A Call for Humanity, Solidarity, and Action in Mecklenburg County, Charlotte North Carolina
By Manolo Betancur
Superman is the most loved superhero in the land of the free and the home of the brave. I am wondering—have you ever thought that our most powerful hero is an immigrant?
Yes, he is—because he was not born in this country. He immigrated from another planet.
Also, the symbol on his chest means Hope.
Yes, Hope.
Hope is what makes us immigrate to this nation. Hope is in our blood, in our heart, and our soul.
We don’t know what giving up means.
Dear County Commissioners,
I am here tonight to share with you some changes that have been taking place in our Mecklenburg County since January 20.
This message is not political—I am here in a proactive way, as a servant to help, and as a human, asking you for humanitarian support.
Since January 21, many small businesses have lost money—including my bakery, restaurants, barbers, flea markets, food distributors, and supermarkets.
For example, one local food distributor went from $1 million a month to $550,000.
Small businesses have not been doing well since January 20—everybody knows the truth.
Also, some residents in our county are not buying homes—or better said, they are leaving our county. Now we are left with empty houses.
People are not showing up to work—so construction slows down, and soon, we will face the reality of not having food on our tables.
The saddest part of this system is that American children are losing their parents—mothers, fathers, or both.
Our children are our future.
Imagine how they’ll feel about a government that took their parents away.
I have been in Ukraine. The apron I am wearing today is from a baker friend in Bucha.
I know their war.
Many Ukrainians have chosen our county to live. Let’s be human.
I am not asking you to fight our federal government and start a revolution.
I am just asking you to be brave enough to show up in our streets, businesses, churches, and schools.
We are in the land of the free, where we can still hug each other, smile, and share love.
Please, let us know that we are not alone and that we are welcome here.
You are also our Superman and Superwoman—because each of you represents Hope for us, especially for my American children.
Thank you.
Manolo Betancur
CEO, Manolo’s Bakery
Speech Public Appearance at Mecklenburg Board of County Commissioners Meeting – 3/5/25 Some words to explain what is happening to our immigrant community.
