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Centro Hispano issues statement rejecting disparaging comments made about Latinos and Puerto Ricans at Trump rally

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The plaza at the new Centro Hispano (Photo by A. David Dahmer)

Centro Hispano, the leading non-profit organization working with the Latinx population in Madison and Dane County, said in a statement on Tuesday that it “unequivocally rejects the most recent offensive remarks made about Puerto Rico and immigrant communities,” referring to crude jokes made about Latinos by a comedian at Donald Trump’s Madison Square Garden rally including calling Puerto Rico a “floating island of garbage.”

“Since 2016, Latinx have had to bear the burden of dehumanizing, racist narratives. We have had to carry the grief of trauma, a result of oppressive tactics seeking to break our spirits,” Centro said in a statement. “From long-forgotten intentional family separation at the US-Mexico border, lies about our values, as men, women and children in this community, to misinformation around the rich diversity and history of our people, and our strengths. Across the Americas, and in the archipelago, the power of our ancestors runs deep, regardless of colonizing forces. This has only made us stronger. We keep a deep understanding of what drives migration, including our hopes, and the role of American foreign policies, in our hearts.”

Founded in 1983, Centro Hispano now supports over 7,500 individuals annually with more than 20,000 hours of programming at its new location on Madison’s South Side.

“This year, Centro recommits to getting out the vote and engaging Latinx in greater Dane County,” said Karen Menendez Coller, executive director of Centro Hispano. “Latinx can and will change the narrative, be visible, electing leaders who see us, and our humanity. Centro will partner with those who will be unapologetic in supporting the community, who will do the work to understand the true narrative, and their role in it, and who will be unafraid to voice their opinions in support, especially when disparaging remarks are made about our people.”

Puerto Rican rapper, singer, and record producer Bad Bunny, who has 45.6 million followers on Instagram, has thrown his support behind Vice President Kamala Harris since the remarks were made on Sunday. Puerto Rican superstar artists Jennifer Lopez and Ricky Martin have also condemned the comments and showed support for Harris to their followers.

“For too often in Dane County, Latinx are excluded, with non-existent bilingual/bicultural services and a lack of prioritization in policies and programs statewide. As the largest and fastest minoritized population, we are the future,” Centro said in their statement. “Latinas are not only the fastest-growing business owners nationwide. Latinx are also the solution for success in Wisconsin, where there are more jobs than people. Our humanity is a blend of wisdom, courage, tenacity and more. A result of our homelands where vibrancy and dreams thrive.

“For those who believe our voices will not be heard, we are strong together. This election cycle we will be visible, for Puerto Rico, friends and families in the archipelago, and for the Puerto Rican community shaping the fabric of what is Wisconsin every day.”