Guest Opinion:
Anahuac is the ancient core of Mexico. Anahuac is a Nahuatl name which means “close to water.” It can be broken down like this: A(tl) + nahuac. Atl means “water” and nahuac, which is a relational word that can be affixed to a noun, means “close to.” …Anahuac properly designates the south-central part.
Embracing this descriptor: Hispanics are to Southwest, as Southwest is to Detroit, as Detroit is to Michigan as Michigan is to the Mid-West, etc. We are geographically situated at the crossroads of I-96, I-94 & I-75, converging at the foot of two major international border crossings, The Gordie Howe, and The Ambassador Bridges. Together these crossings serve to connect three countries and two continents into one seamless economic hemisphere, representing an unrivaled quantity of global free trade agreements, creating boundless opportunity.
It matters not when or how you and/or your family came to settle here, you have arrived. Survey all that has been built and developed around you. Education, employment, and economic development have fortuitously come to us. Everything you could want, or need is within two miles of where we are. The most recent addition is the University of Michigan Center for Innovation, dedicated to preparing people to exploit the full potential of future technologies. (See the cover story in this issue). Just north in Mid-town, Henry Ford Health Systems “The Future of Health” development has completed its Community Benefits Agreement process. Wayne State University has a new President, Dr. Kimberly Andrews Espy, who came to us from San Antonio bringing with her an appreciation and cultural affinity and competence for our community. Add to this, Ford’s restoration of the Michigan Central Station committed to Mobility and Electrification.
Just before the holidays, the Governor’s “Grow Michigan” commission submitted its recommendations; number one, EDUCATION! Our community has been and will continue to strengthen our commitment to education for our children. Comprising virtually half of the population in our district and being part of the now largest and youngest minority group in the country, we have a unique responsibility to intentionally develop the talent and workforce to insure our city’s, and by extension, our country’s future. We have an opportunity to contribute to Michigan’s growth by inviting others to come, to work and learn, from the city’s Jumpstart program to the state’s Reconnect program and everything in between. Every major state university and Wayne County Community College District has a presence within a mile of downtown.
Time and space do not permit a more detailed breakdown of reasons why you should want to be a part of this expansion. It is my hope that you will fully appreciate and realize the opportunities available to you/us to get involved by joining groups, organizations, and member associations to provide a more visible and vocal presence for our community.
I encourage you to please seize the opportunity to get involved and take full advantage of everything available to us; You too can make a difference!
Rogelio Landin is most renowned nationally for leading LULAC in the precedent setting successful filing of an Amicus in the Bradley v. Milliken II (1976-1978) desegregation case. Winning a favorable ruling in this case served to protect and preserve Bilingual education and the designation of minority status as included in the Civil Rights Act of 1964. This case has had generational national and historical implications for the education of our children and continues to provide for the protection of Hispanic civil rights.
