FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  June 11, 2021.

The Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey (HBA-NJ) congratulates our former board member, Paul Nieves, and member, Michael Jimenez, on their recent Senate confirmation as Judges of the New Jersey Superior Court.  The HBA-NJ also applauds Governor Murphy for announcing his intent to nominate our member, Veronica Allende, as a Judge of the New Jersey Superior Court.  HBA-NJ President, Reynold Lambert, remarked: “Judge Nieves, Judge Jimenez, and Ms. Allende are all dynamic attorneys and inspiring leaders in our community, which is why the HBA-NJ endorsed each of them for a judgeship.  I have no doubt that they will continue to make the HBA-NJ and our community very proud.”

The significance of these confirmations and nomination of Latinx attorneys to the bench cannot be understated.  President Lambert explained: “For decades, the HBA-NJ has fought hard to diversify the bench.  Hispanics represent the largest minority population in New Jersey, and it is of critical importance that our judiciary accurately reflect our community.  We have worked closely with the Governor’s office to identify supremely qualified Latinx candidates for judicial and other positions—like Judge Nieves, Judge Jimenez, and Ms. Allende—and will continue to do so.” 

We present below a very brief overview of the impressive qualifications of Judge Nieves, Judge Jimenez, and Ms. Allende:

Paul Nieves: Judge Paul Nieves is currently assigned to the Superior Court, Family Division, Union County.  Judge Nieves brings 25 years of experience to the bench.  Born and raised in the South Bronx, he was an experienced trial attorney, having served as the Assistant Section Chief at the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office.  Judge Nieves also had a distinguished career in the Army Reserves and recently retired as a Major, with over 22 years of service.  His duties as a Judge Advocate included service as the Fort Dix Prosecutor for three years, advising the Commanding General at the 353rd Civil Affairs Command and deploying with the 18th Airborne Corps to Baghdad, Iraq. His military decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal with two oak leaf clusters and the Army Commendation Medal with four oak leaf clusters.  Before his confirmation to the bench, Judge Nieves sat on the HBA-NJ Board of Trustees. 

Michael Jimenez: Judge Michael Jimenez is currently assigned to the Superior Court, Family Division, Hudson County.  Judge Jimenez was a partner for Scarinci Hollenbeck, where he focused on representing entities,real estate developers and owners, financial institutions, and public and private business organizations in a variety of transactional matters.  He served as Corporation Counsel for the Town of West New York, as Town Attorney to the Town of Guttenberg, Special Litigation Counsel to the North Bergen Board of Education, and Labor Counsel to the Hudson County Schools of Technology.  He also served as a municipal prosecutor, public defender, and counsel to numerous school boards, including North Bergen, Weehawken, Hoboken, Paterson and Fairview.  Judge Jimenez brings a wealth of trial experience to the bench, as he handled a wide variety of civil and criminal matters in the state and federal courts, and has extensive experience in Local Public Contracts Law and Open Public Records Act matters.

Veronica Allende:  Veronica Allende was the first Hispanic woman to serve as Director of the Division of Criminal Justice (DCJ). While at DCJ, Ms. Allende supervised and successfully oversaw the prosecution of various crimes, and also launched the clergy abuse task force.  Prior to joining the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office, Ms. Allende worked as an Assistant United States Attorney, where she collaborated with law enforcement agencies to investigate and prosecute federal crimes.  Ms. Allende was also employed as a Deputy Attorney General for the Division of Criminal Justice, where she served as the Deputy Bureau Chief for the Cyber Crimes Bureau.  In that capacity, she investigated and prosecuted cyber-related offenses, working with law enforcement officers of various units, including the Department of Homeland Security.  Before she entered public service, Ms. Allende practiced land use and commercial real estate law with the law firm of Wilentz, Goldman & Spitzer.

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About The Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey

Founded in 1980, the HBA-NJ is a 501(c)(6) nonprofit association that is comprised of attorneys, judges, law professors, law students, and other professionals who share a common interest in addressing the issues affecting Hispanics within the legal community.

The purpose of the Association is to serve the public interest: (i) by cultivating the art and science of jurisprudence, (ii) by advancing the standing of the legal profession, and (iii) by preserving high standards of integrity, honor, and professional courtesy among Hispanic lawyers.

Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey
P.O. Box 25562, Newark, NJ 07101

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  June 10, 2021

We celebrate our friend and fellow board member, Raquel Vallejo, on her recent promotion to partner at her firm, the Weinberger Divorce & Family Law Group.  Ms. Vallejo received her Juris Doctorate from Seton Hall University School of Law. While in law school, she was a member of the Seton Hall Center for Social Justice, where she provided legal aid services in the areas of matrimonial and family law to Essex, Morris, and Union County residents.  After graduating law school, Ms. Vallejo served as a judicial law clerk to the Honorable Thomas P. Zampino J.S.C. in the Essex County Family Part.  She has experience with all facets of family law litigation, including complex contested issues of custody, parenting time, child support, alimony, and equitable distribution of assets.  She volunteers her time at the Jersey Battered Women’s Shelter through its legal advocacy program, where she represents clients in domestic violence proceedings. 

HBA-NJ President, Reynold Lambert, applauded Ms. Vallejo’s achievement, stating: “Raquel is a rockstar in every sense of the word.  We have been lucky to have her as a trusted board member and friend for many years, and I know she will excel in her new role.”        

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About The Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey

Founded in 1980, the HBA-NJ is a 501(c)(6) nonprofit association that is comprised of attorneys, judges, law professors, law students, and other professionals who share a common interest in addressing the issues affecting Hispanics within the legal community.

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The purpose of the Association is to serve the public interest: (i) by cultivating the art and science of jurisprudence, (ii) by advancing the standing of the legal profession, and (iii) by preserving high standards of integrity, honor, and professional courtesy among Hispanic lawyers.

Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey
P.O. Box 25562, Newark, NJ 07101

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  April 12, 2021

The Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey (HBA-NJ) proudly congratulates past HBA-NJ Presidents Judge Esther Salas, Camelia Valdes, Anna Maria Tejada, and Melinda Colón Cox for their selection to the ROI-NJ’s prestigious 2021 Women in Business List.  The ROI-NJ is a well-respected business media company known for providing news impacting New Jersey’s business community and for its annual top influencers in New Jersey lists.  The ROI-NJ recently published the “ROI Influencers: Women in Business List,” comprised of the “Top 50 Women Influencers” list, and eight separate sector lists, including a “Women in Professional Services” category.  Not surprisingly, the ROI recognized four past HBA-NJ presidents this year, naming the Honorable Esther Salas, a District Court Judge for the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey, Camelia Valdes, Passaic County Prosecutor, and Anna Maria Tejada, a Partner at Saul Ewing Arnstein & Lehr LLP, to its “Top 50 Women Influencers” list, and Melinda Colón Cox, a Partner at Parker Ibrahim & Berg Partner, to its “Top Women in Professional Services” list.

HBA-NJ President, Reynold Lambert, stated:  “The HBA-NJ celebrates the ROI-NJ’s recognition of influential women leaders in New Jersey, and is honored to see several of its past Latina presidents listed on the 2021 ROI Influencers: Women in Business List. They are all rock stars paving the way for future Latina leaders, and we could not be more proud of them.  We will continue to promote the advancement of our women leaders and look forward to seeing more of our leadership on ROI-NJ’s influencer lists in years to come.”

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About The Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey 

Founded in 1980, the HBA-NJ is a 501(c)(6) nonprofit association that is comprised of attorneys, judges, law professors, law students, and other professionals who share a common interest in addressing the issues affecting Hispanics within the legal community. 

The purpose of the Association is to serve the public interest: (i) by cultivating the art and science of jurisprudence, (ii) by advancing the standing of the legal profession, and (iii) by preserving high standards of integrity, honor, and professional courtesy among Hispanic lawyers. 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  March 19, 2021          

The Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey (HBA-NJ) strongly condemns racism, intolerance and violence against the Asian, Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community.  On Tuesday, Stop AAPI Hate reported that there were at least 3,795 hate incidents against the AAPI community between March 19, 2020, and Feb 28, 2021.  Our nation has seen a spike in hostility toward the AAPI community coinciding with the COVID-19 pandemic, and the mass shootings at the Atlanta, Georgia massage businesses on Tuesday are the latest example.  

