Letter-to-the-Editor: Let's Honor Those Who Built Illinois During Latino Heritage Month

Dear Editor,

This month, let's remember the "box-car people" who helped make Illinois a major rail hub.

Who? A century ago, workers fleeing the bloodshed of Mexico's Revolution came to Illinois. Hired quickly by the railroads, these workers lived in freezing box-cars in such places as Aurora, Galesburg and South Chicago. Others followed, building our canals, highways, churches and skyscrapers. It was dangerous work and many perished. Yet, Latino workers helped transform our Prairie State into the breadbasket, transportation hub, economic engine and global state it is today.

Illinois Latinos continue to build. The number of Latino-owned road-builders earning state contracts has nearly doubled in five years, and the value of those contracts has soared from $45 million to $114 million. Latino-owned contractors are helping modernize Illinois' aging water infrastructure through the Illinois Clean Water Initiative. Illinois Latinos who are distinguishing themselves in engineering and architecture are building a bright future for us all.

So during Latino Heritage Month, look around you. That road, school or water tower may have been built by Illinois Latinos. And judging from other Latinos-built projects - Machu Picchu and Chichén Itzá for example - these structures are built to last!

We are showcasing such accomplishments as part of 2014 Latino Heritage Month with a free exhibit - "Latinos Building Illinois" - through September 26, in the James R. Thompson Center Atrium, 100 W. Randolph, Chicago. Or view it on our website: http://www.illinois.gov/LatinosBuildingIllinois.

Sincerely,

Illinois Governor Pat Quinn

Related Documents
Noticias en Español (PDF)