Office of the President

Celebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month

September 15, 2022

"Every moment is an organizing opportunity, every person a potential activist, every minute a chance to change the world."  

— Dolores Huerta  

The famed community organizer and activist Dolores Huerta has dedicated her life to social justice, equity and empowering the working poor, women and children. Her unshakable resolution for justice drove her to become a champion of labor rights, immigrant rights, civil rights, environmental rights, women's rights, and LGBTQ rights - causes that she still fights for today at the age of 92.   

As the nation's most diverse polytechnic university, we also celebrate our very own Broncos who transform lives and unify communities. I think of alumni like Supervisor Hilda Solis (’79, political science), whose life’s work strives to help improve the lives of future generations through her advocacy for workers’ rights, better wages and workplace safety as Secretary of Labor for President Obama, and the needs of our local community as Los Angeles County Supervisor of the First District.   

Both Ms. Huerta and Supervisor Solis’ legacies represent the foundation of National Hispanic Heritage Month. When we celebrate the wealth of ideas, perspectives, contributions and achievements of Latino/a/x people, we recognize the paramount need to stand in unity to build stronger communities and a stronger nation. We too are called to welcome all voices to the metaphorical table. Indeed, our strengths are not just from within but also in each other.   

I invite each of you to participate in the series of events and programs taking place at Cal Poly Pomona this September, along with the activities in the communities where you live.   

Ms. Huerta and Supervisor Solis’ lifelong dedication and fierce passion for civil rights are models of good stewardship to ensure our nation serves all of its people well. The innovation and possibilities each of you create here at Cal Poly Pomona is a testament to the power of our strength in unity. By recognizing our power when we stand united, we are better equipped to build a future more firmly centered on inclusion, justice and equity for all.