HBA-NJ President Reynold Lambert stated: “The HBA-NJ denounces acts of violence and bias against the AAPI community.  We stand in solidarity with the AAPI community and will act and speak out against the alarming trend of violence reported by Stop AAPI Hate this week.  The evil hate-crimes committed against the AAPI community are un-American and unacceptable in our society, and we urge law enforcement to quickly and appropriately investigate and prosecute these crimes.”

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About The Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey 

Founded in 1980, the HBA-NJ is a 501(c)(6) nonprofit association that is comprised of attorneys, judges, law professors, law students, and other professionals who share a common interest in addressing the issues affecting Hispanics within the legal community. 

The purpose of the Association is to serve the public interest: (i) by cultivating the art and science of jurisprudence, (ii) by advancing the standing of the legal profession, and (iii) by preserving high standards of integrity, honor, and professional courtesy among Hispanic lawyers. 

THE HISPANIC BAR ASSOCIATION OF NEW JERSEY CELEBRATES THE SWEARING IN OF VICE PRESIDENT ELECT KAMALA HARRIS, THE FIRST BLACK-ASIAN AMERICAN WOMAN TO BE ELECTED AS VICE PRESIDENT, BY JUSTICE SONIA SOTOMAYOR, THE FIRST LATINA WOMAN APPOINTED TO THE SUPREME COURT.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  January 19, 2021.

After one of the lowest points in our Nation’s history, we celebrate a remarkable milestone in the fight for gender and racial equality.  On January 20, 2021, Vice President Elect Kamala Harris, born to immigrant parents from Jamaica and India, will be sworn into office by Justice Sonia Sotomayor, the first female Latina justice, born to Puerto Rican parents. This is a historical event.  Both of these trailblazing women have broken the country’s highest concrete ceilings and placed themselves in history, by becoming America’s first women of color to hold their respective positions.  The President of the Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey, Reynold Lambert, said: “This historic oath will inspire generations of young girls, especially those of color, to strive to hold positions of leadership. It also serves as a turning point for women’s leadership, leading into a new age of possibilities.  The theme of the inauguration this year is ‘America United,’ and the swearing in of Vice President Elect Kamala Harris by Justice Sonia Sotomayor symbolizes the possibility of new connections of race and culture, of new kinships, and of a blended America.” 

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About The Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey

Founded in 1980, the HBA-NJ is a 501(c)(6) nonprofit association that is comprised of attorneys, judges, law professors, law students, and other professionals who share a common interest in addressing the issues affecting Hispanics within the legal community.

The purpose of the Association is to serve the public interest: (i) by cultivating the art and science of jurisprudence, (ii) by advancing the standing of the legal profession, and (iii) by preserving high standards of integrity, honor, and professional courtesy among Hispanic lawyers.

Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey
P.O. Box 25562, Newark, NJ 07101

1980-2021

THE HISPANIC BAR ASSOCIATION OF NEW JERSEY STRONGLY CONDEMNS THE ATTACK ON OUR NATION’S CAPITOL

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  January 7, 2021         

The Hispanic Bar of New Jersey (HBA-NJ) strongly condemns the violence, destruction, and threat to life and justice that took place in Washington DC.  HBA-NJ President, Reynold Lambert, remarked: “The rioters who broke into our Nation’s Capitol Building pursued an extremist agenda by engaging in violence and destruction, undermining the bedrock of our political rights and democratic freedoms. Although our democracy safeguards the right of peaceful protest, those who choose to participate in criminal behavior must be held accountable under the law.  As Americans, we must stand together and call for an end to such outrageous attacks to our sacred democracy.”  

After the chaos and destruction subsided, President Donald J. Trump conceded the election and finally affirmed that there would be an “orderly transition on January 20^th.”  “The peaceful transition of power is not, and never has been, an option exercisable at the whim of the President.  It is the core of our democracy, and it must be respected, always.  We urge President Trump to stay true to his word and honor his oath to defend the Constitution,” said President Lambert.     

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About The Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey

Founded in 1980, the HBA-NJ is a 501(c)(6) nonprofit association that is comprised of attorneys, judges, law professors, law students, and other professionals who share a common interest in addressing the issues affecting Hispanics within the legal community.

