The recent Latino Day event at Georgia’s State Capitol highlighted the community’s call for equal opportunities and recognition.
Hosted by the Latino Community Fund of Georgia (LCF), GALEO, and other partner organizations, the event aimed to celebrate Latino culture and address critical needs such as access to health care, education, and fair treatment for Latino workers.
Gigi Pedraza, LCF’s Executive Director, stressed that the Latino community isn’t asking for extreme measures but for equitable opportunities, citing the significant economic contributions of Latinos in industries like poultry, agriculture, and carpet production.
Despite support from some lawmakers for measures seen as harmful to Latinos, such as the Laken Riley Act, the Latino community in Georgia is advocating for better legal protections and workforce rights.
The group expressed concern over proposed bills like Senate Bill 21 and House Bill 18, which could negatively impact local governments’ autonomy and access to education.
Nonetheless, Pedraza remains hopeful that with the growing Latino population and political engagement, Georgia lawmakers will recognize the vital role Latinos play in the state’s economy and society.