Hispanic Chamber gives thanks

Colorado has accomplished what no other state has, defeating the deceptive language of a Ward Connerly anti-equal opportunity initiative. The margin was slim, but the victory is huge. In every state in which this initiative has made it onto a ballot, with this language, it has passed. And, in those states, business and educational opportunities for women and minority students have plummeted.

You may see national media coverage this week of the final outcome of this unprecedented victory for equal opportunity. Along with hundreds of other groups and organizations that created one of Colorado's most diverse coalitions to take on a ballot measure ever, the Denver Hispanic Chamber wants to give credit to its members as well as some of our board members who tirelessly raised money and advocated to defeat this opportunity-busting ballot measure.

Members such as Chris Meza of Meza Construction, Hensel-Phelps, the Latina Initiative and so many others who stepped up to the plate to raise money and wear out shoe leather to defeat Amendment 46. Denver Hispanic Chamber board member Patricia Barela Rivera, formerly with the U.S. Small Business Administration, served as campaign co-chair and Mario Carrera, Vice President and General Manager of Univision, served as finance co-chair alongside other community leaders.

Of course, Amendment 46 could not have been defeated without the voters of Colorado, including many of you, our members, who saw through the deceptive language of its out-of-state authors.

Thank you for helping to defeat Amendment 46. While we were able to maintain equal opportunity for the many brilliant minority students, entrepreneurs and small businesses that will help fuel our state's economic rebound, Amendment 46 proponents vow to try again. If this happens, the Denver Hispanic Chamber of Commerce will take up the fight again on your behalf and we hope with your help.

Jeffrey Campos is President and CEO of the Denver Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.