The purpose of the Association is to serve the public interest: (i) by cultivating the art and science of jurisprudence, (ii) by advancing the standing of the legal profession, and (iii) by preserving high standards of integrity, honor, and professional courtesy among Hispanic lawyers.

Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey
P.O. Box 25562, Newark, NJ 07101

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THE HISPANIC BAR ASSOCIATION OF NEW JERSEY SUPPORTS THE AMERICAN IMMIGRATION LAWYERS ASSOCIATION, NEW JERSEY CHAPTER’S REQUEST FOR VIDEOCONFERENCE HEARINGS IN NON-DETAINED CASES. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 14, 2020 The Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey (“HBA-NJ”) supports the efforts of the American Immigration Lawyers Association, New Jersey Chapter (“AILA-NJ”), to enjoin the Newark Immigration Court from compelling attorneys to appear for in-person proceedings in matters involving persons who are not detained (“non-detained cases”).  In March 2020, the Executive Office of Immigration Review (“EOIR”) postponed in-person hearings for non-detained persons in the Newark Immigration Court due to the worldwide health pandemic caused by COVID-19.  Despite the ongoing pandemic, on June 24, 2020, EOIR announced that it would reopen the Newark Immigration Court for non-detained cases on July 13, 2020.  The Assistant Chief Immigration Judge of the Newark Immigration Court entered a standing order governing appearances in non-detained cases. The standing order generally provides, among other things, that respondents electing to proceed with a telephonic hearing will waive a number of rights, including the right to proceed in person and to object to the admissibility of documents.  The order further provides that if counsel is unavailable by telephone at the time of the hearing, he or she will be required to appear in person at any rescheduled hearing.  The order also affords immigration judges discretion to halt any telephonic hearing and require an in-person hearing, as deemed necessary or appropriate, without any due consideration for the health of the respondent or respondent’s counsel.  In response, on July 31, 2020, AILA-NJ – which is part of a national nonpartisan organization and consists of over 400 members who regularly practice in the Newark Immigration Court – filed a complaint in the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey.  In the Complaint, AILA-NJ seeks, among other relief, an injunction prohibiting the Government from mandating that immigration attorneys appear in person for non-detained cases and proceedings, as statute and regulations allow the Government to permit such proceedings to take place by videoconference. AILA-NJ’s Complaint identifies grave risks to counsel and respondents posed by EOIR’s mandate, and ethical dilemmas that immigration attorneys’ are facing –  including being forced to choose between their health and the risks of COVID-19 versus their obligation as an attorney to zealously advocate for their clients. The Complaint also provides tragic examples of persons who have died from COVID-19 from either appearing or working at the Newark Immigration Court prior to its closure in March 2020. HBA-NJ President Melinda Colón Cox said: “Lawyers in New Jersey, or anywhere, should not have to choose between their health and the health of their clients and their clients’ right to due process, on the one hand, and compliance with EOIR’s mandate, on the other hand. Forcing attorneys to make that choice is reckless and unacceptable, especially considering that courts in New Jersey and around the country have adapted to the perils caused by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic by allowing virtual proceedings. The HBA-NJ urges EOIR to implement safety precautions and procedures that preserve the due process rights of immigrants in non-detained cases, while protecting our immigration attorneys.  Anything less is an alarming disregard for human life and an indifference to immigrants’ right to fair and just representation.  We can and must do better to ensure the safety of our colleagues and our immigrant community.” ### About The Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey Founded in 1980, the HBA-NJ is a 501(c)(6) nonprofit association that is comprised of attorneys, judges, law professors, law students, and other professionals who share a common interest in addressing the issues affecting Hispanics within the legal community. The purpose of the Association is to serve the public interest: (i) by cultivating the art and science of jurisprudence, (ii) by advancing the standing of the legal profession, and (iii) by preserving high standards of integrity, honor, and professional courtesy among Hispanic lawyers. Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey P.O. Box 25562, Newark, NJ 07101  ___________________________________________________________________________________________ For press inquiries, please contact: Alba V. Aviles, Esq., HBA-NJ Press Secretary, at aaviles@daypitney.com or (973) 966-8034. For more information about the Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey, please visit our website at: www.njhba.org or contact Melinda Colón Cox, Esq., HBA-NJ President, at Melinda.Cox@piblaw.com or (908) 333-6214.

