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of some of the 26th Annual Latin GRAMMY nominees

Special Guest: Tony Weaver

An Immersion Into Latino Culture

The following is a short version of an email Tony sent out as a candidate for the Chair of the Arlington Democratic Committee:

In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, I want to share how my life has been enriched by the Latino community and the Spanish language.

I grew up in Manassas in the early 1990s, when Haydon Elementary had few Latino students. Today, it’s more than 70% Latino—a reflection of our vibrant community. When I was eleven, my family moved to Puerto Rico, where I discovered warmth, music, and connection. I remember salsa dancing at La Fiesta de San Sebastián, visiting a friend’s stilt house in the mountains, and falling asleep to the sound of coquí frogs. As the only non-Puerto Rican student at Antilles Middle School, I was welcomed with humor and generosity, leaving with a lasting love for the culture.

Back in Virginia, I made Central American friends, learned to love horchata and pupusas, and volunteered teaching English as a second language. Hoping to master Spanish, I joined a Rotary exchange to Tierra del Fuego, Argentina, where immersion deepened my fluency and affection for the language.

Later, I studied Spanish literature at the University of Virginia and lived in “La Casa Bolívar,” UVA’s Spanish Language house. Those experiences across Puerto Rico, Argentina, and Virginia shaped who I am and inspired my lifelong appreciation for Latino culture.

Opinion - Opinión

From 1776 to No Kings Day:

An Americas Tradition of Resistance Lives On

The No Kings Day demonstrations that swept through cities on Saturday were not just political theater. They were the latest chapter in a long tradition of rejecting monarchy, empire, and inherited power across the Americas. As people marched to challenge modern symbols of elitism and colonial legacy, they echoed the voices of revolutionaries who, more than two centuries ago, dared to imagine a world built on liberty rather than lineage.

When the United States declared independence in 1776, it did more than sever ties with British rule. It introduced a radical idea to the world: that people could govern themselves without kings. The revolution’s success in 1783 sent shockwaves across the Atlantic and inspired movements throughout Latin America. For those living under the Spanish and Portuguese crowns, the American example was not just inspiring—it was a spark.

In Mexico, that spark helped ignite a movement. Miguel Hidalgo, a Catholic priest influenced by Enlightenment thought and the American struggle, launched the Mexican War of Independence in 1810 with his Grito de Dolores. His call to arms was grounded in the belief that political power should come from the people, not from monarchs across the ocean. His message closely mirrored the principles of 1776.

Further south, leaders like Simón Bolívar in Venezuela and José de San Martín in Argentina carried the revolutionary flame. Bolívar, known as “The Liberator,” admired the republican ideals of the United States and believed that Latin America could build similar institutions. His exposure to revolutionary ideas while in Europe, and later his visit to the United States, shaped his vision of an independent and united South America. San Martín led forces in Argentina, Chile, and Peru, showing that the struggle against monarchy and colonialism transcended borders, languages, and cultures.

In Central America, the same ideals took root. By 1821, countries like Guatemala and El Salvador declared independence, inspired by the growing belief that empires could be challenged and dismantled.

So when Saturday’s demonstrators marched under the banner of No Kings Day, they were not only confronting the present. They were honoring a shared past in which ordinary people stood up to power and claimed their right to self-rule. From the American Revolution to the Latin American wars of independence to today’s movements for justice, one message remains clear: freedom is not granted. It is claimed.

Please Lend a Hand If You Can!

Let us introduce you to Erwin. He is a Mount Vernon High graduate. He has faced hardships throughout his entire 21 years of life. He always came to school with a smile and heart full of joy. He made the Honor Roll his entire school career in spite of not having internet access, electricity or running water at times. His mother died from cancer when he was seven years old, and was raised by this man, who was detained by ICE. This is his request 💗💗💗

On October 17, 2025, my dad, José Luis, and his brother were detained by ICE while on their way to work at a construction site in Washington, DC.

My dad came to the US when he was just 17 years old in 1999 determined to build a better life. He's one of the hardest-working people I know, working nearly six days a week to support his wife and four young kids, ages 11, 9, 7, and 2.

When my mom passed away in 2011, my dad took my brother and me in and raised us as his own. He's always been the glue that holds our family together. The one who drives everyone where they need to go, fixes what's broken, and makes sure we're taken care of. He's a loving, funny, and selfless man who never hesitates to help others.

