Demographics and Why Advocacy on Behalf of Latinos
The Latino population has exploded over the past few decades.
The 2010 US Census points to a demographic explosion in the state from 192,921
(3.6 of the state) in the year 2000 to 336,056 (6%) in 2010, or a 74.2%
increase. In the City of Milwaukee the Latino population increased to 108,007
or 17.3% of the City. This constitutes a growth of more than 44%. In the public
schools of the city, Latino enrollment is now at 24%.
In Milwaukee County alone, the Latino population increased to 129,039 (13.3%).
In the US, 17.1% of Latinos age 65 and older live in poverty. In Wisconsin,
over 9,000 Latinos are 65 and older of which more than 2,000 live in poverty.
A breakdown of ethnic and other population characteristics
has not yet been released for the 2010 US Census. However, in the past few
years, the PEW Hispanic Center and the US Census estimated that in Wisconsin
16% of Latinos live in poverty; 34% were foreign born; the mean age was 24; 31%
and 69% of native and foreign born, respectively, had less than a high school
diploma; 74% of Latinos are citizens; 31% speak English less than very well
(68% of the foreign born); 38% of the foreign born entered the US after 2000;
housing needs for a growing population of Latino elderly has increased; and,
among Latinos, there is a greater need for access to food and health.
Because of this, the need for bilingual services has
increased; and so has the need for effective advocacy that functions to
eradicate disparities and inequalities in the social condition of Latinos when
compared with other populations.
Disparities and inequalities are most pronounced in areas
that, by now, should have been eradicated. Why do they still persist? It would
be extremely naïve not to see that race, ethnicity, and language, when they
interplay with the economy and power, are at the very heart, unfortunately, of
how and why people of color, are treated differently and have less access to
resources and social benefits and opportunities.
We need to change this situation. We need to do away with social
inequality in the Milwaukee area which retards the progress of Latinos and
African American, the two largest minority groups, as well as inequality that
affect others. Disparities in wage earning and job accessibility are
detrimental to the health of the community; and disparities in social
treatment, housing, education and health are an expression of such inequality.
From our perspective, they are also civil rights issues. Continually changing
immigration practices and law also require our advocacy locally and nationally.
In the case of Latinos, we need, both, services and programs
that address their needs and their desires for greater social integration and self-sufficiency;
and we need advocacy, that ensures more enlightened policies, laws and
legislation that are more equal in purpose and outcomes.
Centro Hispano is committed to these purposes, especially in
the areas where Latinos suffer the most from social disparities and inequalities.
In our democracy, there should not be social inequities, and everyone should
have access to the opportunities that move us from poverty and despair to a
better life. Advocacy must be local, state, and national, and Centro Hispano is
involved in all these areas. Currently, it is affiliated with various local and
state organizations and the National Council of La Raza (it serves as its lead
advocacy affiliate in Wisconsin). The Council also works closely with the U.S.
Department of Justice; the U.S. Department of Labor; the U.S. Department of
Education; the U.S. Department of Homeland Security; and, it helps to coordinate
White House listening sessions in Milwaukee.