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By Tim Hornbecker, Grassroots Organizer, The Arc of California
I was inspired, informed, and challenged by attending the El Arc de California Latino Disability Leadership Summit in Los Angeles last week. I was inspired by meeting and listening to the co-founder of the United Farm Workers union, Dolores Huerta. I had the privilege of working with her and Cesar Chavez during the Grape Boycott (Huelga) march to Washington, D.C. in the late 1960’s. She was the organizer of the marches, and still inspires me at age 93! “Our voice matters” Dolores exclaimed! “We had a lot of power because of our numbers during the boycotts. Poor people can organize. Every person is an activist, every moment is an opportunity to give hope and transform. We need to love and organize more!” Her messages are still the same. Our presence and our voices are needed in these times of racism, inequality, and injustice. She had all of us raising our fists shouting, “Si, Se Puede”, Yes We Can!
Dolores’ opening speech at the second Leadership Summit of 2023 undoubtedly had a profound impact on the assembled leaders. As a legendary civil rights activist, Dolores bought a wealth of experience and wisdom to the gathering. Her speech likely served as a powerful catalyst for the leaders, inspiring them to engage in meaningful action and advocacy.
Dolores’ focus on the themes of power building, organizing for systemic change, and addressing disparities resonated deeply with the leaders. Her emphasis on creating power through unity and collective action encouraged the leaders to consider their own roles in effecting change within their respective communities. By emphasizing the importance of organizing and advocating for systemic change, she challenged the leaders to think strategically and proactively about their advocacy efforts.
Overall, Dolores left an indelible impact on the summit’s attendees, fueling their sense of purpose, solidarity, and commitment to advancing the rights and opportunities to Latinos with disability community in California.
Grace Huerta, daughter in law of Dolores, opened the Summit as the Chairperson of El Arc de California. “What is important to us and what are our challenges? We deserve a unique platform, and El Arc will provide this support with you,” Grace said. She emphasized the lack of support and respect, lack of communication and access to available services. “We won’t stay silent. We have rights. We are leaders, intelligent and brave with voices to change these disparities!”
If the voices of these two women weren’t enough, the Summit was facilitated by Ana Garcia-Ashley. She is Executive Director for the Gamaliel Foundation, where a young Barack Obama learned how to be a community organizer. But Gamaliel teaches there are no permanent friends or enemies in organizing. She was arrested with 1,000 families at the White House protesting Obama deporting more immigrants than any other President!
Ana clarified that El Arc is a grassroots movement of Latino disability advocates to build power, develop leaders and encourage change. To accomplish these outcomes, the over 40 leaders met together and worked in three separate groups. She facilitated and constantly challenged each of these groups. Group #1 – Relationship Building with DDS, Group #2 – Communicating Stories of the Latino disability community, Group #3 – Building Relationships with Legislators about the needs of the Latino disability community.
Thank you to our host, Emilio Sosa, Chief Executive Officer at The Arc of Los Angeles & Orange Counties for their meeting room, transportation, as well as meals provided by their Culinary Arts Program. They were an example of organizing families and informing their elected officials about their successes and challenges. Attending the evening reception was the Mayor of Downey, Claudia Frometa, as well as the Mayor Pro-Tempore Mario Trujillo. Also, the City of Downey Councilmember Hector Sosa and 64th district Assemblymember Blanca Pacheco recognized and welcomed El Arc de California leaders!
