By: Juana Bordas
Yes! It’s Latino time in America today. Latinos are at the crossroads of power. We contributed more than half of our country’s growth in the last decade. By the middle of this century one in four Americans will be Latino. Our influence will be felt across the globe, because Latinos are related by heritage, culture, and language to 26 countries, Latinos will be the connectors to our global village.
And Latinos love to work – we will contribute 78 per- cent of the new entries into the labor force. Our entrepreneurial know-how is shaping a new American economy – 80 percent of small businesses in last decade were started by Latinos. This means that Hispanics buying power has grown to $1.8 trillion, an amount larger than the Gross Domestic Product of Canada, Australia, Spain, and Italy.
Our immigrants who compose 33 percent of our people remind our country that immigrants have made America great. Immigrants strengthen the Latino culture core, our language, and customs. They reinvigorate the can-do, hopeful, and determined spirit of our people.
Our incredible values of hard work, generosity and sharing, taking care of people, honesty, community, and familia can revitalize the American dream.
Additionally, Latinos who are a mixed and blended people, and who value inclusiveness or bienvenido can show how to welcome differences and value people’s uniqueness. In these days when diversity and inclusion are at the forefront Latinos stand as a model on how differences make us stronger, more resilient, and more colorful.
But it is the power of Latino leadership that will ensure that our potential and unique contributions are realized in this century. Latino leadership recognizes that each person has potential and by respecting people and treating everyone equally, people begin to see themselves as leaders. This levels the playing field and fosters “the leader as equal.”
And when many assume leadership, this creates Leadership by the Many – the hundreds and thousands of Latino leaders across Colorado and across this country that are working to uplift their communities and create a more equal, inclusive, and just society. Latino leadership is sì se puede leadership and it is community-based, people-centered and seeks to change people’s lives for the better.
For five hundred years Latinos have advanced despite being colonized and deemed “minorities.” This is due to the relentless activism of our leaders, and we must continue in this tradition and keep forging forward.
We must commit to prepare young Latinos – one-third who are under 18 – to become the leaders of the 21st century. A time when Latinos will actualize their power. A time when our incredible values and community spirit will be integrated into the American mainstream.
Latinos will build an inclusive America that values and takes care of all its people. And as we leverage our growing numbers into political clout we will transform our country. Yes! Latinos are at the crossroads of power. The first Latino president has been born. It’s Latino time in America today.
Juana Bordas is a Denver activist, author, and community leader. Her new book The Power of Latino Leadership – Ahora! was released March 2023. Join her y muchos amigos at SU Teatro at 721 Santa Fe on April 18th at 6 pm for a book reading, signing, and Taco Tuesday celebration!
As the Latino community comes into power, our future leaders can learn from The Power of Latino Leadership. ‘Si Se Puede – Yes We Can’ is a call to action. This book captures this spirit.” Dolores Huerta – renowned Latina activist
