Hundreds of Hispanics Leaders Gather in L.A. This Week For a Call to Action

LOS ANGELES (By Hildy Medina, Hispanic Business) September 6, 2006 — When the William C. Velasquez Institute embarked on a detailed study three years ago to look at the socioeconomic progress Hispanics had made in the last 30 years, they were rattled by what they saw: Things hadn't changed very much.

"The sad result is that despite our many victories and other kinds of measurable gains, electing people to office and building organizations, the gap between the white majority and Latinos is virtually unchanged," said Antonio Gonzalez, president of the nonpartisan think tank. "In some ways (the socioeconomic gap) has widened."

The news is not all bad. Hispanics have made tremendous strides in the political arena as well as in the creation of community and labor organizations that didn't exist three decades ago.

Still, to make significant changes Hispanics need to focus less on inclusion and more on crystallizing a plan of action, according to Mr. Gonzalez.

"I think we organize to take power but not to govern." he said. "A lot of people want to do the right thing but don't have the support and that's our limitation."

Mr. Gonzalez and a group of Hispanic leaders decided to do something about the yawning socioeconomic gap between Hispanics and Anglos and in December began a series of meetings to figure out a plan for change. Earlier this year, the immigration rights movement exploded onto the national scene and solidified for Mr. Gonzalez and the others that something needed to be right away.

Their efforts spawned the National Latino Congreso, the first comprehensive gathering of Hispanic leaders and community members in nearly 30 years, according to its organizers.

The five-day Congreso kicked off today in Los Angeles and is featuring a series of speeches, training workshops and panel discussions on issues ranging from education and access to healthcare to home ownership and social justice.

The organizers' aim is to establish a long-term Hispanic agenda and action plan as well as train a wide range of Hispanic community leaders, elected officials and activists on critical issues. Congreso organizers also urged participants to submit resolutions, among them was a proposed bill opposing the extension of the 2002 Farm Bill set to expire next year.

"It's not an education conference, it's a congress," said Mr. Gonzalez. "We're in a crossroads in our history; it's time to pivot."

The gathering this week is taking place at the Sheraton Los Angeles Downtown and is expected to draw 2,000 delegates from throughout the country representing leaders from labor and business communities, religious groups, student organizations, health and community development groups.

Some of the organizers include the Labor Council for Latin American Advancement, National Hispanic Environmental Council, the League of United Latin American Citizens and the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund.

High-profile speakers scheduled include non-Hispanic politicians such as California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani and possible presidential aspirants Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-N.Y.) and Sen. John McCain (R-Arizona), plus Hispanic political stars such as Gov. Bill Richardson of New Mexico and Fabian Nunez, speaker of California's Assembly.

While having some of the country's political heavyweights involved in Congreso discussions is important, bringing "the immigrant groups of Indiana" and other states to the table are more crucial, said Mr. Gonzalez.

"We have to have dialogue, we have to build consensus," he said. "Unless we have our maximum unity we won't be able to make changes."

The discussions are not only Hispanic-oriented, but also include talks on trade policy, the environment and global concerns.

"These issues effect all of us," said Mr. Gonzalez.

A Saturday rally wrapping up the event is scheduled for the Los Angeles State Historic Park.

For information on the Congreso call 1-877-928-4674 or visit their Web site at www.latinocongreso.org.