[vc_row][vc_column][nd_options_spacer nd_options_height="4"][vc_column_text]January 11, 2023
A Statement from Brenda Victoria Castillo, President & CEO of the National Hispanic Media Coalition (NHMC)
At the start of 2023, President Biden announced
99 new nominations for the Senate to confirm in the 118th Congress. Of those 99, approximately thirteen are inspiring Latino leaders who will trailblaze into these positions, from Ambassadors to District Judges – roles that are severely underrepresented by the Latino community. However, thirteen of 99 is not an accurate representation of the Latino community, and diminishes the leadership opportunities available to our community for key positions in the United States government. In particular, NHMC is disappointed in President Biden’s nomination of a non-Latino candidate for the sole open seat on the Federal Communications Commission. As a Latina-led organization, NHMC calls on the Biden-Harris Administration to strengthen Latino representation among its nominations, as well as stand firmly behind and support Latino nominees and leaders.
Latinos are the largest minority group in the country, accounting for
nearly 20% of the U.S. population. It is imperative that the country’s diverse population is reflected in leadership positions within our government to expand opportunities for our community, and voice the concerns of historically and intentionally marginalized people. NHMC, joined by Latino civil rights allies, voiced this to President Biden in a letter earlier this month with regards to the President’s pick for the FCC – to which we received no response.
The representation of Latinos at agencies, like the FCC which has not had a Latino commissioner for over two decades, is a necessary component of meaningful progress. But, progress for some does not equate to progress for all – especially when some of us are denied a seat at the table. NHMC will not sacrifice what our community needs – representation – for the crumbs of “progress” that will be left for our people.
Our representation in leadership is an informidable tenet of inclusion, social justice, and democratic values. Latinos in leadership positions are the rule, not the exception. We call on the Biden-Harris Administration and White House to acknowledge, embrace, and adopt this perspective, and to remedy its current lack of Latino nominees.
Yours in the Movement,
Brenda Victoria Castillo
President & CEO
National Hispanic Media Coalition
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