My name is Erwin, and I'm currently away at college with just one semester left before graduation. While I'm studying in Pennsylvania, my younger siblings and stepmom depend completely on my dad's income to pay rent, buy groceries, and cover other living expenses. His absence has left a huge emotional and financial gap at home.

We're asking for your help to cover legal fees- including a consultation ($300–$500) and court representation ($2,000–$5,000). He already has a court date scheduled for November, and we're doing everything we can to bring him home.

Any contribution, no matter how small, WILL make a difference. If you're unable to donate, please consider sharing this post to help us reach others who might be able to help.

Thank you for taking the time to read our story and for supporting our family through this incredibly difficult time.

Please consider visiting the GoFundMe page HERE.

Self Deportation

October 19, 2025, ABC This Week

report of self deportation

Editor's Note - the video is very difficult to watch; it shows how families are being ripped apart because of Trump's policies.

The program’s first government-funded charter flight carried 64 individuals back to Honduras and Colombia, and the app has since expanded to include more languages to boost accessibility. The Trump administration and DHS have stated the goal is to provide a humane and cost-effective alternative to forced removals.

However, critics warn of serious risks for immigrants who accept. Many are returning to dangerous conditions, including gang violence, poverty, or political instability. Additionally, there is no guarantee they will ever be allowed to re-enter the U.S., despite suggestions that leaving “voluntarily” could help future immigration cases. Some advocacy groups argue the program uses soft pressure tactics, presenting "choice" in an environment where options are limited and fear of deportation looms.

As of now, Project Homecoming remains active, but its long-term impact and fairness continue to be debated.

Current Events - Eventos Actuales

When You Have Lost Joe Rogan, What's Left?

Rogan, who has previously endorsed Trump, called the tactics "horrific," "horrifying," and "dangerous". Key points from the podcast and related clips include:

• Criticism of mass arrests: Rogan voiced his shock and dismay at seeing news reports of regular people who had lived in the U.S. for decades being arrested during immigration raids.
• Deportation of non-criminals: He argued against deporting longtime, non-criminal residents who have become integrated into their communities. Rogan noted that this approach "shows no heart" and would not gain support from "reasonable people".
• Need for a pathway to citizenship: Rogan suggested that immigrants who have worked, paid taxes, and have no criminal record should be offered a pathway to citizenship.
• "Have a heart" approach: He contrasted the inhumane enforcement with the need to focus on genuine threats, like terrorists and cartel members, while also having compassion.
• Dangerous precedent: Rogan called the deployment of the National Guard in American cities for immigration enforcement a "dangerous precedent."

Events - Eventos

A Virtual Rally!

With former Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg and Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger

October 21, 2025 @ 6:30 – 7:30 pm

Location: virtual

Register HERE.

Join the meeting HERE.

or join by phone: +1 240-903-4048 PIN: 829289505

Several chairs of our coalition groups will speak before Secretary Buttigieg and Congresswoman Spanberger join the conversation to share campaign updates, talk about what’s at stake, and energize our coalition for the final stretch before Election Day.

30th Annual

Kennedy-King Dinner 2025

October 23, 2025

6:00 pm reception; 7:00 pm dinner

Doubletree by Hilton Crystal City

300 Army Navy Drive, Arlington 22202

Featuring Special Guests

Rep. Don Beyer (VA-8)

& Rep. James Walkinshaw (VA-11)

We come together from across Northern Virginia to celebrate the legacies and aspirations of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Senator Robert F. Kennedy, to advance the Democratic Party’s mission for peace, justice and equality, and to Turn Virginia Blue.

Get your tickets now because they are almost gone.

Rep. Don Beyer

Rep. James Walkinshaw

Latinos for Spanberger

GOTV Bus Tour Stop

October 30, 2025 @ 11:30 am

Los Tios Grill

2615 Mt Vernon Ave.

Alexandria, VA 22301 

RSVP HERE

Please be sure to RSVP to receive full event details — we look forward to seeing you there!

You are cordially invited you to join Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger in Alexandria on Thursday, October 30 as we come together to Get Out the Vote in the final week before Election Day.

Abigail is running for Governor to put Virginia first, and she looks forward to connecting with our community and sharing her vision for a more affordable and opportunity-filled Commonwealth.

26th Annual Latin GRAMMYs

November 13, 2025 @ 8 pm

Broadcast Live on Univision

The show will take place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. 

