The following speech was written and delivered by Eduardo Hayek, associate editor of IQ Latino, on the occasion of Venezuela Day in the Commonwealth.
He was one of the guest speakers at the event held at the State Capitol in the city of Harrisburg, and represented western PA Venezuelan community
Honorable Representatives,
It is a privilege and a deep honor to be here today on behalf of the Venezuelan community, which has found in Pennsylvania not just refuge, but a new opportunity.
Today, we celebrate Venezuela Day in Pennsylvania, and as we look at what we have achieved in this land of opportunity that is America, I need to highlight he shared history between the United States and Venezuela, which runs deep.
From the time the Venezuelan Liberator Simón Bolívar expressed admiration for the young U.S. Constitution, to the meeting between Presidents Harry S. Truman and Rómulo Gallegos, to the shared dreams of John F. Kennedy and Rómulo Betancourt for a more prosperous Americas.
This is why I can say without a doubt that our presence has already taken deep root — especially in Pittsburgh, where I have lived since 2020.
And our contribution goes far beyond any expectation.
We are helping build Pittsburgh.
We are into shaping the Pittsburgh of the decades to come — a city more diverse, more vibrant, and more humane. Venezuelans are bringing new steel to the formula.
The Venezuelan community in Pittsburgh contributes to the city in countless ways. Some provide affordable mental health support to fellow Latinos, while others run thriving construction and roofing businesses that showcase their dedication and skill. Many Venezuelans work in restaurants, sharing the flavors of our homeland with local customers.
Others apply their professional knowledge in fields like accounting, financial planning, and real estate, helping families build more secure futures. Several of us work in social services, offering guidance and support to those navigating complex systems. Some lead community radio programs that keep Spanish-speaking residents informed and connected. And others offer journalistic services, giving voice to stories that might otherwise go unheard.
We are all hands-on deck, committed to building Pittsburgh.
And it doesn’t end there. We are now deeply woven into the fabric of this city. Black and yellow are part of our daily lives.
I feel pride when I see my fellow countrymen working hard to move forward, adapting, learning a new language, understanding a new culture.
Our community contributes not only with good will, but also talent and education. Among all Latino communities in the U.S., Venezuelan migrants have one of the highest levels of formal education: over 50% of us hold at least a college degree. And yet, we are unafraid to start from scratch and work hard for the future we want to build here.
Unfortunately, we’ve sometimes been the target of unfair propaganda. Some people have reduced us to negative stereotypes and use us for political goals. This has led many to wonder if we are truly welcome.
But let us not be misled. That is not what this country is. That is not the real United States.
I believe in the kind American. In the neighbor who takes care of our plants when we travel, in the coworker who tries to greet us in Spanish, in the community leaders who celebrate our arrival, and in the public officials who listen to us and offer us a voice.
We have involved ourselves into the life of Pittsburgh and Pennsylvania. We are already part of this generous nation, and our presence has been, and will continue to be, a force for good.
We are workers, professionals, parents, and neighbors.
We are students, caregivers, entrepreneurs, and community builders.
Migration is not a crime.
Venezuelans are revitalizing economy, culture, and communities.
Thank you for recognizing us this day.
Thank you for hearing us.
And thank you for allowing us to continue building a new episode in our shared story.
Happy Venezuela Day in Pennsylvania!
Eduardo Hayek is a communications professional, social worker, and interpreter, serving as the associate editor for IQ Latino.