Raulin (Raul) Angulo, Chair

Latino Outreach

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786-245-1076

In 1963 the Latino population in the USA was only 8%. Today it is 16% and growing. It is the largest minority in the USA. It’s crucial that we make our voice heard and our presence felt, starting right here in Hanover County. That is why the Hanover Democratic Committee has asked me to lead its Latino outreach effort to get more Latino citizens involved in local politics and government. Being involved is an important part of making the American dream come true for all of our citizens. The future of the Democratic Party rests on reaching minorities and getting them involved in the process.

I know starting again in a new country isn’t easy. That’s why I’d like to tell you a little bit about my journey as a United States citizen.

I came to the USA 47 years ago from Cuba on a program called "Peter Pan" (Google it) for minors without their parents. Over 14,000 children came here under this program. The numbers are actually higher because many of the children went to be with friends or extended families and are not included in the numbers that were placed in foster homes or orphanages by Catholic Charities.

I was 17; my sister was 12 and we were sent to Chicago to a foster home until our parents could exit Cuba. I opted out of the program because I was turning 18 and wanted to go to work so I could get my mother out of Cuba (our father died of a heart attack at age 45). And I wanted to help my sister get an education.

I went to work for Western Electric (AT&T) and became involved with the Union and involved in politics, even before I was able to vote. I came to the Richmond area in 1983 when I was transferred by AT&T and began working at the Richmond plant on Laburnum Ave. At AT&T I was a Union officer and a member of CWA District 2 executive committee on equity. I am married for 42 years to my wife Elvira (we met at work the day she was hired). We have 3 children and 6 grandchildren. My sister has also been successful. She did go on to college and eventually received her Ph.D. degree in education. She has had a very successful academic career and has recently retired from the Chicago Board of Education after 35 years in education including supervisor of special education.

It wasn’t easy making the American dream come true for my family. But it was worth it. And I firmly believe that an essential part of our success was being an involved and informed voter.

Please join us for our monthly meetings every second Saturday of the month at 9 a.m. at Ashland Coffee and Tea. We welcome your participation and I am open to your ideas and suggestions in making Hanover Democrats a stronger organization.