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Dr. Juan Andrade was invited by Dr. Emma Sepulveda to address Latino graduates that included Bachelors, several Masters, and one Doctorate at the University of Nevada-Reno on May 7.
While acknowledging that the national trends, with regard to population growth, economic activity, business development, and civic participation, were clearly benefiting the United States, Andrade focused on the numerous injustices being endured today in America and challenged the students to become Champions for Justice. Andrade blamed both Democrats and Republicans for the anti-Latino, anti-immigrant sentiment that has become so prevalent in American society. He called on Latinos to stand firm against anyone who opposes fair and humane comprehensive immigration reform, the DREAM Act, or renewal of the Violence Against Women Act which protects immigrant women from domestic abuse, sex crimes, and human trafficking, and to hold accountable anyone who lacks the political courage to strengthen child labor protection.
Andrade told the graduates to not lose hope, to not despair, to chase their dreams, fight for justice, and demand respect. He said America needs to change and can be changed. Andrade reminded the audience that, as a teacher, he was arrested on the 3rd day of school for speaking Spanish, but Latinos worked to get the laws changed and now teachers are paid a bonus for being able to use both languages in the classroom. He also reminded the audience that there was a time when five blacks equaled three whites (the three-fifths rule), and that today the President of the United States is black. He said America will not embrace Latinos until we win the fight for justice and respect. The audience, which included the University President, graduates and their families, responded with a standing ovation.
After his address, several students from the Latino Resource Center joined together to present Dr. Andrade their inaugural "Champion of the Dream" award.
"One more time, as he has done over many decades, Dr. Andrade gave a passionate speech that deeply touched the hearts, souls and minds of our Latino students and their parents who attended the ceremony. He made all of us proud and reminded us again how fortunate we are to have a mentor like him who through his leadership has opened so many roads for generations of students across the US." Dr. Emma Sepulveda, Writer, Foundation Professor and Director of the Latino Research Center, University of Nevada-Reno. "The University of Nevada, Reno is firmly committed to advancing diversity and student achievement, and the Latino Graduation Ceremony provides an important, inspiring celebration of both. It was an honor to have Dr. Andrade join us and give our students the opportunity to interact with such an accomplished national leader and role model." Dr. Marc Johnson, President, University of Nevada-Reno. |