2025 Latin GRAMMYs: Album Of The Year Nominations

2025 Latin GRAMMYs: See The Full Nominations List

2025 Latin GRAMMYs: Record Of The Year Nominations

2025 Latin GRAMMYs: Song Of The Year Nominations

Corazón y vida: Lowriding Culture

Through late 2027

National Museum of American History

300 Constitution Ave. NW.

Click on the picture for more information.

According to The Washington Post: The lowriding community stretches back about eight decades and is overwhelmingly Mexican American, tied inextricably to the Chicano artistic and political movement of the postwar southwest United States. Throughout the bilingual “Corazón y vida” is a core notion: that the creation of lowriders (U.S.-made cars customized with hydraulic systems and, often, culturally inspired designs) meant mapping a Mexican identity onto an American canvas — and that the creations are wholly original.

Read the enire Washington Post story HERE.

Election Day Tuesday, November 4, 2025

Meet the Candidates and Get Involved

Volunteer Opportunities and Events

• Tuesday, Oct. 21 — All Coalitions Call with Secretary Pete Buttigieg & Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger!
• Sign up to attend HERE
• Friday, Oct. 24 — Latino Coalition Bilingual Phone Banking every Friday at 6:30 PM!
• Sign up to volunteer HERE.
• Saturday, Oct. 25 — Latino Coalition Canvass Launch in Arlington at 12 PM!
• Sign up to volunteer HERE. 
• Saturday, Oct. 25 — Latino Coalition Canvass Launch in Chesterfield, VA at 9 AM!
• Sign up to volunteer HERE. 
• Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 25 & 26 — Latino Coalition Canvass Launches in Prince William County at 12 PM! 
• Sign up to volunteer HERE. 
• Sunday, Oct. 26 — Latino Coalition Canvass Launches in Fairfax County at 12 PM! 
• A link to sign up will be provided soon. 
• Monday, Oct. 27 — Latino Coalition Bilingual Phone Banking from 4-6 PM!
• Sign up to volunteer HERE. 
• Friday, Oct. 31 — Latino Coalition Bilingual Phone Banking every Friday at 6:30 PM!
• Sign up to volunteer HERE.
• Sunday, Nov. 2 — Latino Coalition Canvass Launch in Arlington, VA at 12 PM!
• Sign up to volunteer HERE. 

Statewide Candidates

We have excellent candidates for Governor, Lieutenant Governor and Attorney General. Click on any picture to learn more about the candidate and how you can help.

Abigail Spanberger

for Governor

Ghazala Hashmi

for Lieutenant Governor

Jay Jones

for Attorney General

Click HERE to download talking points for Jay Jones.

Latino Candidates for House of Delegates

Alfonso Lopez

District 3 (Arlington & Alexandria)

Elizabeth Guzmán

District 22 (Prince William County)

Michelle Maldonado

District 20 (Manassas and Manassas Park)

Fernando “Marty” Martinez

District 29 (Leesburg)

Phil Hernandez

District 94 (Norfolk)

Alfonso Lopez, the first Latino Democrat elected to the General Assembly, has led efforts to pass the Virginia DREAM Act and expand driver’s license access for immigrants.

Elizabeth Guzmán was the first Latina elected to the Virginia General Assembly in its 200-year history and is now running to continue bringing inclusive, values-driven leadership to one of Virginia’s most competitive districts, while capturing for the Democrats the last Republican-held seat in Prince William County.

Michelle Maldonado is a long-time resident of Prince William County and the City of Manassas and has proudly served in the House of Delegates fighting for families, a cleaner and greener economy, accessible and affordable housing, healthcare and reproductive rights, technology and innovation to keep Virginia competitive, and funding for schools and teachers as our students recover from learning loss.

Phil Hernandez, a civil rights attorney and former Obama administration official, brings a strong policy background to the legislature and is fighting for public education and working families.

Fernando Martínez, elected in 2023, is a rising voice for housing affordability, immigrant protections, and inclusive economic growth in Northern Virginia.

https://www.youtube.com/@FCDCLatinoCaucus

Latino Caucus

Fairfax County

Democratic Committee

Click HERE to join FCDC

www.FairfaxDemocrats.org

 ‌or HERE to join our mailing list



Maritza Zermeño — Chair

Marta Calderon — Secretary

Leonel Rojas — Social Media Master



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