On Oct. 9, a secret audio recording that revealed cruel and racist remarks made by now-former Los Angeles City Council President Nury Martinez was published by the Los Angeles Times.
The racist remarks apparently were made at a meeting held on Oct. 21, 2021, when Martinez was discussing redistricting issues with LA council members Gil Cedillo and Kevin de León and Los Angeles County Federation of Labor President Ron Herrera.
An unknown person on Reddit originally released the audio recording of Martinez belittling Councilmember Mike Bonin. Martinez can be heard saying “Bonin thinks he’s f**king Black.”
According to the Times, Martinez and other council members at one point discussed Bonin’s adopted 8-year-old son and referred to him as, “parece changuito,” describing him as appearing like a “monkey.”
Martinez also called Bonin “a little b**ch” and went on to say that Bonin’s son had misbehaved during a Martin Luther King Jr. Day parade event and that Bonin was “raising him like a little White kid.” Martinez said: “I was like, this kid needs a beatdown. Let me take him around the corner and then I’ll bring him back.”
On Wednesday, Martinez announced her resignation from City Council, where she had served for 10 years. This followed her resignation as council president. “I take responsibility for what I said and there are no excuses for those comments,” Martinez said in a statement. “I’m so sorry.”
Politicians, protesters, residents and others across LA are now calling for the resignations of Cedillo and de León.
CALÓ NEWS spoke with Latinos on the street to get their unfiltered reactions.
Responses have been edited for clarity and brevity.
ABEL HERNANDEZ, 24, LOS ANGELES, FULL-TIME STUDENT, HE/HIM, MEXICAN-AMERICAN
SHOULD ALL OF THE COUNCIL MEMBERS INVOLVED RESIGN FROM THE CITY COUNCIL? WHY OR WHY NOT?
Yes, absolutely, and the reason for this is because the council members are supposed to lead and support the biggest communities in LA, and that’s regarding the Latino community and the people of color overall. They are supposed to lead an example for the people. Instead, they are being unprofessional and racist. This just leads to more bad stereotypes in the Latino community.
WHAT ELSE, IF ANYTHING, SHOULD BE DONE IN REACTION TO WHAT HAPPENED?
They all need to be real and face the consequences of their actions. They need to resign and apologize to the Black community, the Latino community and to the people of Los Angeles.
HOW DO YOU THINK THIS NEWS HARM LATINOS? EXPLAIN.
It really does. The Latino community has always had a bad stereotype of being racist toward Black people. I want to believe that we are now more progressive and have passed that. I feel like as of now, the Latino and the Black community need to come together more than ever to protect one another. What these council members did is unforgettable. Instead of taking steps forward in empowering communities together, we are having to take steps back because of this incident, this doesn’t look good for us Latinos.
HOW IMPORTANT IS IT FOR LATINO AND BLACK COMMUNITIES TO WORK TOGETHER? HOW DO YOU SEE THAT HAPPENING OR NOT HAPPENING?
As of now, the situation looks rough for those who are aware of this incident. I want to believe that the communities will come together regardless of this. As a Latino, these remarks are unacceptable. What Nury Martinez said was nasty and really harsh. I don’t have a family, but I can only imagine that, as a parent, you don’t ever want to hear somebody talking about their kid in the way that she did. Nury is unfit for the job and has failed her people and brought shame to LA and the Latino community.
HOW CAN LATINO LEADERS MEND RELATIONS WITH THE BLACK COMMUNITY? BE SPECIFIC.
Latinos have to be better allies to the Black communities. That means showing up in the good times and in the bad times. We need to always support and be there for one another. We need to better ourselves and educate each other about our communities of color, and that starts by having conversations at home, about certain things that are acceptable and unacceptable. We need to teach younger generations about the importance of not discriminating against other communities regardless of race, ethnicity and gender.
WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE BLACK COMMUNITIES AND OTHER COMMUNITIES OF COLOR TO KNOW ABOUT HOW LATINOS FEEL ABOUT THEM?
I want to let them know that we are not all the same and that we are all not racist. There are good Latinos in the community who are very hard-working. As a Latino and as part of the community, I want to apologize for what has been said to the Black community and to anyone who is upset and angry about the situation. As someone who grew up in a diverse community, there have never been any problems of this magnitude. These council members were ignorant and set a bad example for their people. Instead of uplifting the communities, they are doing the opposite. As Latinos, we face many bad experiences like the Black community and that’s being excluded, having disadvantages and many other barriers. I just hope that the Black community sees and knows that we are here for them, supporting them side by side.
