As we kick off Latinx Heritage Month, we are excited to amplify the voices of our Latinx student-athletes, staff, coaches, and alums from various backgrounds. We look forward to coming together to recognize and honor the rich medley of Latinx cultures and experiences within our department. Our Latinx community is not a monolith. It is a mosaic of stories, identities, and journeys that deserve to be celebrated and shared. To capture the complete essence of all 62.1 million Latinx people living in the U.S., let alone the 100+ Latinx student-athletes, staff and coaches in our department would be near impossible. In the spirit of unity and understanding, we have invited members of our Latinx community to express themselves and share their unique perspectives.
 
According to the Latino Donor Collaborative's "2020 LDC U.S. Latino GDP Report," Latinos have been instrumental in the growth of the U.S. labor force, accounting for a staggering 78% of this growth since the Great Recession. Between 2010 and 2018, the Latino GDP in the United States soared, growing 72% faster than the non-Latino GDP. This underscores the undeniable truth: Latinx people are everywhere.
 
Many Latinx History Month articles and posts highlight the previous stats to celebrate the undeniable contributions Latinx people make to this country's economy. Yet, to state the value of Latinx people solely in terms of our contributions to this nation's economy feels a bit too shallow. We are much more than this simply this country's workforce; we contribute so much heart and soul which cannot be quantified. Whether you've witnessed the joyous beats of drums echoing through the stadium or seen fans making the sign of the cross as they enter the field, you've experienced the cultural symphony that is Latinx sports fandom. Our vibrant celebrations, rooted in traditions like Dias de Los Muertos offerings, bring a unique spirit to every game.
 
Latinx people have stories which intersect with California sports, arts, and culture in extraordinary ways. Look no further than the football and basketball court, where our very own Joe Kapp and Tony Gonzalez dominated on both the gridiron and hardwood as Cal Football and Basketball stars. Or Jorge Gutierrez, from Chihuahua, Mexico, who won both Pac-12 Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year honors in 2012. But our impact extends beyond the playing field.
 
Joe Kapp not only led Cal Football to a Rose Bowl, won an NCAA Championship with Cal Basketball, and was Head Coach of Cal Football in 1982 during The Play, but he also paved the way for modern day NFL free agency. Kapp fortuitously challenged the NFL's standard contracts in the 1970s, setting a legal precedent that the players' union used to win later court battles. NFL coach and Cal alumnus Ron Rivera's inspiring fundraising efforts for Cal Legends Collective is well documented, but did you know that he made history by appointing Natalia Dorantes as the first Latina chief of staff for an NFL coach? This remarkable achievement exemplifies the leadership and trailblazing spirit that define Latinx people in the world of sports.
 
As we embark on Latinx Heritage Month, let's celebrate the profound influence of Latinx people in sports, arts, and culture. Let's honor the dedicated fans who infuse every game with passion and traditions. Let's applaud the athletes who break barriers and inspire generations. And let's recognize the leaders and visionaries who continue to shape the sports landscape.
 
Cal alumnus Ladislao Rodriguez is the Director of Operations and Engagement in the Cal DEIBJ Office.