If We Want to Win

A Latine Vision for a New American Democracy
Edited by:

An urgent, provocative collection of essays from Latinx thought leaders heralding a more inclusive vision of America’s future

Latinx people make up the second-largest ethnic and racial group in America, with a population of over sixty million. They have been integral to shaping the country’s economy, culture, and politics, and their influence and power continue to grow at all levels of civic life. Yet their diversity remains misunderstood, their contributions ignored, their concerns overlooked.

If We Want to Win brings together twenty leading figures involved in issues that affect the Latinx community, to lay out a vision for the future of American democracy, drawing on their experience and expertise in areas ranging from the arts, juvenile justice, women’s rights, and education, to environmental justice, racism, human rights, immigration, technology, and philanthropy.

Each contributor tells his or her own story alongside stories of the resilience and hope they have encountered over the course of their careers, debunking the stereotyping and scapegoating that continue to plague the Latinx community and seeking a more accurate portrayal of themselves and their communities. While questioning what it means to be Latinx and what it means to be American in the twenty-first century, this inspiring, visionary collection offers a blueprint for moving the United States toward a more inclusive and just democracy.

Praise

If We Want to Win brings together an impressive group of thoughtful and engaged activists whose experiences in the multiple Latine communities provide richly informed and compassionate portrayals. Collectively these essays lay out a plan for the successful political and social inclusion of the fastest growing sector of American society.”
—Maria de los Angeles Torres, author and distinguished professor, University of Illinois at Chicago
“American democracy today is at serious risk from internal forces, and the Latino community and electorate are smack in the middle of the morass. More than ever, we need inspiration from the lessons of real-life victories over the challenges, and bold, candid analyses that challenge our thinking about the future course of our community and country. On these two points, If We Want to Win delivers.”
—Arturo Vargas, chief executive officer of NALEO Educational Fund
“A potent vision of Latine successes, opportunities, and futures.”
Library Journal
“At an inflection point in the United States’ demographic destiny, If We Want to Win offers a powerful vision. When we answer this call for more inclusive philanthropy, more investment in education, and greater civic participation, we can help Latine communities unleash their full potential and create a more just, more equal society.”
—Darren Walker, president of the Ford Foundation

News and Reviews

In the Moment

Listen to an interview with Diana Campoamor about If We Want to Win on Town Hall Seattle’s In the Moment podcast.

Goodreads Reviews