Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Lou Correa (CA-46) released the following statement on his reintroduction of a resolution to honor August as Chicano Heritage Month.
“As the son of Mexican immigrants and a Representative with a large Chicano constituency, I’m honored to represent and celebrate Mexican Americans who have contributed greatly to this country. For centuries, Chicanos have strengthened America in countless ways, and their stories deserve to be acknowledged and celebrated.
“Years before Brown v. Board of Education, it was Chicanos in Orange County who fought school segregation and won in Mendez v. Westminster. The great Emigdio Vasquez, from Orange, was known as the ‘Godfather of Hispanic artists,’ and my district is blessed with his contributions to Santa Ana City Hall.
“At a time when anti-immigrant sentiment is at an all-time high in the wake of President Trump’s inflammatory rhetoric about immigrants, now more than ever we must remember the stories of these immigrants – who are also American heroes. We must remember the Chicanos who challenged injustice, opened doors for generations to come, and helped build the America we know today.”
Background
According to U.S. Census Bureau data, Chicanos make up approximately 11% of the U.S. population and 57% of the nation’s Latino population, yet they continue to face disproportionate representation in both the private and public sector. Latinos make up 20% of the U.S. population and are the nation’s largest and fastest-growing minority group. In 2024, Latinos also accounted for 20% of the U.S. labor force, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Despite these critical contributions to our country’s growth, anti-Latino sentiment reached an all-time high last year, according to FBI hate crime data. While overall national hate crimes dropped by 8% last year, anti-Latino hate crimes incidents increased by 25% nationwide and 31.6% in California.
At a time where prejudice against the Mexican American community continues to rise, this resolution serves as a vital call to counter rising hostility with national recognition, shifting the narrative to celebrate the enduring legacy, leadership, and achievements of Chicanos across the nation.
You can find the full text of the resolution HERE.