Rep. Paiz to attend White House ceremony for Hispanic Heritage Month

Vice President Kamala Harris delivers remarks at a Hispanic Heritage Month reception, Wednesday, October 18, 2023, in the White House Rose Garden. | Official White House Photo by Carlos Fyfe

A Michigan lawmaker is slated to be among those attending the White House’s Wednesday celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month.  

“I’m excited to attend the White House ceremony during Hispanic Heritage Month,” said state Rep. Veronica Paiz (D-Harper Woods). “It is truly a great honor to usher in this important month, surrounded by fellow changemakers within the Latino community. This celebration highlights the profound impact Latinos have had on shaping the history and culture of the United States and I am humbled to be part of it.”

 Hispanic Heritage Month, held Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, pays tribute to the contributions of both Hispanic and Latino Americans to the social, economic and cultural fabric of the United States. Started in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson, the celebration was expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988.

Paiz is second generation Mexican American, with her family moving to Michigan from Texas in the 1960s to work in the auto industry. She said it was important Latino voices in government were amplified.

“As one of the few Latino representatives in the Michigan Legislature, I have a responsibility to provide the diverse perspective of the Hispanic and Latino communities in policy discussions,” she said. “From housing to health care access, Latinos play a critical role in shaping policy that affects all Michiganders, and I hope to continue representing my community with pride and to work toward a more inclusive and equitable future.”