For the past month, we have been celebrating the vitality and beauty of Latino cultures, as well as their valuable contributions to New York and the entire country.
New York, in particular, has always been fertile ground for people from all walks of life to put down roots and develop their talents, impacting our local politics, adding flavor to our state’s culture, and shining on the world’s biggest stages, including the Big Apple.
Whether it’s Lin-Manuel Miranda introducing his latest musical to theater fans; or John Leguizamo giving life to his comic works on Broadway; that is, Danny García, the world-renowned chef recently nominated for the James Beard Award, exhibiting his skills and best dishes on the show Top Chef; or Cardi B telling street stories in her music, which can be heard at full volume on the streets of the Bronx; that is, Zoe Saldaña accepting her Oscar Award, through tears, and honoring all Dominicans around the world; New York’s Latino communities are making their mark on Broadway, in the music industry, in the culinary world, and throughout Hollywood.
And it’s not just in the arts and gastronomy where New York Latinos shine. Their political voices are heard from Gracie Mansion in Manhattan, to the halls of the New York State Capitol in Albany, and to the nation’s capital, Washington, D.C.
Leaders like Herman Badillo, the first Puerto Rican elected to the House of Representatives, paved the way for a Dominican immigrant like Adriano Espaillat or a humble bartender like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez to step forward so that the voices of their neighborhoods could be heard loudly in the hallways where the power of the nation resides.
And speaking of pioneers, let’s not forget Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, who is currently trying to bring a sense of balance and order to an otherwise compromised and partisan Supreme Court that continues to wreak havoc on our communities after making decisions that essentially legalized racial profiling.
Let us not forget the contributions of Hispanic athletes who have brought so much pride and joy to our area. Sports create special moments that bring communities together. Be it Karl Anthony-Towns trying to propel the New York Knicks to their first championship since 1973; or Cuban-American pitcher Carlos Rodón striking out batters in the playoffs in search of the 28th World Series for the Yankees, or Costa Rican Alonso Martínez scoring great goals for NYCFC that wants to win a second MLS Cup, New Yorkers are proud of the superhuman achievements, championship aspirations and glory that these athletes bring to the Big Apple.
Whether they are Puerto Ricans, Dominicans, Mexicans, Hondurans, Ecuadorians, Colombians or any country located between Tierra del Fuego and Río Grande that you represent, here at the Office of the Attorney General we celebrate their presence and their culture. We understand your difficult situations; You are all loved for the wonderful contributions your communities have made to the colorful tapestry that is America.
But not everything is rosy. As we celebrate this month, we also prepare for the future and look ahead to Washington’s drastic executive orders.
I stand in solidarity with our Latino communities and the difficult times we face. We live in terrifying times. We have an administration that is openly hostile toward Latino communities, discriminating against Latinos across the country, from Los Angeles to Chicago to New York. The administration is indiscriminately detaining citizens and newcomers, all to instill fear in populations that have contributed so much to our country.
We feel your concerns. We see your fears. We hear them loud and clear.
I want to remind everyone that my office is here for you. We are here to protect your labor, civil, reproductive, freedom of expression and religious rights; all the rights that belong to them and that should not be taken away by the malice and insensitivity of those in power.
My door will always be open, regardless of language barriers or legal status. They are not alone. I will fight with you and for you. Together, as one community, we have the power to move mountains. Because, as César Chávez said: Yes you can!
Letitia James is the Attorney General of the State of New York