Photo: https://www.inc.com/will-yakowicz/35-under-35-jordi-munoz-co-founder-3d-robotics.html
Welcome back to The Sunstone Way.
Hispanic Heritage Month started last Sunday, Sept. 15. The unusual mid-month beginning was intentional – it is Independence Day for Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico’s independence from Spain was declared Sept. 16 and Chile celebrates on Sept. 18.
The story of Hispanics in America is particularly important in California, where they comprise 40 percent of the population. Spaniards from Mexico were the first outsiders to colonize California, with padres leading the way by establishing missions up the coast of the Pacific Ocean.
From Spain To Mexico
When Mexico gained its independence from Spain, it also laid claim to California, along with Arizona, New Mexico and the territory making up several other present-day states. However, that occupation was short-lived.
The Mexican American War took place beginning in 1846 and lasted until the fall of Mexico City in September 1847. It took until Feb. 2, 1848, to negotiate the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, formally ending the war.
That treaty turned more than 525,000 square miles of land into American territory, including Alta California (the Baja California peninsula remained Mexico’s territory). Interestingly, the U.S. paid Mexico $15 million for the land to conclude the treaty.
California Dreaming
Despite the change in flags, the people of Mexico – indeed, immigrants in general – continued to make California a destination. It was a place for new starts. It was a place where dreams could come true.
The discovery of gold in 1848 brought a flood of dreamers to northern California seeking their fortunes. Southern California remained primarily agricultural and primarily Mexican, although that would gradually change.
As was the case in most of the country, Southern California dreams were primarily agricultural in the mid-1800s. While a few Mexican Americans of the time benefited from the large land grants of that day, many families realized their dreams on small farms and through trade.
Into The Future
While agriculture remained – and remains – important for the next century, there was a gradual shift to towns, cities and ultimately industrialization. And the dreams began to diversify as well.
As California and Mexico entered the 20th Century, Hispanics had to deal with discrimination in employment as well as socially. Segregated schools in the United States had much to do with a decline in opportunities for advancement. During the Depression, many returned to Mexico to find work or return to family.
But the dream remained alive. World War II saw a resurgence in demand for workers, reversing the immigration trend. And Hispanic Americans turned out in droves to serve in the armed forces, serving with distinction (17 Medals of Honor was just one sign). And a renewed spirit of entrepreneurism came along with the end of the war, along with the GI Bill.
Overcoming Obstacles
Our border with Mexico has been a source of tension for a decade or more, but immigrants continue to seek the California Dream despite many obstacles. Getting a Green Card – legal residence – is a goal of immigrants from all around the world, not just our southern neighbor.
Hispanics have heroes to emulate. For example:
Jordi Munoz grew up in Tijuana, Mexico. While he waited for his Green Card, he spent his time building a drone prototype in his garage, modifying the sensors on a gaming console remote control. Once he was legally in this country, he started what became one of the biggest drone manufacturers in the United States. He also co-founded 3-D Robotics in San Diego.
Why did he come? “There are a lot of good things in this country that allow you to innovate faster and be ale to set up a company very fast and efficiently.”
Selena Gomez is living the dream. The singer and actress is also a savvy businesswoman and entrepreneur, starting her own line of makeup called Rare Beauty.
She is 32 years old, and Bloomberg announced recently that she has reached billionaire status.
A second-generation immigrant, she continues to talk about and advocate for her Hispanic heritage. She remembers her roots while chasing her California Dream.
Our founder, John Shen, remembers his roots while chasing his American Dream, too. That is The Sunstone Way.
And remember, always be a Sunstone!
John Keisler
CEO & Managing Partner
Sunstone Management, Inc.
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