Author of "The Latino Century" Speaks at Fullerton College

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Mike Madrid held a “meet and greet” at Fullerton College on September 23, gracing students and community members with an impactful lecture on his book “The Latino Century: How America’s Largest Minority is Transforming Democracy.” His lecture discussed the major themes of his book, such as identity politics and the importance of education in movements for people of color. In addition to being a successful author, he also works as a political consultant on political action committees like The Lincoln Project, a coalition of moderate and ex-Republicans against former President Trump.

Madrid’s lecture emphasized the necessity of accessible education and its effect on the Latinx community in our past, as seen in the Chicano movement, and our future. He explained how the growing population of Hispanic people in America will make remarkable changes in our government systems and legislature. “Tomorrow is the point” struck me as he highlighted the common sentiment in Latinx culture to strive for a better life for ourselves and our children.

Madrid explained the rapid reduction of our two-party political system to race and gender as the tension between the two parties has grown. This seems to be doing a disservice to a Latinx constituency that is much more diverse than that. He effectively criticized both parties and, specifically, how they campaign and market themselves for specific characteristics in people, rather than just the party itself. Madrid then denounced Trump and criticized Harris for being too conservative, while marketing herself as the opposite.

While Madrid’s talk was educational, he tended to go off-topic and evaded questions during the Q&A.

Part of many of Fullerton College’s events during Hispanic Heritage Month, the Mike Madrid meet and greet revealed to Fullerton College students the importance of understanding our political system and education’s role in personal growth.