John,

This month is Hispanic Heritage Month in the United States, a time to celebrate and honor the more than 63 million Americans with Latin American/Hispanic heritage.

I grew up in Southwest Detroit, home to one of the largest Latin American communities in Michigan. I still remember going to the Detroit Hispanic Development Corporation as a young organizer, which helped shape my values as a justice seeker. This is why I am hoping you can help shape the next generation of young organizers through your support of the Detroit Hispanic Development Corporation.  

The Detroit Hispanic Development Corporation (DHDC) is rooted in the vibrant culture of Detroit’s Latin American community, supporting over 5,000 youth and adults annually with life-changing opportunities for self-empowerment and self-determination, education, workforce development, financial literacy, and more. As part of providing high-quality and culturally competent services for the community, over 80% of DHDC’s staff members were born and raised in Southwest Detroit, and 40% of staff are graduates of DHDC’s programs.

Right now the Detroit Hispanic Development Corporation needs funding support for after-school and summer youth programs, which engage K-12 students with hands-on experience and training in applied math and science, 3D design and printing, computer programing, robotics, electronics and engineering, marketing, music and video production, and graphic design. Several professional engineers mentor youth throughout the year, and some young people have already gone on to attain a degree in engineering and secure steady employment.

Through these programs, the Detroit Hispanic Development Corporation has now helped to develop robotics programs in every high school in Southwest Detroit. They’re expanding to middle and elementary schools, helping more students innovate and apply creative thinking and design skills that will help them with economic security in adulthood. This kind of investment is particularly important for communities that have been too often left behind, and it’s just one piece of the Detroit Hispanic Development Corporation’s service in the community. DHDC also provides technical support and small re-grants to other Latin American-led organizations doing advocacy and community organizing work across Michigan.

Can you donate directly to the Detroit Hispanic Development Corporation today, in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month? Your support helps invest in thousands of young people and their families to see themselves as agents of change and self-determination.

As we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, let’s continue to fight for a future where every person, regardless of their background, has access to the opportunities they deserve.

In solidarity and service,

Rashida Tlaib