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An exceptional unit of Black soldiers who fought in World War I will receive the Congressional Gold Medal.

Nota de opinión del Rep. Adriano Espaillat | Publicado originalmente en The Hill, 07/12/21

Op-Ed by Congressman Adriano Espaillat | Originally published in The Hill, 07/12/21

In the midst of Coronavirus and societal unrest happening right now, the 2020 Census is understandably the last thing on the minds of most people. In fact, as of July 13, 2020, only 58.8% of residents in New York’s 13th Congressional district and 62% of people nationwide have completed it since it kicked off in mid-March. Still, it is vital that everyone in New York’s 13th congressional district take 10 minutes to fill it out. Here’s why.
The solutions to the problems we are currently facing will be determined by who has power and how money is allocated to communities across the country. The Census is critical in determining both.

The debate on police discrimination and violence is forcing Hispanic and black Americans to address both the commonalities and tensions between their communities. Although Hispanic communities have historically been subject to police discrimination, many Latino leaders are looking to African American leaders to shape the police reform movement. That deference in large part comes from a recognition that racism, particularly based on skin tone, is pervasive among Hispanic communities. Rep. Adriano Espaillat (D-N.Y.), a Dominican-born Afro-Latino member of the CHC, said the movement sprung from Floyd’s killing is changing the way the entire country sees race relations.

“I think everyone has come to grips with the issue of racism and police brutality,” said Espaillat.

“That’s something that’s captured everyone’s attention and heart,” he added.

Still, Espaillat said that Afro-Latinos are sometimes doubly targeted, out of both racial and ethnic bigotry.

“We get it in English and in Spanish,” said Espaillat

New York is in stasis during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, yet not all residents are heeding the guidance of local, state and national public health experts to help prevent the further spread of the novel coronavirus. Last week, photos surfaced of a crowded group of passengers on the No. 2 train during 6:00 p.m. rush hour.

While some of the riders wore masks, it was unavoidable for straphangers to maintain adequate social distancing because for these riders, it was the only feasible mode of transportation to jobs that required them to physically be there. And why, you might ask, reading this from the safety and comfort of your home, would there be such images of fellow New Yorkers unable to emulate your example of staying at home? In Manhattan, the most affected community is Washington Heights and neighboring communities.