The Underrepresented American Voices and Their Contributions to Create a More Inclusive Workforce in the United States
As we approach the election for the 47th president of the United States, concerns surrounding civil liberties for all are paramount. For the first time in my voting history, I have witnessed the alarming threat to Lady Liberty posed by divisiveness, racism, classism, xenophobia, ageism, and ableism, predominantly emerging from one of the two major candidates.
Last week, a political rally in New York, endorsed by former President Trump, showcased speeches rife with division, marked by racism, xenophobia, ageism, and ableism. These speakers invoked freedom of speech as a means to insult and exclude, as one after another unleashed rhetoric that wielded our liberties as a weapon against Lady Liberty.
The narrative portraying immigrants as threats and job stealers is a tactic designed to instill fear and distrust among citizens, particularly against Black, Hispanic, Disabled, and any social identities that diverge from being White or cisgender male. Our response to the "othering" of marginalized voices must evolve; remaining silent is no longer an option.
Is the economy genuinely worth sacrificing our civil liberties? Meanwhile, underrepresented and marginalized populations continue to be trapped in cycles of poverty while more affluent individuals amass wealth, often at the expense of the many taxpayers who live paycheck to paycheck.
As a proud Puerto Rican and gay cisgender male, I believe it is crucial to address the targeting of our Black and brown brothers and sisters. This effort begins with holding both individuals and systems accountable by presenting facts that underscore the positive contributions of our communities in fostering a more cohesive and respectful society. Below are several key data points that illustrate the vital role diverse communities play in promoting equity, particularly in response to those who argue that "we are too sensitive as a country." To counter misinformation, we must offer evidence that presents an alternative perspective. Here is a list that highlights how underrepresented and marginalized populations have significantly enhanced our collective community:
Women have played a crucial role in the workforce and society at large. As of recent data, women's participation in the labor force was around 57.7%, with Latina women's involvement steadily increasing over the last two decades. Women, particularly those in minority groups like Latinas, have also increasingly turned to entrepreneurship. The number of Latina-owned businesses grew faster than any other racial or ethnic group between 2007 and 2018. Moreover, women’s voting rates are notable; for example, 50% of eligible Latinas voted in the 2016 midterms, a higher rate than their male counterparts. Women's engagement in politics and advocacy for issues like equal pay and healthcare remains influential (American Association of University Women, n.d.; National Women's Law Center, 2019).
Puerto Ricans have made vital contributions in various areas, such as military service, science, and culture. They serve at disproportionately high rates in the U.S. armed forces, reflecting their dedication to national defense. Economically, Puerto Rico’s link to the mainland contributes to mutual financial benefits, despite being a U.S. territory rather than a state. For example, the economic flow and investments between Puerto Rico and the U.S. mainland support both economies. Additionally, Puerto Rican talent in science and technology has been showcased through achievements like STEM students excelling in NASA competitions (Puerto Rico 51st, n.d.; Journalist's Resource, 2023).
Minority-owned businesses represent a crucial segment of the American economy. In 2018, minority-owned firms comprised 18.7% of all U.S. businesses, generating approximately $1 trillion in revenue and employing over 8.7 million people (U.S. Census Bureau, 2018). Additionally, Latinx and immigrant labor is essential to the agricultural sector, with 76% of U.S. crop workers being immigrants, contributing to the nation's food supply chain and agricultural economy (U.S. Department of Agriculture, 2018).
Underrepresented populations have been essential in advancing U.S. scientific and technological progress. Between 1995 and 2019, Black, Hispanic, and Native American students increased their representation in STEM fields (National Science Foundation, 2019). Figures like Dr. Shirley Ann Jackson and Dr. Mae Jemison highlight contributions to telecommunications and space exploration. African American mathematician Katherine Johnson's trajectory calculations at NASA were essential to the Apollo missions, particularly the success of Apollo 11, which was pivotal in U.S. achievements in space (NASA, n.d.).
Marginalized communities have historically driven social reform. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965, achievements of the Civil Rights Movement led primarily by African Americans, expanded civil rights across the U.S., contributing to significant improvements in economic and educational opportunities for people of color (Urban Institute, 2021). Similarly, the labor rights protections fought for by the United Farm Workers in the 1960s and 1970s improved wages and working conditions for farm laborers, most of whom were immigrants (United Farm Workers, n.d.).
The voting power of minority groups has shaped key U.S. elections. For instance, Black and Latinx voters were instrumental in the 2020 presidential election, with unprecedented turnout rates influencing policy on healthcare, education, and economic equity (Pew Research Center, 2021). Increased representation of women of color in Congress has also brought diverse perspectives to U.S. policymaking. In the 117th Congress (2021-2023), women of color held 51 seats, advocating for issues affecting marginalized communities, including healthcare access, racial equity, and reproductive rights (Center for American Women and Politics, 2021).
Jewish Americans have been active allies and leaders in the Civil Rights Movement, advocating for racial equality and justice alongside African American leaders. For example, Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel famously marched with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. during the Selma to Montgomery marches in 1965, advocating for voting rights (Greenberg, 2004). Additionally, Jewish organizations such as the American Jewish Congress and the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) supported landmark cases like Brown v. Board of Education, which aimed to dismantle racial segregation in schools (American Jewish Congress, n.d.).
Suppose available data fails to illustrate the contributions of migrants and other underrepresented groups to our diverse nation. In that case, organizations and leaders risk missing out on attracting and retaining the emerging workforce, especially among the Millennial and Alpha generations, as inclusion.
References
American Jewish Congress. (n.d.). The American Jewish Congress and the fight for civil rights. Retrieved from https://ajcongress.org
American Association of University Women. (n.d.). Fast facts: Latinas and the wage gap. Retrieved from https://www.aauw.org
Center for American Women and Politics. (2021). Women of color in Congress, 117th Congress (2021-2023). Rutgers Eagleton Institute of Politics. Retrieved from https://cawp.rutgers.edu
Greenberg, C. (2004). Troubling the waters: Black-Jewish relations in the American century. Princeton University Press.
Hunt, D., Ramón, A. C., & Tran, M. (2019). Hollywood diversity report 2019: A tale of two Hollywoods. UCLA College of Social Sciences. Retrieved from https://socialsciences.ucla.edu
Journalist's Resource. (2023). Puerto Ricans in the United States: Research roundup. Retrieved from https://journalistsresource.org
National Aeronautics and Space Administration. (n.d.). NASA history division. Retrieved from https://history.nasa.gov
National Science Foundation, National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics. (2019). Women, minorities, and persons with disabilities in science and engineering. Retrieved from https://ncses.nsf.gov
Pew Research Center. (2021). Voter demographics in the 2020 U.S. presidential election. Retrieved from https://www.pewresearch.org
Puerto Rico 51st. (n.d.). Puerto Rican contributions to the U.S. Retrieved from https://www.pr51st.com
Recording Industry Association of America. (2020). Music consumption and genre statistics. Retrieved from https://www.riaa.com
United Farm Workers. (n.d.). Our history. Retrieved from https://ufw.org
Urban Institute. (2021). Economic and educational impacts of civil rights policies. Retrieved from https://www.urban.org
U.S. Census Bureau. (2018). 2018 Annual Business Survey: Summary statistics for employer firms by sex, ethnicity, race, and veteran status for the U.S. Retrieved from https://www.census.gov
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Economic Research Service. (2018). Farm labor and agricultural wages. Retrieved from https://www.ers.usda.gov
