Imagining What’s Possible

If you watched the Emmy Awards on Sunday, September 15, you may have heard actor John Leguizamo’s speech about “DEI”: Diligence, Excellence and Imagination. At YWCA, many of the spaces we occupy are filled with conversation about Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. Having a mission that seeks to eliminate racism and empower women, we strive for DEI in our workplaces, schools and public institutions because we know it is necessary. Now picture this: working towards diversity, equity and inclusion diligently, aiming for excellence and using our imagination to create a world where we can work together.

Leguizamo’s speech, which he gave on the first day of Hispanic Heritage Month, captured the importance of representation and opportunity. He mentioned how historically in Hollywood, white actors played roles of Hispanic characters. His words were reminiscent of Viola Davis’s at the 2015 Emmys when she said, “The only thing that separates women of color from anyone else is opportunity. You cannot win an Emmy for roles that are simply not there.” To John Leguizamo’s point, there were roles based on or about Hispanic characters, but no Hispanic actors were given the opportunity to play them. To go even further, he pontificated about how he initially did not complain when Hispanic actors were given stereotypical roles, but soon realized that “not complaining doesn’t change anything.”

We have seen what happened when actors of color were chosen for non-stereotypical roles. They excelled because someone had enough imagination to see them differently and diligently worked on their behalf. At work, home, school or in your community, what can happen when you imagine something new?

Upcoming Hispanic Heritage Events

·         Hola Fest Youngstown: September 21, 2024 at Wean Park from 12 PM to 9 PM

·         OCCHA’s Youth Hispanic Heritage Event: October 3 from 9 AM to 12 PM at OCCHA

·         YSU Hispanic Heritage Celebration: October 12 from 12 PM to 3 PM Kilcawley Center, 1 University Plaza

Youngstown, OH 44505

What Caught Our Attention This Week

Making Youngstown Welcoming for Everyone (businessjournaldaily.com)

Check out this Business Journal article about the work Thrive Mahoning Valley is doing to welcome immigrants and refugees to the Valley.