One might question the validity of my universal statement on behalf of the Hispanic community as it relates to the Mark Belling issue. According to some individuals, I do not represent the whole of this community. There, we are in total agreement. I do not profess to be the self-appointed spokesperson for our entire community. Rather, as President and CEO of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Wisconsin (HCCW), I have been given the responsibility by a majority of our Hispanic and non-Hispanic business owners – people who are key influencers, decision-makers, and other fellow citizens-to promote and advance the business and economic objectives of the Hispanic community. Through their membership in the HCCW these members have expressed their confidence in my ability to objectively represent them and to stay focused on the role and mission of the HCCW. That is my intent.

Others in this community will stay focused on their respective cause(s). For example, the efforts of the Coordinating Committee Against Hate Speech (CCAHS) to remove Mark Belling from the WISN-1130 airwaves continue. I commend members of the CCAHS for continuing to educate the general public about the consequences of and damage done by any form of hate speech. Their activities truly are an expression of our great democratic society.

The original effort served to unite the community – Hispanic and non-Hispanic alike. However, when these activities serve to divide us – through repeated, unwarranted attacks in community newspapers against me and the HCCW – I consider them unproductive and damaging to our community. I do not support that type of divisive behavior nor will I acknowledge those engaged in such behavior. Instead, I continue with my efforts to advance Hispanic-owned businesses; to raise scholarship funds for our youth; to promote local tourism to our area; and to expand overall opportunities and upward mobility for Hispanics.

Honor, integrity and character of those representing the HCCW are our core principles. Our hard work ethic, deep religious convictions, strong family values, determination, and an unmistakable entrepreneurial drive characterize our Hispanic culture. Nothing that is said, printed or done can change that.

We have reached a turning point with regard to the Mark Belling issue. We will never forget the damage done by his racist remarks. But, the time has come for me to refocus on the mission of the HCCW – and to continue to build our Hispanic-owned business and economic base.

My mission is clear. I hold myself accountable to the HCCW membership, to our Board of Directors, to my colleagues, and to the Greater Milwaukee and Wisconsin communities in carrying out the mission of the HCCW. God bless our evolving Hispanic community!

Adelante Juntos,

Maria Monreal-Cameron
President and CEO