Statement Regarding the Recent Mass Shootings

August 7, 2019

From the Hermanos of La Unidad Latina, Lambda Upsilon Lambda Fraternity Incorporated.

The members of La Unidad Latina, Lambda Upsilon Lambda Fraternity, Inc. are heartbroken over the recent wave of mass shootings, which has led to the deaths and injury of dozens of individuals throughout the country. These tragedies are compounded by the notion that the shootings in El Paso, Texas were racially motivated, carried out by a domestic terrorist with white supremacist ideology that purposely targeted people of color, and specifically Latinos, people he considered “invaders” in these United States.

La Unidad Latina was founded to uplift and empower the Latino community, and we cannot stand by when there are those who want to destroy lives simply because our community exists. We condemn in the strongest terms the ideologies of white nationalism and white supremacy, and the growing anti-Latino sentiment perpetuated by those of power and privilege who are purposely scapegoating Latinos to distract others from tackling the real challenges that face this country.

La Unidad Latina believes that there is more that unites than divides the people of this great country. Our membership includes individuals from almost all 50 states and territories. It includes veterans and active service members, law enforcement, government officials and  first responders. We include teachers, doctors, lawyers and financial professionals, artists and activists, non-profit leaders and entrepreneurs. All make this country great with their innovation and dedication to service and community. Though we may differ by socioeconomic status, politics, race, ethnicity, religion, sexuality, or ability, we call each other HERMANO, because we understand that these very differences allow us to bring our unique experiences and skills to the table, and work together to accomplish our common goals and dreams.

We know the United States will overcome this era of fear and division. We know that our fellow countrymen will come together and see the Latino community, not as invaders needing to be attacked, but as brothers and sisters that should be embraced. We know that true patriotic Americans know to reject the hateful language and ideology infecting our national discourse. We know this because we see the good in people every single day.

Our membership will continue to work toward uplifting our community. We ask that all Americans stand with us, condemn these brutal attacks, and speak out against divisive rhetoric and ideologies. We ask that people pressure their elected representatives to do the work of the people, and make this country safer, not only from enemies abroad, but from enemies within.  We ask that the media recognize White nationalism and White supremacy for the terrorist ideology that it is, and call out those who perpetuate these ideologies, overtly or implicitly.

Our hearts go out to the families of all those whose lives were cut short in these tragic days.  We stand with you, as do the best that is this country. To our Hermanos with family in El Paso, we stand with you, Para Siempre. We ARE America, and America is us.

The Hermanos of La Unidad Latina, Lambda Upsilon Lambda Fraternity Inc.