America Ferrera Urges Latinos in Philadelphia to Participate in 2024 Presidential Election

In a significant push to activate Latino voters ahead of the 2024 presidential election, actress and activist America Ferrera visited North Philadelphia on Monday to engage with local communities. At an event held by HACE, a community development organization in Fairhill, Ferrera emphasized the potential influence of Latinas and Latinos in determining the election’s outcome.

Known for her starring roles in television series like “Ugly Betty” and “Superstore“, and more recently in the film “Barbie“, Ferrera is a prominent social justice advocate. She co-founded a non-profit organization aimed at mobilizing communities on various causes and was recognized for her activism in 2023.

Addressing a predominantly Latina audience, Ferrera told attendees, “This November, Latinas and Latinos are much more than enough to make the difference in this race.” The actress, whose roots trace back to Honduras, was in Philadelphia campaigning for Vice President Kamala Harris, highlighting her as a defender of the middle class and a supporter of DACA Dreamers.

According to election data, Latino eligible voters in the U.S. have doubled as a percentage since 2000. Although a majority have historically supported the Democratic Party, recent elections have shown a shift with an increasing number leaning towards Republican candidates. Former President Donald Trump has been actively courting the Latino vote, particularly in battleground states like Pennsylvania.

The 2020 presidential election in Pennsylvania was narrowly decided by about 82,000 votes, while more than 600,000 eligible Latino voters reside in the state, making their participation crucial. Ferrera’s call to action stressed the importance of collective effort in achieving social justice and political change.

Philadelphia City Councilmember Quetcy Lozada, who joined Ferrera at the event, echoed the sentiment, particularly highlighting concerns about the Republican agenda, which includes discussions of dismantling the Department of Education. Lozada pointed to potential negative impacts on local communities if such plans were pursued.

Ferrera’s endorsement of Kamala Harris stems from a long-standing admiration of her work, dating back to Harris’s tenure as Attorney General of California. Through public platforms, Ferrera continues to inspire collective action, reminding attendees, “The fight for social justice is not a marathon. It is a relay race.”