By Debralee Santos and Sandra E. García
Photo: QPHOTONYC
With a powerful mix of prayer and politics, a rally held this past Fri., Feb. 10th at the United Palace Cathedral in Washington Heights, gathered over a hundred community residents, civic leaders, and local elected officials to push for the state to draw a majority-Latino Congressional district.
Just before commencing with what was billed a “community rally,” local Washington Heights District Leader Maria Luna asked for a moment of silence from those assembled in the church’s lobby and steps, many holding placards and posters.
“To make things right, and just to make sure that our voices are heard, we are going to start with a prayer,” said Luna, who headed the rally and press conference.
Those in attendance said that the time had long ago come for the state to address the need for a majority-Latino Congressional district, one that might well include some of northern Manhattan, the West Bronx, and also parts of Queens such as Corona and Jackson Heights, to correspond to the state’s burgeoning Latino electorate.
The issue is of particular concern to community leaders and activists now that the state, in accordance with the 2010 U.S. Census, is involved in addressing redistricting.
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