CLEVELAND, OH — The Young Latino Network (YLN) and Avanzamos Unidos (AU) stand united in condemning recent rhetoric at the opening of former President Trump’s rally in New York City, where Tony Hinchliffe’s appalling and disparaging comments about Puerto Rico and the Latino community were made. These remarks are an insult not only to our Puerto Rican neighbors but to all who value respect, dignity, and equity. Such public vilification fuels harmful xenophobia and deepens divisions in our country.
While we understand the nature of comedy, political rallies are platforms meant to energize and mobilize. The use of hateful, dehumanizing rhetoric in these settings is dangerous, fueling harmful behavior and perpetuating ignorant attitudes towards entire communities. “We are here to say: Enough is enough,” said YLN and AU Executive Director, Selina Pagán. “Our communities are not props, nor are they scapegoats for political agendas that seek to divide. We condemn the disrespectful and dangerous statements made against Puerto Ricans and our immigrant neighbors. The Latine community has been used as a target for far too long, and we will not tolerate this ongoing abuse.”
As a call to action, YLN and AU urge all Puerto Ricans, Latines, and allies to remember this insult when they go to the polls. Voting is an essential act of resistance and a means to reclaim the power of our community. We will not allow our voices to be drowned out by those who seek to demean and divide us. This is a critical moment to stand together, show solidarity, and demand accountability.
About Young Latino Network (YLN)
The Young Latino Network is a 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to coalesce the power of Latine communities to liberate and transform them. We amplify our ability to enact change through community-building, civic engagement, and advocacy in Ohio.
About Avanzamos Unidos (AU)
Avanzamos Unidos is a 501(c)(4) organization that strives to grow Latine political power in the State of Ohio. We are building a multi-class, multi-generational grassroots community organization that harnesses the collective political power of the Latine community to advance racial, economic, and social justice for a more equitable Ohio.