"Honoring the Victims of the El Paso Massacre: Five Years later, Our Fight Against Hate Continues"

August 2, 2024

A Statement from Brenda Victoria Castillo, President & CEO of the National Hispanic Media Coalition (NHMC)

Tomorrow August 3rd marks the five-year anniversary of the tragic El Paso Massacre, the deadliest attack on Latinos in modern U.S. history. On that fateful day, 23 innocent lives were lost, and 22 others were injured as they shopped at their local Walmart. The shooter’s manifesto, filled with hateful rhetoric and incited by former President Trump's dangerous disinformation about an 'invasion' at the border, serves as a chilling reminder of the power of words and the real-world consequences they can unleash. As we remember those who perished, let us also acknowledge the ongoing struggles our community faces due to such divisive and harmful language.

"This massacre was not just an attack on the victims and their families; it was an attack on every Latino in this country. It could have been any of us shopping that day. As a 40-year-old national civil and human rights organization, the National Hispanic Media Coalition (NHMC) is steadfast in its commitment to ensure that such a tragedy never happens again," said Brenda Victoria Castillo, President and CEO of NHMC. "Our community should be able to shop, live, and thrive without fear of violence fueled by hate and disinformation."

The El Paso massacre remains the largest mass shooting and hate crime against Latinos in modern history. The shooter drove across Texas to carry out the horrific attack, targeting innocent lives based on hate-fueled prejudice.

With tensions around the border still high, it is crucial to act mindfully and ensure that history does not repeat itself. We call on society to reject hate and stand up for justice and equality. Let the memory of the El Paso victims inspire us to build a future where every individual can live without fear, regardless of their background. Let us never forget and always strive for a more inclusive and compassionate society.

Yours in Movement,

Brenda Victoria Castillo

President & CEO

National Hispanic Media Coalition

National Hispanic Media Coalition (NHMC) is a 40+ year old 501(c)(3) non-profit, nonpartisan, civil and human rights organization that was founded to eliminate hate, discrimination, and racism toward Latino and marginalized communities.

We advance Latino visibility and influence from the halls of Washington, D.C., to the studios of Hollywood. Through our media advocacy and workforce development initiatives, NHMC creates spaces where diverse creators can connect, collaborate, and thrive. Our Series Scriptwriters Program, Latinx Stream Showcase, Creators Networking Program, Careers in Entertainment Youth Program, and Media Advocacy Fellowships serve as both incubators and pipelines, preparing the next generation of storytellers, advocates, and industry leaders. Through mentorship, education, networking opportunities, and direct access to entertainment executives, these programs help transform emerging talent into lasting industry voices while expanding authentic representation across media.

We lead the work to eliminate online hate and disinformation across media platforms. We advocate in the space of Artificial Intelligence when it intersects with civil & human rights, including making sure Latino-Interest and children’s protections are included in AI initiatives and implementations. We advocate for the Affordable Connectivity Program, Lifeline Program, Net Neutrality protections, and closing the digital divide for Latino and other marginalized communities. NHMC works in partnership with other social justice organizations to safeguard democracy in the United States of America.

NHMC is a not-for-profit, and provides equal opportunities to all individuals without regard to race, religion, national origin, disability, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other status protected by law.

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"Honoring the Victims of the El Paso Massacre: Five Years later, Our Fight Against Hate Continues"

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