Our history is dotted with examples of immigrant communities finding their unified voice and identity. Nothing amplifies the virtues of the American Dream as loudly as the blossoming of a new immigrant community.  

The Latino population is growing by leaps and bounds every year. The latest census figures estimate that the Latino population has reached nearly 65 million nationwide and constitutes about 20 percent of our total population. Latinos continue to be the fastest-growing demographic in the United States.  

 But Latinos are not a homogenous demographic; we are composed of many races and ethnicities and political affiliations. The Latinx community in the United States represents 22 different nationalities.  

The Latinx community has become an economic powerhouse that continues to shape the essence of the United States. The most critical piece and challenge of this new Latino revival will be creating a new Latino consciousness of Hispanidad. Our Latino identity must tap into our common language and our Spanish, Native American, and African heritage.  

We are on the cusp of a massive shift to lead our nation toward a more prosperous and equitable society. Latinos continue to reassess the traditional political parties in this new revival. In the coming decades, both the Republican Party and the Democratic Party must seriously evaluate their strategies to engage and maintain the loyalty of such a complex block of voters.  

Latinos hold the conservative values of independence, patriotism, and mistrust of too much governmental power. At the same time, new immigrants appreciate the importance of social programs that support the community. Thus, Latinos are ripe for a new form of centrist politics that is more objective and stands clear of radical ideologies. 

A group of parents has formed Latinos for Education Advocacy and Diversity to be an active voice for families throughout Connecticut.   

LEAD's mission is based on four pillars: Educational Options, Financial Literacy, Civic Engagement, and Latin American History and Culture. 

LEAD understands that through a system of excellent educational options such as charter schools and additional vocational programs, our communities will have a mechanism for opportunities and growth. Our families and small business owners will have access to the tools to achieve financial independence and improve their quality of life through financial literacy. 

LEAD knows that through Civic Engagement, our community will see the value of participating in our political system. Our community will understand the importance of registering to vote, voting, running for office, becoming U.S. citizens, and navigating our political system to advocate more effectively for themselves and for our community.   

LEAD has expanded to Hartford, East Hartford, Waterbury, Bridgeport, New London, and Norwich. We have grown from a group trying to open a charter school to a state-wide movement that will eventually become a national voice of unity and purpose for all Latinos.  

LEAD offers a path of empowerment, self-sufficiency, and pride. We have the essence of sugar cane in our bones and the fantastic legacy of empires in our blood. With flavor, with rhythm in our step, Latinos will move forward. Without having to conform to the status quo, we will chart a new shining path.  

Please join us as a LEAD member, as we grow with like-minded people to bring voice and representation to the voiceless and marginalized. United we are stronger.  

Lucas Pimentel (CEO) 
lpimentel@ctlead.org