Tribute to Sara González source: GHCC posted: Feb. 20, 2008 "Sara González, President and CEO of the Georgia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (GHCC), passed away unexpectedly from a heart attack late in the evening of February 18 at the age of 72." read the release here

Tribute to Sara González
by Ricardo González

Although Sara and I shared the same last name, we are not related to one another. Sara's ancestry was Cuban. We do, as her spirit lives on, share the same vision to see the Latino people progress and prosper in this great country.

Sara fled Cuba at 22 years of age in 1960 with two young children. I was born in 1960. She settled in Atlanta and in 1978 started a small diner selling Cuban food. The diner failed, but Sara did not.

I had three lengthy private conversations with Sara during my years in Atlanta, GA. She was a thoughtful and kind person. She was also completely dedicated to the advancement of Latinos while still respecting Anglo business and social traditions. She was refreshing in that she always looked for ways to educate and elevate the Latino populace. She was the antithesis of so much of the classism we see in Latino society.

I remember moving into a new office back in the late 90's and her coming to visit me at my offices to congratulate me for our progress with Bilingual America. It was an honor to have her there.

I remember her giving me some important words of encouragement on one very important and defining day in my life. She said, "Ricardo, I really think you should be a national voice to bring together Anglos and Latinos." Sara's words convinced me to take serious steps towards that mission. I am eternally grateful to her for her support and encouragement along these lines.

Sara was highly respected among both Latinos and Anglos in the Georgia Community. She served on the 1996 Olympics Organizing Committee and was appointed by Gov. Perdue to Hemisphere, Inc. and to the Latino Commission for a New Georgia. Under her leadership, the GA Hispanic Chamber of Commerce grew from a small group of loosely affiliated business people to a large and active business Chamber.

Jerry González (no relation either), Executive Director of the Georgia Association of Latino Elected Officials, wrote to me and said the following about her, "She was an activist at heart. She accomplished a lot to ensure our Georgia leaders listened to the intersection of business interests along with the interests of the Latino community, especially immigrants."

For some of you, the word "activist" is negative but it simply means "one who is active." Sara was active on behalf of bridging the divide between Anglos and Latinos. She was active in her representation of a positive Latino image and business culture.

Sara was a tireless activist for positive change. She was a fantastic listener and a great encourager. She was a true role-model for Latinos in this country. I have deep respect for Sara González.

Sara's spirit lives and those of us who knew her heart and mission will work night and day to improve relations between Latinos and Anglos with dignity and honor as she so gracefully modeled for us.

Adelante,


Ricardo González