Cultural celebration reflects dance to Election Day
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Many say Latino voters just might have the final say in this year's Presidential election.
Behind the bright colors and drum beat, is a big celebration. The Puerto Rican Folkloric Dance and Cultural Center celebrated their 15th anniversary Sunday.
"We see all kinds of Latin Americans and all kinds of Spanish and Hispanic people, looking for culture, not just Puerto Ricans," Registered Voter Aurea Negron said.
The Puerto Rican Folkloric Dance and Cultural Center has made it through good times and bad, just like many of its members. Sunday’s celebration was chance to celebrate music and dance, but it was also an opportunity to reflect on the state of the Hispanic vote in the United States.
Yolanda Misonete is among the growing population of Hispanics voting in this year's Presidential election, something she has done since the 80s. As more Hispanics make the U.S. home, their vote is increasingly powerful every four years.
"I vote because it is my right too, and I like to exercise that right, but right now I am not with any party, Democrat or Republican. It's the same thing," Misonete said.
At last week's Democratic National Convention voters saw for the first time a Hispanic deliver the keynote speech.
Julian Castro, the Mayor of San Antonio, says while he realizes many consider him the voice of Latinos the issues are the same regardless of heritage.
"There is no question that over the last few cycles, the Latino vote has become larger and larger share of the overall vote. The good news is that what concerns Latinos concerns all Americans," Castro said on Capital Tonight last week.
And on Sunday’s day of celebration, those who have been with the organization since the say they’re fighting for the same issues as others.
"What bothers me is that there is a politician that can make millions of dollars and a teacher that can make $40,000 and pay much more taxes than a politician will," Negron said.
As for Misonete, despite her skepticism, she votes because she knows it is a privilege.
"I always say that I still have the hope that my vote matters. I still have the hope. I don't want to lose hope," Misonete said.