ICYMI: President Biden Spotlights Latino Accomplishments in Cinco de Mayo Celebration

On Monday, President Biden invited Latino trailblazers to recognize Cinco de Mayo with a celebration in the White House Rose Garden, where he reaffirmed Latino contributions to our communities, workforce, and American culture, and the Biden-Harris Administration's accomplishments for the Latino community, including lowering Latino unemployment to record lows, ushering in a Latino small business boom, and helping more Latinos access health care. The President and the First Lady also participated in interviews with radio host Stephanie Himonidis for her show "La Chiquibaby", which is broadcasted in over 100 stations across the country.

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Reuters: The Bidens celebrate immigration on Cinco de Mayo
[Staff, 5/6/24]

During his speech, Joe Biden thanked Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador for his "partnership" and "help on immigration", highlighting the economic security that both countries share.

The historical backdrop of Cinco de Mayo traces back to May 5, 1862, when Mexican forces achieved a decisive victory over invading French army in the Battle of Puebla. Over time, this event has transcended its military origins to symbolize Mexican unity and patriotism. It's a day that resonates deeply with the shared history and cultural bonds between Mexico and the United States.

Telemundo: Mariachi, guacamole and margaritas at the White House to celebrate May 5
[Telemundo, 5/6/24]

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The White House celebrates Cinco de Mayo with special guests such as Miami Heat basketball player Jaime Jaquez Junior. President Biden highlighted the contribution of Latinos to society, politics and the US economy

Voz of America: "That's why we are so strong": Biden celebrates Cinco de Mayo highlighting the contribution of immigrants
[Voz de America, 5/6/24]

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President Joe Biden praised the contribution of Mexicans and immigrants in general to the United States. On May 5, the Battle of Puebla is remembered, in which Mexican troops faced the French invaders, in 1862.

Biden used the occasion to reference one of his 2020 campaign promises regarding diversity and inclusion: "I promised that my administration would look like America and I am proud to say that it does." The president, who was cheered during his speech in the Rose Garden of the presidential residence, entertained those attending the event - many of them legislators of Hispanic origin - highlighting the contribution of immigrants to the culture and life of the United States. .

The same was done by Jill Biden, first lady of the United States, who especially greeted Mexican Americans, who, as she said, "have profoundly shaped our country."

People en Espanol: Chiquibaby receives a surprise during her visit to the White House
[Leonela Taveras, 5/7/24]

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Chiquibaby was one of the Latin personalities invited by President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden this Monday to the White House Cinco de Mayo celebration, in which tribute was paid to Mexican-American culture.

It was through her social networks that the charismatic presenter showed some videos and photos of the moment that she shared with other attendees, such as Wilmer Valderrama, Cristo Fernández, and Miguel Cardona.

Latin US: Jaime Jaquez is invited by Biden to the White House and gives a speech on May 5: "I am proud of the legacy of Mexican Americans"
[Latin US, 5/7/24]

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First Lady Jill Biden was also present at the event, who also highlighted the great contribution of the Mexican-American community that has helped in the construction of the United States.

"We gather to celebrate May 5 and highlight the Mexican American citizens who have contributed profoundly to building our society. We also remember that the first step towards progress is dreams, even if the odds are against us," he noted.

El Provenir: Jáquez Jr. gives May 5 speech with Joe Biden
[5/7/24]

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"I stand before you on the shoulders of giants. There are generations of proud and incredibly successful Mexican Americans who came before me. I am proud to carry on their legacy and continue to advance the traditions of Mexican Americans that make the spirit of our people so great. A tradition and a spirit that is based on hard work, a strong moral code and the importance of family. Thank you, President Biden and the administration for celebrating our community and all of our contributions here today," said Jáquez Jr.

After his words, the Heat rookie invited President Joe Biden to the stage, who also highlighted the importance of the Mexican-American community and thanked Jáquez Jr. for his words.

"Congratulations on a great rookie season. Like you said, you're standing on the shoulders of people who came before you, and future generations will be standing on your 6-foot-6 shoulders," the president said, laughing.

