The racist, abhorrent, and repulsive remarks made by Latino political leaders in Los Angeles cut deep. It painfully exposes the deep-seated anti-Blackness and anti-Indigenous poison that exists and how it creeps its way into policies that perpetuate racism in our cities.
The Latino Community Foundation stands with those calling for the resignation of council members Nury Martinez, Kevin De Leon, and Gil Cedillo. The people of Los Angeles deserve better. We all deserve better.
As an organization that exists to build civic and economic power, we know that power—unchecked, without accountability, and grounded in fear of losing—corrupts. When people in power lead from scarcity and fear of losing—we all lose.
That’s why we stand steadfast with the hundreds of Black, Indigenous, and Latino-led organizations throughout California that are working tirelessly to build multi-racial movements grounded in justice, love, and Black and Brown solidarity. The words shared by these Los Angeles leaders stand in stark contrast to the decades of organizing and mobilizing led by hundreds of grass-root leaders committed to eliminating racism for all communities of color that have been hurt, marginalized, and disenfranchised because of it.
As an Afro-Latina, I am not shocked by what I heard or read. But the pain it evoked is raw and heartbreaking. It sickens my heart that we still have to deal with this internalized racism. Yet, it’s clear we have work to do. To examine ourselves—our families and institutions. To rebuild trust with each other and within our government.
I remain committed to staying the course, especially for our youth who haven’t given up hope for social justice and racial healing. LCF will stay the course to unleash the kind of power that heals and builds from a place of abundance, not scarcity.
Jacqueline Martinez Garcel, CEO, Latino Community Foundation
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