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Commissioner Lebron urges unity, warns of chilling effects on Latino communities at RCSD event
Summary
At the Rochester City School District Hispanic Heritage celebration, Commissioner Lebron warned of rising anti‑Latino rhetoric and urged visibility, mutual aid and rapid‑response networks, closing the program with an appeal to civic participation and solidarity.
Commissioner Lebron closed the Rochester City School District’s Hispanic Heritage Month celebration with a speech that shifted from celebration to civic warning, urging attendees not to be silenced by what she described as growing anti‑Latino rhetoric.
Speaking after the awards and performances, Commissioner Lebron said the community faces “a storm” of division and tactics that, she said, target people who speak Spanish or who ‘‘wear the skin of our ancestors.’’ She warned of the “chilling effects” that make families afraid to use services or attend school and called for visibility, unity and organized support networks.
“We will not be reduced by this fear,” Commissioner Lebron said, adding that the community should stand together: “If one family is targeted, we all stand up.” She urged the creation of “safe spaces” and “rapid response teams” and said civic participation and solidarity are the appropriate responses.
The speech closed the evening’s program; no formal district actions followed the remarks. The commissioner’s comments framed the celebration’s cultural and achievement recognitions in the context of current political and social pressures affecting Latino families in Rochester.
