Minority rule

Part 3

by Kristen Lombardi

The 1990 US census reports more than 16,500 Latinos live in Worcester -- 36 percent are under age 18. It hardly seems startling that interim Census figures (1990-'95) indicate an increase in the Hispanic population by 4697 people, bringing the total to about 20,000 or 14 percent of the city's population.

One sign of growing activity within the city's Hispanic population is Centro's Latin American Festival. The festival attracts an estimated 30,000 people to Worcester Common for two days of fried plantains, flamenco, and merenque (see "It's salsa time!" page 12). Prestigious local corporations now back the festival. This year alone, organizers raised more than $60,000 in sponsorships (Fleet Bank donated $10,000). The event generates about $55,000 in revenue, says Dolly Vázquez, the director of Centro's Institute of Latino Arts and Culture. It is finally, after years of obstruction and neglect, gaining recognition from city officials.

"Nobody supported us until we won an award from the T&G for best cultural event," says Vázquez. "Now it's easier to get Anglos to respond to the festival. They're realizing it is in the city's best interest to help us."

The Hispanic community has become more politically active as well. Several local non-profits, such as Worcester Art Museum, have aggressively recruited Hispanics to their boards. City Manager Thomas Hoover has publicly promised to increase minority representation on boards and commissions -- an acknowledgment of Worcester's need for greater participation by Latinos. Although Worcester has never had an elected Latino politician, an increasing number are running for election. This year, first-time candidates Maritza Cruz and José Perez, running for city council and the school committee respectively, have weighed in. Although Perez insists he's not running as a minority candidate, he cannot help but notice the excitement among Latinos as he campaigns. In Great Brook Valley, residents approach Perez to inquire about voter registration. And, in Main South, Perez says, they talk about safety in city schools. "I want my issues to cut across ethnic barriers," says Perez. "But I obviously bring the disenfranchised representation, which is positive. It's about time."

Electing and appointing Hispanics to Worcester offices would make more residents, particularly non-Hispanics, aware of the need for improved education and job training within the Latino community, say activists. It would, in theory, allow for more minorities to be hired as city employees. Activists in the city see the day when Hispanics have a political slate and a number of candidates to push issues -- admittedly that may be far into the future.

"It will likely take another generation before Latinos reach the point where they've got enough of a voting block to be listened to," speculates Centro director Eubanks. "It's been so hard [to galvanize Latinos] because the community is so diverse."

Even though Latinos have yet to make real political strides, those who have watched the Latino population grow say they've seen a community unity develop. Gone are the days when Puerto Ricans feuded with Dominicans. Or Guatemalans fought with Salvadorans. Now, at least for the two-day festival, Latinos come together and celebrate each others' cultures.

"Through the Latin Festival, Centro has broken down barriers within the Latino community. We see Latinos together, and this has to be recognized by the [whole] community," says Bafaro.

Part 4

Kristen Lombardi can be reached at klombardi[a]phx.com.