by Ileana Martinez | May 4, 2023 | News & Updates
As we approach the vibrant and significant celebration of Cinco de Mayo, SER Jobs for Progress National, Inc. (SER National) stands proud to honor the spirit of resilience and triumph that defines the American workforce. This auspicious occasion allows us to reflect upon the historical account that gave birth to this day, drawing powerful parallels to the undaunted spirit of American workers who have weathered the storms of economic challenges, especially in the new post-pandemic world.
Cinco de Mayo finds its roots in the audacious decision made by Mexican President Benito Juárez in 1861. Faced with a nation ravaged by civil war and financial ruin, Juárez suspended payment of foreign debts to the United Kingdom, Spain, and France. While the first two nations swiftly reached agreements for repayment and withdrew their warships, the French, under Emperor Napoleon III, had other intentions. They aspired to conquer Mexico and establish a pro-French monarchy.
In a remarkable turn of events, an elite French military force encountered an unexpected obstacle on May 5, 1862, in Puebla, led by the valiant Texas-born General Ignacio Zaragoza. Against all odds, Zaragoza and his ragtag army overcame the superior French forces, halting their advance toward Mexico City. Though the victory only postponed the inevitable French conquest, it served as a significant morale boost for a nation desperate for hope and inspiration.
Similarly, the American workforce has faced its own uphill battle, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic. The Center for Budget and Policy Priorities reports that prime-age workers’ labor force participation rate surpassed its pre-pandemic levels in March 2023, reaching 83.1 percent, higher than any month from May 2010 to December 2018. This remarkable feat speaks volumes about American workers’ relentless determination and resilience.
Ignacio Salazar, President and CEO of SER National, reflects on this journey and states, “The triumphs and challenges faced by American workers echo the spirit of Cinco de Mayo. Just as General Zaragoza’s victory provided hope for a beleaguered nation, American workers’ resilience, and unwavering spirit have brought us closer to a brighter future.”
We must acknowledge American workers’ immense sacrifices and efforts to rebuild their lives and communities in this new era. The pandemic brought unprecedented challenges, and the economic fallout disproportionately affected communities of color. Unemployment rates surged across all racial and ethnic groups in April 2020, with Latino and Black workers bearing the brunt, experiencing unemployment rates of 18.8 percent and 16.6 percent, respectively.
Yet, as we emerged from the darkness, federal relief and recovery legislation, combined with the reopening of the economy and effective virus containment measures, spurred a resurgence in job growth. By the end of 2021, unemployment rates for Latino, Black, and white workers had steadily declined, approaching pre-pandemic levels. However, disparities persist, with Black and Latino unemployment rates still higher than their white counterparts.
Salazar further emphasizes, “We must continue our collective efforts to ensure equity and opportunity for all. By addressing the systemic barriers perpetuating disparities, we can forge a future where all workers, regardless of background, can thrive and contribute to a prosperous nation.”
As we celebrate Cinco de Mayo, let us remember the lessons from history and honor the indomitable spirit of American workers. Together, we can create a future where diversity is celebrated, where the tireless efforts of every worker are recognized and rewarded, and economic challenges are met with resilience and determination.
We see a future where the strength and unity of the American workforce will prevail. It is a future where everyone has equal access to opportunities and resources regardless of race or ethnicity. We strive for a future where the disparities that persist today are eliminated, and the American dream is within reach for all.
We must advocate for policies promoting inclusivity, fairness, and equal opportunity to achieve this future. We must invest in education and job training programs that empower workers with the skills to thrive in the evolving economy. By fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and small business growth, we can create new avenues for economic advancement and reduce the wealth gap.
In the spirit of Cinco de Mayo, let us draw inspiration from the courageous actions of General Ignacio Zaragoza and his army. They faced an overwhelmingly powerful adversary but emerged victorious through determination and unwavering resolve. Similarly, American workers have shown time and time again that they possess the strength and resilience to overcome any obstacle.
As we commemorate Cinco de Mayo, we honor the sacrifices made by our ancestors and pay tribute to the fortitude of American workers. We celebrate their unwavering spirit and commitment to building a better future for themselves, their families, and their communities.
On behalf of SER National, we extend our deepest gratitude to the American workforce for their relentless dedication and tireless efforts. We stand with you, shoulder to shoulder, as we navigate the challenges of a post-pandemic world and work towards a future where every worker can thrive.
Let us forge a path of resilience, triumph, and unity together. Happy Cinco de Mayo!
by Ileana Martinez | Mar 31, 2023 | News & Updates
SER Jobs for Progress National, Inc. (SER National) and the SER Network of Affiliates are marking Cesar Chavez Day 2023 by affirming their strong continued commitment to the driving principles in Cesar Chavez’ forty years of organizing work as a labor advocate and social justice leader. In his 1984 address to the California Commonwealth Club, Chavez told the audience, “…we are filled with hope and encouragement. We have looked into the future, and the future is ours!”
