Letter to Oregon Heritage Commission

Privately created and owned

Miguel A. Salinas - Historian

"Windows of Migrant Life"

(Contact information removed for blog version. Please use the link below to contact me.)

www.texmexorusa.org/contact.html

Feb. 1, 2016

TO:  Oregon Heritage Commission

Subject:  Demographic representation in the OH Commission and

related functions/committees

As of 2015:  White 62%, Black 12%, Hispanic 18%, Asian 6%, American Indian/Alaska Native 1%, Two or more races 2%

According to the Keizer Family Foundation the above data represents our demographics in the United States.  In 2010 in Oregon Schools 1 out of 5 students was Hispanic; it is with certainty that the population has grown substantially in the last five years.  This growth was precipitated by the fact that about one third of the US was populated by indigenous Mexicans (once their land); my distant ancestors were part of this population.   Add to this factor, the natural migration and immigration (of all sorts) that have been steady for over 150 years.

Given the trend of demographics nationally and in our state, it is prudent for the Commission and the State Leadership who are entrusted with the responsibility of planning, guiding, implementing and evaluating grants/programs/activities in the area of "Culture and Heritage"… to insure that your OUTREACH AND INCLUSION PROGRAM is comprehensive and measureable in all facets that encompass - "The Oregon Heritage."  I addressed the Commission on this issue two years ago when you met at the Albany Regional Museum (this should be on record).   

 Inclusion- I would greatly appreciate it if you could inquire on my behalf what progress has been made in the areas of "Inclusion at all levels."  It is incumbent on your role as Commissioners of the State of Oregon to make "Inclusion" a high priority.   A report of this effort would be greatly appreciated. 

 (cc) The organizations below will be apprise of my efforts and will be invited to engage in the conversation of "Inclusion in OH"

Thank you! I wish you a productive and pleasant meeting.  Please include this letter as part of the record-Public Input (in your minutes).  I am also available to assist in matters related to "Inclusion."  My contact information is included.

conAMISTAD (in solidarity)

cc:  Oregon NAACP, HISPANIC CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, OCHA Oregon Commission for Hispanic Affairs, APACC-Asian Pacific American Chamber of Commerce Legislative Commission on Indian Services,