Honoring humanity creates an equitable and just society.
History matters. Not only does it show where we have been, it explains why things are the way they are. When it comes to building a more equitable and just world for everyone, everyday actions -- the large and the small -- matter. The Washington State Office of Equity honors the contributions of Latinos who, through their actions, made this state and nation a better place to live. We appreciate the everyday actions -- the large and the small -- Latinos take to live, love, and thrive in safety and authenticity.
The story of Latinos in Washington begins in the late 1700s when a Spanish ship sailed from Mexico to the Pacific Northwest. Over the years, the presence of Latinos has grown with Latinos filling needs across many industries, including in the farms and fields that have provided food for the table and built the economy of many Washington cities and towns. The contributions of Latinos are part of what makes Washington the great state it is today.
We must be impatient for change. Let us remember that our voice is a precious gift and we must use it. Claudia Flores