Posted December 5, 2017 | by KimS | in DemDaily, Resource

DemDaily: Latino Leaders Speak

December 5, 2017

Congressman Joaquin Castro

In challenging times we look for inspiration, role models, true heroes and leaders -- whose words can inspire, and whose stories can remind us of what is still possible.

The timing could not be more perfect, then, for the release of Latino Leaders Speak: Personal Stories of Struggle and Triumph.

The collection of 33 keynote addresses by some of our country's most prominent Latino voices -- elected officials, labor, administration, business and faith leaders, an astronaut, journalist, athlete, artist, author and other activists -- who have paved the way for future generations.

"The opportunity of America that we believe in is the opportunity of America that gave us the Civil Rights Act and the Voting Rights Act." -- Antonio Villaraigosa, former Mayor of Los Angeles

The book, which is a project of the Latino Leaders Network, brings to life the message each of these historic figures, as delivered at the Latino Leaders Luncheon Series over the last decade.

"Young people, live your life, stand out, regardless of what anybody thinks. Remember, creating history is just a matter of seeing and pursuing what others can't and won't." -- Richard Montanez, Pepsi Co Executive & Author

Order Latino Leaders Speak

* Henry Bonilla * Susan Castillo * Joaquín Castro * Francisco Cigarroa * Henry Cisneros * Virgilio P. Elizondo * Lily Eskelsen-García * Alberto Gonzales * Carlos Gutiérrez * Luis Gutiérrez * José Hernández * María Hinojosa * Mel Martínez * Robert Menéndez * Omar Minaya * Gloria Molina * Richard Montañez * Janet Murguía * Soledad O'Brien * Federico Peña * Tom Pérez * Bill Richardson * Adam Rodríguez * Ken Salazar * María Elena Salinas * Ricardo Sánchez * Hilda Solis * Lionel Sosa * Julie Stav * Leticia Van De Putte * Nydia Velazquez * Antonio Villaraigosa

"The opportunity of America that we believe in is the opportunity of America that gave us the Civil Rights Act and the Voting Rights Act." -- Antonio Villaraigosa, former Mayor of Los Angeles

Through six events annually, the Latino Leaders Network brings leaders together to establish relationships, build unity and share their personal stories of obstacles overcome to achieve success.

On being Latino in the United States, "my mother told us 'People do not define you, you define yourself' ... it means "succeeding, fulfilling the dream and then turning around and grabbing everybody else and making it happen for them too." -- CNN Anchor & Journalist Soledad O'Brien

The book, which is co-edited by Mickey Ibarra and Maria Perez-Brown, and published by Arte Publico Press at the University of Houston, is an ideal gift for the holidays or the New Year.

"Our Stories are powerful and need to be told. That simple yet seminal statement in Latino Leaders Speak, is precisely what makes this book required reading." -- Patricia Guadalupe, Contributing Writer, NBC Latino, and Latino Magazine.