The national movement against racial discrimination, structural racism, and police violence has led to large protests across the country, including in New Mexico. A recent survey of Hispanic par
ents in New Mexico conducted by Latino Decisions provides insights on how New Mexico’s Hispanic families feel about these issues. The survey of 480 Hispanic parents and primary caregivers is focused on the impact of COVID-19 on the Hispanic community in the state, but also includes content on the national movement toward police reform.
The protests across the country came largely in response to George Floyd being killed by police officers in Minnesota. One of the positive outcomes of this tragedy has been the ability to use this event as a teaching moment, and the survey reveals that most Hispanic families in the state have done so.
Nearly half (46%) of Hispanic families in New Mexico have watched the video footage showing the police officer placing his knee on Mr. Floyd’s neck causing his death with their children. This is even higher (59%) among families with teenage children. Another 21% of parents in the survey stated that they know their children have watched the video on their own. As reflected in the figure below, a robust 82% of respondents report that they have used the video of Mr. Floyd’s killing as an opportunity to speak to their children about racial bias and racial inequality. This is a powerful indicator that Hispanic families in New Mexico are having the difficult conversations with their children that is needed to begin a more long-term healing process.
You can read the rest of the team’s analysis at Latino Rebels.
Author Team
Johana Bencomo, NM CAFé
Marcela Diaz, Somos Un Pueblo Unido
Gabriela Ibañez Guzmán, Somos Un Pueblo Unido
James Jimenez, NM Voices for Children
Adrian Pedroza, Abriendo Puertas
Marian Méndez Cera, El CENTRO de Igualdad y Derechos
Rachel LaZar, El CENTRO de Igualdad y Derechos
Javier Martinez, Partnership for Community Action
Gabriel R Sanchez, UNM Center for Social Policy