PAOLA QUINTANILLA, 25, LOS ANGELES, SALES ASSOCIATE, SHE/HER, SALVADORIAN
SHOULD ALL OF THE COUNCIL MEMBERS INVOLVED RESIGN FROM THE CITY COUNCIL? WHY OR WHY NOT?
Yes, they should because LA is so diverse. City council members oversee high-power systems, such as the police department. When we have racist city council members, we will continue to have racist systems in our communities that continue to contribute to oppressing those of color.
WHAT ELSE, IF ANYTHING, SHOULD BE DONE IN REACTION TO WHAT HAPPENED?
I’m not sure but I do believe that they need to do more than just apologize, they have to do better.
HOW DO YOU THINK THIS NEWS HARM LATINOS? EXPLAIN.
This harms Latinos both by continuing the cycle of anti-blackness and the black community also feeling unsupported by the Latinx community.
HOW IMPORTANT IS IT FOR LATINO AND BLACK COMMUNITIES TO WORK TOGETHER? HOW DO YOU SEE THAT HAPPENING OR NOT HAPPENING?
It’s very crucial for these two groups to work together because they are two groups that are highly oppressed by society and within systems such as schools, work, employment, government agencies, prisons and more. I do see these communities working together more now than before, but it’s not enough and there still continues to be a lot of Black and brown violence.
HOW CAN LATINO LEADERS MEND RELATIONS WITH THE BLACK COMMUNITY? BE SPECIFIC.
This won’t be easy. However many people involved with the activism community are aware that in situations such as these, there is a dynamic of power and privilege playing here with these council members. We also do not want to dismiss that anti-blackness is a huge issue in Latinx communities.
Latinx leaders can assist in protesting against these members, making petitions and fighting for a change, as well as, talking with family members or friends who may not understand why the remarks made were not OK and informing them about what anti-blackness is. Having uncomfortable discussions will hopefully create change.
WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE BLACK COMMUNITIES AND OTHER COMMUNITIES OF COLOR TO KNOW ABOUT HOW LATINOS FEEL ABOUT THEM?
It’s hard to answer this in general for all Latinos because it’s obvious not all Latinos are inclusive. However, I would hope that we can agree that all Latinos would hate to see those of color get judged, attacked and belittled for no other reason than skin color. Especially, because I know many Latinos can relate to that experience. I would hope the black community and other communities of color know we will support them in making changes that better the world, for our children, and for ourselves, because we would hope that the black and other communities support Latinos in any fight they are fighting.
EDUARDO ACOSTA, 44, SOUTH LOS ANGELES, FUNDRAISER MISSIONARY, HE/HIM, HISPANIC
SHOULD ALL OF THE COUNCIL MEMBERS INVOLVED RESIGN FROM THE CITY COUNCIL? WHY OR WHY NOT?
I think Nury Martinez and the other three council members need to resign. What they were saying was real and it was coming from the heart. They were doing these kinds of conversations behind closed doors and these were truthful harsh feelings she had towards them.
WHAT ELSE, IF ANYTHING, SHOULD BE DONE IN REACTION TO WHAT HAPPENED?
She needs to face the consequences and apologize to the people she hurt face to face. She also needs to publicly apologize to the people of LA. The people that are hiring people like her need to do better background checks and investigate who they are hiring. The council president could have already been racist but we don’t know all the information.
HOW DO YOU THINK THIS NEWS HARM LATINOS? EXPLAIN.
It harms Latinos because if that person is racist and is in power she can only do things that are in favor of her. Based on what we are seeing right now, she doesn’t want anything to do with Latinos. A person who is in authority and is racist can only cause harm to people of color instead of helping them. She was playing the part the whole time and was against her own community.
HOW IMPORTANT IS IT FOR LATINO AND BLACK COMMUNITIES TO WORK TOGETHER? HOW DO YOU SEE THAT HAPPENING OR NOT HAPPENING?
I think God is a good start, if you don’t have God in your life then you’re just going to have your own opinions. Certain people need good guidance to help them out in hard situations. The Latino community and the Black community need to come together now more than ever. The Latino community should also reach out to the Black community and let them know that they have their full support.
HOW CAN LATINO LEADERS MEND RELATIONS WITH THE BLACK COMMUNITY? BE SPECIFIC.
Latino leaders need to show their support and that’s by showing up to protest or help out in some way. You can support in person, but you can also support through social media by just spreading awareness of what happened. Latinos can also reach out to Black nonprofits and help out in any way.
WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE BLACK COMMUNITIES AND OTHER COMMUNITIES OF COLOR TO KNOW ABOUT HOW LATINOS FEEL ABOUT THEM?
