The National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) recently held a meeting appointing Assemblywoman Annette Quijano as Chair to the organizations’ Hispanic delegations on racial equity.
Quijano, the first Latina to represent the 20th legislative district of New Jersey, previously served on the United Way Hispanic Advisory Council of Union County and the Governor’s Working Group for Hispanic Affairs, as well as being the 7th Hispanic member of the legislature, making her well versed in Hispanic and minority avocations.
“The National Conference of State Legislatures’ Joint Caucus Meeting held in New Orleans was an immense step forward for strong partnerships among the four national caucuses of color,” stated Quijano (D-Union). “Legislators working together, sharing personal experiences and establishing guidelines to tackle racism will fundamentally change racial inequity and its role in everyday life.”
The National Hispanic Caucus of State Legislators (NHCSL), along with its partners, the National Black Caucus of State Legislators (NBCSL), the Native American Caucus of State Legislators (NACSL) and the Asian Pacific American Caucus State Legislators (APACSL), are working in cooperation to discuss racial equity among today’s youth. The caucuses’ goals are to establish principles to address racism, to educate legislators on policies that negatively impact race and to create forums for racial healing dialogue and cross-community solutions to structural racism.
“This program is an excellent opportunity for minority legislators to work together on those issues impacting our communities,” said State Representative Minnie Gonzalez (CT), NHCSL President. “Under the leadership of Assemblywoman Quijano (NJ), as the Chair of our delegation, we will surely make great progress in collaborating across states and with legislative caucuses of distinct backgrounds to improve the communities we represent.”
These four national caucuses, with their respective legislative delegates spearheading their outreach, shine the light on racial standards and the effect it has on young people today. As Chair to NHCSL’s Hispanic delegations, Assemblywoman Quijano adds her headship skills as a state legislator to this initiative, as well as her passion for minority rights, in order to help make greater strides for people of color.