Celebrating 40 Years:
1980-2020

THE HISPANIC BAR ASSOCIATION OF NEW JERSEY DENOUNCES THE ATTACK AGAINST JUDGE ESTHER SALAS AND HER FAMILY AS A HATE CRIME 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 24, 2020

The Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey (“HBA-NJ”) denounces the attack on Judge Esther Salas and her family as a hate crime based on race and sex.  As a result of this senseless act of violence, Judge Salas and her husband, Mark Anderl, tragically lost their only child, Daniel Anderl, and Mark was critically injured. “We cannot stand by idly or silent when faced with a hate crime.  This attack was intentional and highlights the very real fact that racism and discrimination are alive, even in our legal profession.  We cannot and will not let discrimination and racism win.  Let us all rise up, support, and lift Judge Salas and her family during this most devastating time through the power of prayer, advocacy against hate, and support from our community,” stated HBA-NJ President Melinda Colón Cox.

As we mourn with Judge Salas and her family, we are reminded of the Judge’s strength, her leadership, and her illustrious career.  Of Cuban and Mexican descent, Judge Salas achieved the American Dream through hard work, persistence and perseverance by embracing her culture, values and beliefs.  She is a graduate of Rutgers Law School, a proud alumna of the Rutgers Minority Student Program, and served as the HBA-NJ’s 22^nd President.  Prior to joining the federal bench, Judge Salas was also dedicated to public service as a federal public defender.  In 2006, Judge Salas became the first Latina U.S. Magistrate Judge in the District of New Jersey, and was subsequently nominated by then-President Barack Obama and elevated as a federal district judge in 2010.  Again, continuing to blaze trails as the first Latina to serve in the position of federal district judge in the District of New Jersey, Judge Salas has an unwavering commitment to public service and ensures that justice is served each day in her courtroom.  "She is always present for the HBA-NJ and our community and never hesitates to pay it forward and inspire countless others.  Judge Salas works tirelessly to serve the legal community and community at large and to mentor the next generation of leaders and students.  For her trailblazing career and contributions to the legal profession and community at large, Judge Salas has earned many accolades, awards and honors.  Simply put, Judge Salas’s work ethic is unmatched and the New Jersey Federal Judiciary is blessed to have her on the bench,” said President Cox.

President Cox concluded: “Make no mistake that the HBA-NJ will be here to speak up and speak out against this abhorrent hate crime and the discriminatory actions against Judge Salas, women, and minority communities.  There is no place for hate, racism or discrimination in this society and certainly not in our own legal profession.  For now, however, we humbly request that everyone focus on the power of prayer, so that Judge Salas and her family may begin to heal and find peace.” 

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About The Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey  

Founded in 1980, the HBA-NJ is a 501(c)(6) nonprofit association that is comprised of attorneys, judges, law professors, law students, and other professionals who share a common interest in addressing the issues affecting Hispanics within the legal community.

The purpose of the Association is to serve the public interest: (i) by cultivating the art and science of jurisprudence, (ii) by advancing the standing of the legal profession, and (iii) by preserving high standards of integrity, honor, and professional courtesy among Hispanic lawyers. 

Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey
P.O. Box 25562, Newark, NJ 07101   

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For press inquiries, please contact: Alba V. Aviles, Esq., HBA-NJ Press Secretary, at aaviles@daypitney.com or (973) 966-8034. 

For more information about the Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey, please visit our website at: www.njhba.org or contact Melinda Colón Cox, Esq., HBA-NJ President, at Melinda.Cox@piblaw.com or (908) 333-6214.

Dear HBA-NJ Familia,

As many of you know, our beloved Judge Esther Salas suffered a horrific tragedy last night that we cannot even begin to comprehend.  Her husband, Mark Anderl, and her son, Danny, were both shot by a gunman who remains at large.  Tragically, Danny did not make it and Mark remains in critical, but stable, condition after suffering multiple gunshot wounds.  Judge Salas was not injured.   We ask that you please keep Judge Salas, Mark and Danny in your thoughts and prayers.