As a Latino growing up in the 1980s and in the 1990s, we saw a lot of things that we don’t want to see today. As of now, we’ve been all coming together and getting along more. Our past pretty much speaks for itself. The Latino community is very loving people, and so is the Black community. But when someone starts chaos, especially someone in authority, that can only have a domino effect. For example, if a Black person kills a cop, something big is going to happen, but if a cop kills another Black guy or a Mexican, nothing ever happens. Both communities need to come together and unite as one and understand it’s neither them nor us, it’s always people in power who want to bring our people down.
BRIANNA OSORIO, 26, LOS ANGELES, CEO OF MAMACITA BOUTIQUE, SHE/HER, CHICANA
SHOULD ALL OF THE COUNCIL MEMBERS INVOLVED RESIGN FROM THE CITY COUNCIL? WHY OR WHY NOT?
The council members involved do not represent unity and have shown to be biased towards others within our own community. Their behavior is unprofessional and uncalled for and therefore should resign. As a first-generation Hispanic, I do not agree with or condone this type of behavior, these council members should behave as leaders and represent what it truly means to lead by example.
WHAT ELSE, IF ANYTHING, SHOULD BE DONE IN REACTION TO WHAT HAPPENED?
There should be a public discussion among all council members in regard to racial injustice. Governor Newsom should also be speaking to the city in regard to the racial slurs and remarks made that show these council members were not fit to be leaders. We need to hold these council members accountable for their words and actions. Without doing so we are showing the community that it is acceptable for this to happen and will continue to happen.
HOW DO YOU THINK THIS NEWS HARM LATINOS? EXPLAIN.
This harms Latinos by causing separation between our own communities. This shows Latino leaders as racist and inconsiderate of other cultures and even cultures within our Latin communities. Many Latinos have fought so hard to move forward from racial injustice and this has set us back by showing our city that Latino leaders who are supposed to be representing the Latino community have no empathy or consideration for others, even those in their own community.
HOW IMPORTANT IS IT FOR LATINO AND BLACK COMMUNITIES TO WORK TOGETHER? HOW DO YOU SEE THAT HAPPENING OR NOT HAPPENING?
It is important for Latino and Black communities to work together, especially when encountering racial injustice, to take a step toward ending systematic racism. If we continue to allow this type of behavior, we will never be able to move forward as a community. Los Angeles is a huge city with multiple cultures coming together and should be led by leaders who represent coming together as a community. With leaders such as these council members, it is hard to see the Latino and Black communities working together. If we continue to elect officials like this and not hold them accountable for their actions, we will not see this happening anytime soon.
HOW CAN LATINO LEADERS MEND RELATIONS WITH THE BLACK COMMUNITY? BE SPECIFIC.
Latino leaders can mend relations within the black community with action. Words are free and apologizing does not mean it is OK to act in such a manner. It takes action to show the community we should not be divided. Latino Leaders should be able to show this by bringing the communities together celebrating all ethnicities and helping one another. Decisions should be made to help not just one community within Los Angeles but everyone within the city.
WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE BLACK COMMUNITIES AND OTHER COMMUNITIES OF COLOR TO KNOW ABOUT HOW LATINOS FEEL ABOUT THEM?
Black communities and other communities of color should know that we, as Latinos, do not accept this type of behavior and feel deeply saddened to see our council members behave in such a matter. We do not stand with anyone who wishes to keep our community segregated and hope to see proper action being taken. These council members had no right to make any remarks toward anyone. As a community, we hope to stand united with one another to end this injustice within our community and hold those accountable for their actions.
MARCO A. GONZALEZ, 51, LOS ANGELES, BOARD PRESIDENT, LATINO EQUALITY ALLIANCE, HE/HIM, MEXICAN BORN
SHOULD ALL OF THE COUNCIL MEMBERS INVOLVED RESIGN FROM THE CITY COUNCIL? WHY OR WHY NOT?
Given the nature of this issue and the call from community organizations and The White House, it’s probably best for all members to do some serious soul-searching and introspection and listen to the will of the people they serve. This behavior is inexcusable and these actions have truly betrayed the public trust.
WHAT ELSE, IF ANYTHING, SHOULD BE DONE IN REACTION TO WHAT HAPPENED?
We need to unite as a community and keep an open dialogue. Our city has gone through so much in our history, that there is no challenge or moment too big that we can’t tackle together; arms locked in solidarity to push forward and overcome this. I strongly believe that this is an opportunity for all of us to reassess the importance of cultural diversity and sensitivity education in our school system because this type of behavior is learned and it is only through education that we can make a dent in the eradication of racism in our society.
HOW DO YOU THINK THIS NEWS HARM LATINOS? EXPLAIN.
