Latino Memphis turned 30 this year. While such an anniversary would usually call for a celebration, Mauricio Calvo, president and CEO of the organization, said it would have been “tone deaf” to indulge in a traditional commemoration, given the current political climate.
“As soon as we heard the election results, we were like ‘No, we’re not throwing a party,’” Calvo said. “We’re going to be really busy.”
Nevertheless, Calvo still recognized the milestone the organization has achieved, and the growth it has sustained.
Calvo is originally from Mexico City, but Memphis has been his home for more than 30 years. For the past 17 years, Calvo has seen Latino Memphis grow from an initiative that led small projects to an organization responding to the larger demands of its community.
“Over the years it has been hard to explain to people exactly what we do,” Calvo said. “We are sparking opportunities for the Latino and Latinx community.”
This mission has translated into a number of programs that have evolved as Latino Memphis has responded to the needs of its targeted demographic. Latino Memphis was integral in providing English as a Second Language (ESL) classes in schools and fighting for Spanish interpretation in local hospitals.
As some of their initial issues have been resolved, Calvo said they are now primarily providing social and legal services to Memphis’ Latinx community. However, he emphasized that continuing attacks on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) have led the group to widen its reach.
“Everyone is welcome at Latino Memphis,” Calvo said. “It would be inconsistent for someone like Latino Memphis — someone who pushes for inclusion and representation —- not to welcome everyone.”
Calvo said most of the people who gravitate towards their services are apart of the Latinx community, and they serve a “growing number” of Spanish and non-Spanish speakers.
The advocacy organization also focuses on the growth and success of its community and works to make sure they’re represented in conversations with the media, elected officials, and elsewhere.
“If Memphis is going to be successful, it has to not only accept, but embrace immigrants,” Calvo said. “This is a community that is evolving. For a number of reasons [ranging from] culture to economic, it’s important to embrace [the immigrant community.]”
While a level of immigration enforcement has always existed, Calvo said current attacks are “off the charts.” He said not only has the amount of arrests intensified, but also the intensity of the techniques being used.
“We have never experienced anything like this before,” Calvo said. “We have attempted to evolve and adapt to the needs of the community.”
Latino Memphis has been asked about the group’s rapid response, but Calvo said it can honestly feel like a “slow response,” as they’re navigating sustainable and effective solutions. He said it can take them a bit longer to adapt, due to persistent attacks.
Calvo said they are constantly pivoting and having to learn how to address different types of laws and policies to address “complex situations.”
“Everyday is changing,” Calvo said. “On the one hand, we’re serving the community we pledged to serve, while protecting the well-being of this organization through funding mechanisms, DEI, and criminalization of our work.”
Advocacy work comes with its share of challenges, which further complicates the fact that Calvo’s team is made of people who are directly impacted by the attacks they’re fighting. He said this proves it’s not an “abstract concept and is very real.”
Calvo urges Memphis to understand the impact of what’s going on with the Latinx community, as it not only impacts them, but also the city, and democracy itself. He encourages people to vote and hold elected officials accountable.
Latino Memphis invites the community to donate and volunteer with them, but to also act in their capacity to be welcoming and accepting.
For more information: https://latinomemphis.org/