Words cannot begin to express the depth of our sorrow and pain for Judge Salas and her entire family.  Judge Salas is not only a Past-President, but most importantly, she is a mentor, a friend and our family.   Family is everything to Judge Salas and we know just how proud her and Mark are and will always be of Danny – a bright, dynamic young man with a zest and passion for life.  We pray that the gunman is promptly located, apprehended and brought to justice, so that Judge Salas and her entire family can begin to heal from this horrendous crime.  If you or anyone you know has relevant information, you are urged to contact the Newark FBI at 973-792-3001.

We appreciate the outpouring of love and support received from our HBA-NJ familia and community.  Judge Salas is currently surrounded by her family and closest friends and we ask that you please respect her and her family’s privacy during this unimaginable time, as she focuses on Mark’s recovery and tries to heal from this devastating loss. 

As we learn more information, we will share what we can with our HBA-NJ community.  In the meantime, we ask that you please keep Judge Salas, Mark and the entire family in your prayers.

With love, sympathy and prayers,

 

Melinda Colon Cox
HBA-NJ President 

HBA-NJ’s STATEMENT ON THE COMMENTS MADE BY GOYA’S CEO, ROBERT UNANUE

DATE: July 13, 2020

This Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey (“HBA-NJ”) is deeply disappointed in the remarks made by GOYA’s CEO Robert Unanue calling President Trump “a builder” and stating “we’re all truly blessed . . . to have a leader like President Trump”, as Mr. Unanue’s statements ignore the fact that President Trump is known for his degrading words and harmful policies against the Latino community.  HBA-NJ President Melinda Colón Cox, stated: “President Trump has villainized our community, he has called us rapists, drug mules, and bad hombres, he has caged our children, and he has often described our community as ‘illegals’, marginalizing what our community has done for this country and suggesting that we are not wanted or needed here in America.  So when the CEO of a company like GOYA, which claims deep roots in the Latino culture, and that purposely caters to the Latino consumer population of the U.S., glorifies President Trump as a ‘builder’ without any acknowledgment of his checkered past with that same community, there naturally will be an eruption of emotion, sadness, frustration and anger from that same population.”   Mrs. Cox further stated, “As attorneys and as a bipartisan association that represents Latino attorneys across the state of New Jersey, the HBA-NJ believes in the sanctity of the constitutional right of freedom of speech; however, the right to free speech does not mean that one’s words do not come with consequences.  To have a New Jersey headquartered Latino company such as GOYA express such strong support and praise for President Trump – without any acknowledgment of the broken relationship the President has with our Latino community or the hurt and pain that our community has experienced as a result of his words – is reckless and dangerous.  As CEO of a company that prides itself in becoming ‘part of the culture’ of the Latino community, Unanue needs to be better, do better and must be held to a higher standard.”

The HBA-NJ is an association that represents the interests, development and advancement of Latinos in the legal profession and seeks to protect the interests of the Latino community through policies, regulations and collaboration with other community and civic organizations.   HBA-NJ President Cox acknowledges that GOYA has done a lot of good for the New Jersey and Latino communities, explaining: “We have seen GOYA donate substantial amounts of food to various Latino communities and GOYA has contributed to our community in many ways, which has resulted in a very loyal Latino-customer base.  GOYA can and should certainly support initiatives and programs that will help the Latino community and minority-owned businesses gain access to educational and economic opportunities, but it can do so without forgetting our community’s reality, which is that we are being disproportionately impacted by COVID-19, our unemployment rate is at 14.5%, immigrant families remain separated and detained, our Puerto Rican families are still trying to recover from Hurricane Maria – without the necessary support from the Trump administration – and we continue to face discrimination and prejudices because of who we are.  With that reality in mind, Unanue must understand the pain and anger that he has unleashed as a result of his words.”  

Mrs. Cox concluded,  “Goya is a powerful Latino-owned company, built on the backs of our community and our culture.  Personally, I hope that GOYA’s leadership publicly recognizes the insensitivity of Unanue’s words, so that this community can start to heal and can continue to support Latino-owned businesses like GOYA.”