This news harms everyone, not just Latinos. This type of archaic rhetoric is divisive and harmful to us all. An attack on one is an attack on all. As a society, we should unequivocally condemn this type of behavior, especially, when it comes to public officials we vote for and trust to serve and protect our best interests, well-being and safety.
HOW IMPORTANT IS IT FOR LATINO AND BLACK COMMUNITIES TO WORK TOGETHER? HOW DO YOU SEE THAT HAPPENING OR NOT HAPPENING?
Latino and Black communities have historically worked together and we have supported each other. It is my hope that we will continue doing that even through this rough moment in time. Our socio-economic struggles are the same and we have more in common than not, and that goes for all communities of color. This incident was intentionally well orchestrated to impact an upcoming election and is a perfect example of the old adage of “divide and conquer,” which is as old as time. This is not the first time that political forces are put in motion to pin people of color against each other, but we know better than that and as we witnessed at LA City Hall Council Chambers, there were Latinos and different groups represented standing side by side with our Black brothers and sisters demanding justice and immediate action against this indefensible behavior.
HOW CAN LATINO LEADERS MEND RELATIONS WITH THE BLACK COMMUNITY? BE SPECIFIC.
I think we need to be open to honest and uncomfortable dialogues about the needs, uncertainties and challenges that both of our communities face regarding access to healthcare, education opportunities, livable wages, employment opportunities and economic development and empowerment. We need to make a better effort in working together and joining forces and solidifying allyships across communities of color to ensure we all have fair and true representation in public offices, and equitable opportunities in community safety and access to resources, which will help level the playing field in both of our communities quest for socio-economic advancement.
WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE BLACK COMMUNITIES AND OTHER COMMUNITIES OF COLOR TO KNOW ABOUT HOW LATINOS FEEL ABOUT THEM?
Listen, we’re all in this together. What makes our city so rich and powerful is the diversity that historically makes up the fabric of who we are as Angelenos. I can’t speak for an entire culture, and can only speak for myself. I was born and raised in Los Angeles and I have always had a wide kaleidoscopic view of the world because I grew up in a heterogenous community exposed to African Americans, AAPI, LGBTQ, Native Americans and so many other groups of people who were different from me. I was taught by my Mexican mother to treat others in the same way I wanted to be treated and to respect others regardless of our differences or our backgrounds. Racism is taught at home, but it is also prevented at home. For the most part, I want to believe that Latinos, given our disenfranchised history in this country, have learned that racism and bigotry have no place in our community. Our Latino community has also been denigrated and abused for decades, so I think we should know better and we should firmly stand against any behavior that harms or puts in danger any group that co-exists with us within the bigger tribe and family we belong to called the city of angels.
CANDY REBECCA CEREZO, 25, LOS ANGELES, SALES ASSOCIATE, SHE/HER, GUATEMALAN
SHOULD ALL OF THE COUNCIL MEMBERS INVOLVED RESIGN FROM THE CITY COUNCIL? WHY OR WHY NOT?
Yes, I firmly believe all council members in the conversation should resign because of the fact that they did not uphold the certain standard that a council member should have. When elected a council member is elected by the people and thus represents the well-being of all people in society not just their district. As a Latina citizen, I do not condone this type of behavior stemming from a council member who is supposedly representing the Latino community.
WHAT ELSE, IF ANYTHING, SHOULD BE DONE IN REACTION TO WHAT HAPPENED?
I believe consequences should be held in the utmost regard. As council members, they are in a position of power and because of the nature and content carried in the conversation they should all resign.
HOW DO YOU THINK THIS NEWS HARM LATINOS? EXPLAIN.
Yes, a public apology should be addressed to the victims. These council members should be frowned upon because of the morality they carry out themselves as a human being, that’s what should be questioned here. Their actions could cause racial tension which is why their consequences should be upheld to the highest extent.
HOW IMPORTANT IS IT FOR LATINO AND BLACK COMMUNITIES TO WORK TOGETHER? HOW DO YOU SEE THAT HAPPENING OR NOT HAPPENING?
It is important for Latino and Black communities to work together because we make up 3/4 of the population of L.A. and San Bernardino counties together. I see this happening by us petitioning for all council members involved in the conversation to resign.
HOW CAN LATINO LEADERS MEND RELATIONS WITH THE BLACK COMMUNITY? BE SPECIFIC.
A public apology would suffice in amending relations with Black communities.
WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE BLACK COMMUNITIES AND OTHER COMMUNITIES OF COLOR TO KNOW ABOUT HOW LATINOS FEEL ABOUT THEM?
Coming from a Latino community, I would like to state that I feel strongly about the racial remarks that were made by this individual who is supposed to be representing Latinos.
At this point, the council member’s morality is in question and the Latino community does not tolerate racism in today’s society, especially in our government.