Daily Mail: Biden holds Rose Garden Cinqo de Mayo party and calls to help DREAMers
[Geoff Earle, 5/6/24]

The president cheered the contributions of Mexican Americans, twice mentioning that he has a bust of Cesar Chavez in the Oval Office, while blasting Trump's plans to deport millions of illegal immigrants.

'We are a nation of immigrants and we shouldn't forget it,' he said. He defended new rules for expanding health care access to so-called 'Dreamers' who came to the country illegally as children. He also renewed his demand that Congress act to give them permanent status.
'Give me a break. These have been model citizens. Congress has to act.'

AP: Biden and first lady host White House Cinco de Mayo reception
[Staff, 5/6/24]

President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden hosted a White House celebration for Cinco de Mayo on Monday.

In the U.S., the date is largely seen as a celebration of Mexican American culture stretching back to the 1800s in California. Typical festivities include parades, street food, block parties, mariachi competitions and baile folklórico, or folkloric dance, with whirling dancers wearing shiny ribbons with braids and bright, ruffled dresses.

Cinco de Mayo marks the anniversary of the 1862 victory by Mexican troops over invading French forces at the Battle of Puebla. The triumph over the better equipped and more numerous French troops was an enormous emotional boost for the Mexican soldiers led by Gen. Ignacio Zaragoza.

Spectrum News: At White House Cinco de Mayo celebration, Biden says immigration is the reason for U.S. success
[Maddie Gannon, 5/6/24]

President Joe Biden on Monday marked Cinco de Mayo at the White House, hosting a reception in the Rose Garden in which he reiterated his recent assertion that immigration is the reason for what he deemed as the United States' economic success.

"The reason why we're the fastest growing country in the world, why we're the best economy in the world is because of immigration," Biden said at Monday's event, which took place on May 6 rather than the fifth. "That's not hyperbole."

Biden on Monday was introduced by the Miami Heat's Jaime Jaquez Jr., a California native and a dual citizen of the U.S. and Mexico.

"I stand here before you on the shoulders of giants … generations of proud and incredibly accomplished Mexican Americans who came before me," he said.

Athlon Sports: Joe Biden Brings Out NBA Star During Cinco De Mayo Celebration
[Chris Phelps, 5/6/24]

During the celebration at the White House, Biden brought out a guest speaker. Miami Heat forward Jaime Jaquez Jr.

"For those of you that don't know, I am Jaime Jaquez Jr. I am from Camarillo, California and I play in the NBA for the Miami Heat", Jaquez Jr. said, "I stand here before you on the shoulders of giants. There are generations of proud and incredibly accomplished Mexican-Americans that came before me."

B-R: Heat's Jaime Jaquez Jr. Talks at White House Cinco De Mayo Event with President Biden
[Andrew Peters, 5/6/24]

Miami Heat rookie Jaime Jaquez Jr. received a special honor on Monday as he was invited to the White House for President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden's Cinco de Mayo reception.

During the reception, Jaquez spoke on Mexican-American history and tradition before introducing President Biden to the crowd.

"I stand here before you on the shoulders of giants," Jaquez said (3:20 mark). "There are generations of proud and incredibly accomplished Mexican Americans that came before me. I am proud to continue their legacy and continue to push the traditions of Mexican Americans that make the spirit of our people so great. A tradition and spirit that is principled on hard work, a strong moral code and the importance of family. Thank you, President Biden and the administration for celebrating our community and all our contributions here today."

ESPN Deportes: Jáquez Jr. gives Cinco de Mayo speech with President Joe Biden
[ESPN Digital, 5/6/24]

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I am proud to continue his legacy and continue to advance the traditions of Mexican Americans that make the spirit of our people so great. A tradition and spirit that is based on hard work, a strong moral code and the importance of family. Thank you, President Biden and the administration for celebrating our community and all of our contributions here today," said Jáquez Jr.

After his words, the Heat rookie invited President Joe Biden to the stage, who also highlighted the importance of the Mexican-American community and thanked Jáquez Jr. for his words.