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Pink Cake, Patriotism, and the Power of Unity: A Latino Reflection on Moving Forward Together

 


Ahhhh, pink cake! For those of us who grew up in San Antonio, Texas, or anywhere with rich Mexican heritage, pink cake—or cortadillos—is more than just dessert. This sweet treat brings back memories of loved ones and moments that shaped us.


Today, as we look to the future, pink cake reminds me that, like each piece with its unique texture and flavor, each of us brings a unique story and perspective to the table. After a long and challenging election season, I know not everyone reading this may agree with me—and that’s okay. I still love you, respect you, and would walk through fire for you. We’re family, and as such we find strength in differences, not division.


As we work through the term of the current administration-elect, our commitment remains to each other and to this country we share. When those in leadership (national, state, and local levels) succeed in serving all people, we all benefit. This commitment, however, doesn’t mean silencing our voices or compromising our values. As Latinos and Americans, we know what it means to lead from the ground up, creating power and change within our own communities. Life has never been easy, and we’ve always stood up for what we believe in—with dignity and grit.


While economic changes are sure to come, let’s hope they move toward helping all Americans benefit from this country’s true ideals and resources. The decisions made now will impact us all, and our voices have a place in guiding that process. True unity doesn’t require silence; when we see something wrong, it’s our duty to speak up. Let’s do so with the respect and integrity that define our community. We can organize, campaign, and make our voices heard through voting. When needed we can create change through peaceful protest, community engagement, and activism. This is what it means to be an engaged citizen and a proud American.


Let’s all remember that our country cannot be great if we are divided. By working together—supporting, challenging, and respecting each other—we build something stronger and truer. We’ve never lived an easy life being brown, but we do know how to live fully and work hard for a better future for our families and those around us. 


Proud of our work ethic and standing ready to employ it every chance we can, let’s walk down our streets with our hearts open and our heads high everyday knowing it is our intense work ethic and that of those like us that truly make our country great. Then, having completed our work for the day, we’ll sit down with some café de olla, a slice of that beloved pink cake, and plan how we will embrace the journey again the next day. Pushing forward with the same passion, resilience, and pride that ran across the veins of those “first ones” of our respective families we will be the difference that will shape our future.  


Nos vemos,

Bigg Rich

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