From The Unapologetic Mexican:
To be honest, there is a detectable tension between blacks and Latinos here. It is pronounced in certain areas of the city where there is underemployment, high gang activity and a lack of job and educational opportunities. Not surprising, right? But my view of the tension is that it’s rooted in a sense of lack and an inability to see the power in working together across the color spectrum to push for expanded opportunities and fairness for everyone. I believe that if Barack Obama, while he works on fixing the economy and keeping us ’safe’, is steadfast in pursuit of smart and humane immigration reform coupled with strategic, high level Latino appointments, his administration can proffer the profound sense of “hope” for little Latino girl and boys, their big brothers and sisters and their moms and dads that was instantly instilled in black children and their families on November 4th.
I remember calling my friends and family before the March primary in Texas and finding a resistance to the idea of a black man being able to govern well or even represent Hispanics. Equally prevalent was the rascism of many in the Mexican community, which I’m glad is starting to be overcome. More important is that Hispanics and African-Americans have to work together, not in a racial agenda, but in one that seeks to incorporate Hispanics and Blacks into the national landscape and be able to redefine what America is.
