The term describes a diverse and growing population with roots in Latin American countries including Central America, South America, and the Caribbean. As of 2024, Latinos comprise approximately one-fifth of the United States population , making them the nation's largest ethnic or racial minority. 1. Defining Latino: Etymology and Identity
Before diving deeper, a fundamental clarification is necessary. Many people use and Hispanic interchangeably, but technically, they refer to different things. Latino
Authentic engagement means recognizing that identity is intersectional. A Latino business owner cares about taxes; a Latino environmentalist cares about pollution in low-income barrios; a Latino student cares about Dreamer legislation. The term describes a diverse and growing population