“Those stirring words embodied the fire that burned in Chavez’ life-long dedication to empowering America’s farmworkers towards a better life through job conditions and economic opportunities,” says Ignacio Salazar, SER National President, and Chief Executive Officer. “We, too, are dedicated to creating gateways through economic equity, our cornerstone mission, as we uplift the lives of more than a million people a year. Cesar reminded us, ‘you cannot uneducate the person who has learned to read.’ So too, SER National and our SER Network of Affiliates undertake with our program participants, achieving lasting transformation through employment redevelopment, training, and an array of related services for their tomorrows and their families,” says Salazar.
Cesar Chavez is credited with leading the way for employment that paid at least a minimum wage and labor contracts that set out more humane working conditions, including potable drinking water, shaded rest areas for breaks, and restrooms. He also recalled his own experience when he dropped out of school at the age of 13 years, so he could join his family working in the fields. Later, he led the fight for reforms in child labor laws that included a prohibition against children being truant from school to work because they were migrants. At its peak, the United Farm Workers (UFW), led by Chavez, secured the support of an estimated 17 million Americans in calling for safer labor standards and actions to bring farm workers out of generational poverty.
“In each of history’s three waves of migrations across our country by Latino immigrants since the early 1900s — through Texas, California, and deserts in-between, seeking a better economic opportunity has been the driving force,” says Salazar. “Today, La Familia de SER continues to reach and serve countless descendants of those itinerant families, many of whom still benefit from the Si Se Puede / Yes We Can advocacy Chavez led, with Dolores Huerta. Through technology, training, and a comprehensive safety net of services, our work is the future that Chavez dreamed of in his day. Yes, we are proud to declare, as Robert Kennedy did, we stand taller because we marched with Cesar!” said Salazar.
by Ileana Martinez | Mar 1, 2023 | News & Updates
SER Jobs for Progress National and the SER Network of Affiliates proudly celebrate March as America’s Women’s History Month. This is a special time to build awareness and acknowledge the many contributions women have made to our nation and their vital daily role in the success of the United States and Puerto Rico.
“This month is very special to SER Jobs for Progress National and the SER Network of Affiliates because, throughout our entire family of organizations, women are a very critical part of our story, our present, and what the future promises to bring,” says Ignacio Salazar, SER National President, and Chief Executive Officer. “At every level and in all aspects of carrying our mission, women have a presence, a voice, and the power to influence and direct our daily work. What is most exciting, to the point that we can share with great zeal, is the exhilaration we feel when we witness the lives women impact through their example and serving as amazing role models. Their strength, dedication, compassion, and the business and organizational insight they bring to the table are impressive. They make us a more successful and effective agency,” adds Salazar.
Women’s History Month began in 1982 as a weeklong observance, and through continuing resolutions in Congress, the observance grew until 1995. This is when by presidential proclamation, March began serving as a period set aside to recognize women’s many contributions to our country. This includes developing educational presentations and exhibits and creating academic-based studies that intentionally focused on how women impacted every industry, business category, and profession in the United States.
“That it took us until the 1980s to even begin acknowledging women in this way seems incredible today,” says Salazar. “Indeed, we can be glad that our society has evolved in understanding and appreciation for the essence and benefits of embracing collaboration, irrespective of gender. Today, women occupy the C-suites of some of the most successful enterprises and have mastered the art of building coalitions to achieve progress for all. There is no doubt that in the future, women will look back and wonder why we need just one month to acknowledge women when their tenacity, talent, and teamwork are present 365 days a year. We salute them!” said Salazar.
by Ileana Martinez | Feb 17, 2023 | News & Updates
SER National is marking Presidents’ Day 2023 as a time when Americans are reported to be increasingly focused on what our country needs today to enhance our quality of life. Equally significant is how the men and women polled nationally say we each can contribute to the solutions addressing these needs beginning with where we live, work, and spend our leisure time.
“The service-centered life of President Washington is being echoed this holiday in a recent Gallup poll,” says Ignacio Salazar, SER National Chief Executive Officer. “The survey asked people across the country about their goals for America in 2023. Interestingly, their answers mirrored some of the things President Washington cared about as our first leader more than 234 years ago. The majority who responded listed our government’s health as their top priority. Also, we care deeply about the state of our economy and how to improve it for everyone’s benefit. Of course, this includes good jobs, what President Washington called ‘useful and noble employment,’ especially in service to others,” says Salazar.
