and freedoms? Viva la difference.
President Obama, thank you for your tenacity and audacity of hope. As a group we Hispanics are thankful for your efforts to furthering our interests and causes.
