Athens-area residents have a chance to find out about an often-overlooked segment of the community. The Latin American Association is kicking off its launch in Athens with a luncheon. Georgia District 117 Representative Deborah Gonzalez is the featured speaker. She says supporters and those who would like to know more about their Latin neighbors are invited to attend.
“I think it’s wonderful opportunity to get a sense of about the Latino community and about the Latin American Association and ask questions about what their services are going to be because I think there's a lot of miscommunication about the Hispanic community in Athens and throughout Georgia, and this is a good place to get some answers,” Gonzalez said.
The mission of the LAA is to empower Latinos to adapt, integrate, and thrive. The association focuses on five areas: Education, Family Well-being, Economic Empowerment, Immigration and Culture and Engagement.
Gonzalez says the Hispanic community is often less visible than others.
“Right now it seems we’re a little over 10 percent of the population in Athens, but as you say, it is one of those populations that sort of keeps to itself, and there are many reasons for that. That’s part of a discussion I had… at the Georgia State University, talking about immigration policy and the idea that Georgia,as a whole as a state has not been very welcoming to immigrants.”
The luncheon is at the Cotton Press from 11:30 to 1 pm.