The poll measured public sentiments over three weeks at the start of 2023 (January 2-22). Other issues among this year’s top priorities include unifying our country and tackling poverty, hunger, and homelessness, addressing immigration, crime, race relations, morals, ethics, and family shifts. Gallup researchers report a marked difference in proposed solutions depending on the political party affiliation of the Americans they interviewed.
“President Washington shouldered many of these social burdens without the benefit of the modern-day resources we enjoy,” says Salazar. “Communication took days or weeks. Also, national infrastructure was still being developed to establish agencies, programs, and policies to carry out the needed work. Today, SER Jobs for Progress National and our SER Network of Affiliates are empowering Americans with much of what they require regarding information, capacity building, and program execution skills, all available at their fingertips. Our training is now expanding into virtual digital networks and artificial intelligence. We are teaching men and women daily at the level it took a generation ago for space exploration. Indeed, we are limited only by our imagination. Just like President Washington, we can envision our country now and into the future being better by what each of us does today,” said Salazar.
by Ileana Martinez | Jan 31, 2023 | News & Updates
February is National Black History Month in the United States, a month set aside to honor the lives of those African Americans who have fought the struggle for the right to enjoy the privileges of citizenship fully as guaranteed by our U.S. Constitution.
Ignacio Salazar, SER National President and Chief Executive Officer, states, “At this time, we recommit to our mission of lifting the lives of African Americans, along with all the other men and women we serve daily. Black History Month reminds us that the struggle for just and equal opportunity is generational. Each of us is dedicated to lending our voice, skills, and resources daily to move our communities forward through job training and services. Also, this is a chance to be intentional about learning and sharing the achievements of African American men and women. Doing so empowers us all and strengthens our appreciation for America’s beauty.”
Black History Month’s roots date back to 1925, and an African American historian, educated at Harvard. Carter G. Woodson wanted to create a way to teach others about Black men and women’s contributions and dispel discrimination. The first observance was known as Negro History Week and was celebrated the last week of February. This date coincided with the birthdays of President Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglas, a man who escaped slavery in Maryland and became a renowned social reformer and abolitionist. President Gerald Ford expanded the celebration in 1976 to a month-long observance.
“This year, the theme of Black History Month is Black Resistance,” says Salazar. “This teaching reminds us of our collective duty as a society to be in solidarity with African Americans. They continue to seek full acceptance, which they have earned since their forced arrival in America as enslaved people. Today, they seek the nation’s respect and acknowledgment, not as victims, but as triumphant Americans who have overcome historical adversity, injustice, and exclusion. SER Jobs for Progress National and our Network of Affiliates, join with them in this quest and applaud their many important victories,” said Salazar.
by Ileana Martinez | Jan 13, 2023 | News & Updates
SER Jobs for Progress National, Inc. (SER National) marks the observance of MLK Day 2023 and issued the following statement on this historic occasion:
“Dr. King reminded Americans that as persons of spiritual faith, we are instructed to love others as ourselves and to do so without reservation,” says Ignacio Salazar, President and Chief Executive Officer of SER National. “The message is powerful because, in its simplicity, we are called upon to confront one of the greatest challenges in our daily lives, the beloved community mindset, or love of all. This is the theme that the King Foundation celebrates this year. Indeed, Dr. King personified a life of love activated through actions and did so with all he met, even his opposers. Today, fifty-five years following his death, our nation pauses to remember and honor that legacy of love through service to the community of which we are all a part. SER National, together with the SER Network of Affiliates, is proud of living the beloved community mindset through our array of services, programs, and resources to more than a million people every year across the United States and Puerto Rico,” said Salazar.
Events in observance of MLK Day 2023 are scheduled to be held in communities large and small across the country. The shared themes include diversity, equality, and opportunity for all men, women, and children, regardless of race, color, or creed. Millions of Americans will spend the day as one of service in their local communities. Many residents in the Greater Washington, DC region and leaders from throughout the United States will travel to the nation’s capital. They will participate in a celebratory MLK Peace Walk and Parade, which organizers describe as an event to “recapture the dream and lift every voice ’til victory is won.” Still others will observe MLK Day alone in their homes, in quiet, somber reflection, mindful that the day Dr. King foresaw from the mountaintop has not yet arrived when all people are judged, not by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.
“SER National is proud to report that many of our team members, program participants, corporate sponsors, and community allies are among the nearly 80 million Americans practicing service through volunteerism in the philosophy of Dr. King,” said Salazar. “We are engaged in social transformation daily through what the King Center calls Nonviolence365, and we are touching lives as did Dr. King, through peaceful educational outreach, teaching job skills, repurposing talent into new careers, trades, and professions. Yes, one person at a time, one neighborhood, city, and state at a time, we are still on the journey towards that promised land when all Americans shall see themselves in the fulfillment of the civil rights movement Dr. King began and which continues even today. Happy MLK Day!” he added.
