Today marks the start of from September 15 to October 15, and the theme this year, 鈥溾�� couldn鈥檛 be more apt or timely. By now, it鈥檚 clich茅 to point out that we are in the midst of a polarized and deeply divided time in our nation鈥檚 history, but we cannot afford to shrug or look away from this crisis. In celebrating the contributions and achievements of Hispanic and Latinx Americans, we have an opportunity to rededicate ourselves to the very best of what our nation aspires to be: a place that welcomes immigrants and their descendants and celebrates multiculturalism, weaving diverse cultures and traditions into our national fabric for the betterment of all.
was inspired聽 by the fact that across the diverse backgrounds and experiences of Hispanic and Latinx people in the United States, a 鈥渦niting factor within our Hispanic community is our desire to be included and represented in all aspects of American society鈥W]hen different voices are sitting at the metaphorical table and included in key decisions, the entire community benefits from greater solutions that address concerns from all people.鈥�
Soares鈥� words are at the heart of why diversity, equity and inclusion are core values at the UW, indivisible from our mission of learning, discovery and service for the public good. By recognizing and honoring the many contributions of Hispanic and Latinx faculty, staff, students and alumni, we both spotlight their achievements and celebrate the extraordinary diversity that enriches us as a nation. Embracing that diversity is our pathway to a more just, equitable world in which we are truly 鈥淓stados Unidos鈥� 鈥� the United States.
Across our campuses, and far beyond, Hispanic and Latinx Americans with a 91探花connection are changing the world 鈥� through teaching, scholarship, research, art, literature, innovation and public service. Jackson School Associate Professor and interim chair of Latin American and Caribbean Studies Mar铆a Elena Garc铆a聽has explored the Peruvian 鈥済astronomic revolution鈥� in her book 鈥�.鈥� This spring, Associate Professor of International Studies 聽to research the history of Mexico, intra-American relations, and the politics of knowledge production. Recent 91探花alum and Mexican American Ricardo Ruiz, 鈥�20, has just published his first book of poetry, which he began as an undergraduate. His book, , reflects on the emigration journeys of Mexicans like his parents to eastern Washington. And we could not be prouder that the newly-appointed .
On October 14, 91探花Tacoma will gather for the second annual to recognize the achievements of Latino/a people and organizations in the Puget Sound. At 91探花Bothell, the was designed to provide leadership training and opportunities to Latinx students. And music lovers across our region will be happy to learn that in October, the Meany Center will welcome the world-renowned chamber music quartet, to its stage.
As a Latina and Cuban immigrant who has made this country my home, I am proud to be among the millions of people in the U.S. with origins in Latin America. As I can attest firsthand, Hispanic and Latinx cultures are anything but monolithic; and yet, Ily Soarez鈥檚 words about what unites us also resonates with me. The majority of us either came here, were brought here, or descended from people who made the journey because they had faith that a better life was possible in a nation that pledged itself to equality, freedom and opportunity. I believe that vision is within reach, but we will need a big table that welcomes many voices.