“Many of these champions are on the frontlines of fights that matter not just for their own community, but for our very humanity.”

Video (YouTube)

WASHINGTON – In a powerful speech on the House floor, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07) commemorated Hispanic Heritage Month. Rep. Pressley highlighted the transformative impacts Hispanic and Latinx people—including those on her staff—have had in their communities, in movement building, and in policy.

Throughout her time in public service, from the Boston City Council to Congress, Rep. Pressley has been a strong advocate for underserved and underrepresented communities, including the Hispanic and Latinx community in the Massachusetts 7^th and beyond.

A full transcript of her remarks is available below and the full video is available here.

Transcript: Rep. Ayanna Pressley Commemorates Hispanic Heritage Month in Powerful House Speech
U.S. House of Representatives
September 21, 2022

Mr. Speaker, I rise in recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month.

The Massachusetts 7^th is one of the most diverse districts in the country due in large part to the rich Hispanic and Latinx communities who reside there. 

The Colombians and Salvadorians and Ecuadorians in East Boston and Chelsea. The Dominicans and Puerto Ricans and Cubans in Jamaica Plain and the South End. The Mexicans and Brazilians in Cambridge, Somerville, Everett and beyond.

Many of these champions are on the frontlines of fights that matter not just for their own community, but for our very humanity.

They are justice seekers, movement builders, and given the number of servicemen and women and veterans they are defenders of democracy and freedom.

And their sweat equity makes our country stronger and policy-making more informed.

I’m proud to call them partners in the work to build a more just and equitable world.

Because Mr. Speaker, if the story of America is one of progress, then we owe it to the collective power, resilience, and collective advocacy of our Hispanic and Latinx siblings.

So, to those in Massachusetts and across the country, and those on my dedicated staff now and in the past, from Aissa, to Lina, to Luz, to Alana, to Ricardo, to Dago, to Kaylah, we thank you.

This month and every month, we give you your flowers.

###