UPDATE: Nearly 50 attendees gathered at the Delaware History Museum this week for a groundbreaking presentation by award-winning journalist Juan González, spotlighting the untold stories of Latino migration that shaped the United States. This event, titled “Latinos and Migration to the United States: The Untold Story,” is part of the state’s efforts to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, emphasizing a more inclusive understanding of history.
González opened the session with a powerful reminder that the Latino population in the U.S. exceeds 68 million, yet most Americans remain unaware of its rich and complex history. “There is very little knowledge by most Americans as to how and why the Latino community of the United States developed,” he stated, addressing the audience in both Georgetown and Wilmington.
The event underscored the significant contributions of Latinos, linking historical migration waves to American prosperity. “You cannot really understand the presence of so many Latinos in the United States unless you first understand the role of the U.S. empire in Latin America,” González explained. He elaborated that U.S. economic and political actions in Latin America destabilized communities, forcing many to migrate to the U.S. for safety and opportunity.
Throughout the presentation, González stressed the importance of recognizing Latino influence across America’s geography and culture—citing state names derived from Spanish origins, such as Florida and Nevada. He emphasized that Latino history extends back over 200 years, contradicting the common misconception that they are merely recent arrivals.
Attendees were deeply moved, including Carmen Guerrero, an Indigenous activist from Pennsylvania. Guerrero, who traces her roots to the Chiapaneca Maya Tzeltal community in Mexico, expressed her pride in her heritage. “Coming to these events is a way to educate ourselves,” she asserted, highlighting the importance of understanding history to advocate for her community.
The urgency of González’s message resonated especially when discussing education. Latino youth comprised 28.7% of U.S. public schools in Fall 2022, with Delaware schools showing similar trends—19% of the state’s student population identifies as Latino. In specific districts like Indian River, that figure rises to 37.5%. These statistics highlight the crucial need for educational representation and culturally relevant curricula.
As Delaware approaches its 250th anniversary, the call for inclusivity and recognition of Latino and Indigenous contributions grows louder. González and Guerrero’s shared message reflects a profound truth: America’s narrative is incomplete without acknowledging the struggles and resilience of these communities.
This pivotal event invites further discussions and educative initiatives, urging attendees to reflect on the intertwined fates of all Americans. As history unfolds, awareness of these critical narratives will shape a more inclusive future.
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