Connie Guerrero.
With nothing but my parents' dreams for a better life ahead of us, my brothers and I came, by their hand, to this country more than 40 years ago. The stars and stripes became my new home and the state of California embraced us.
My father, a gardener; my mother, cleaning rooms: nothing stopped them. They made every day count to let me know that We deserved a better lifeThe school taught me about math and differences. The color of my skin stood out in an American school. I stopped being Consuelo, that "Chelo" that came out of Sonora, Mexicoto become Connie.
At the time, I was not aware of the importance of the latino voice and vote.We will learn about how a decision can change the future of those around us who love us, how strong a voice can be, and even stronger if it is a community.
At 20 years old, I became an American citizen. It was my opportunity to finally make my voice heard and to stand up on behalf of all those who could not; on behalf of thousands of Latinos who, because they are not "legal", have had to hide their opinion.
With more than 15 years of activism,a time when I've been twice commissioned in RedwoodI have not stopped there so that the needs of a community that brings not only work, but great values and culture, are taken into account.
This 2020 has not been easy for anyone. From the economic issue to the climate issue to a pandemic that has not abated to anyone in the world. Racism and lack of empathy by the authority has also shocked the whole country. Nothing is indifferent to us. Everything affects us and hurts.
Learning that the needs of the Latino community didn't matter, that the Hispanic voice wasn't worth it "because they couldn't vote" hit me like a bucket of cold water. That was the reality. That's what we face every day.
In Redwood City there are over 80,000 peopleof them, around 42,000 are registered to votebut not even half of them exercise their right. The percentage of Latinos who can use their vote is very low and even more so than those who are registered to vote.
Thinking that their opinions or needs are not important - often having two jobs - little interest in local issues or the various proposals has discouraged them from votingwhich today is their right as citizens, in legal terms.
It's time to join forces, to move forward and believe that the future belongs to everyone and for everyoneI believe that our community, county, city, and country can be a true seedbed of opportunity for all. It's time for you voice, my voice, the voice of a Latino, be taken into account.
I call to raise awareness for the improvement of our environment in order to generate a change, which can only be achieved through voting, participating and inviting others who can also make use of their right.
Connie Guerrero is director of We Vote Redwood City
