My uncle, my father's youngest brother, and Godfather Osvaldo N. Soto will be honored by having their name on the Justice Center.
A profound and well-deserved honor for my uncle. He was a man of extraordinary courage and vision who fundamentally shaped Miami-Dade into the inclusive community it is today.
His fight against the English-only ordinance in the 1980s, organizing free Spanish-language weddings in Little Havana when the county wouldn't perform them, and tirelessly advocating until the ordinance was repealed in 1993, wasn't just about language. It was about dignity, belonging, and ensuring that Cuban immigrants and all Hispanic residents were recognized as vital members of the community rather than being made to feel unwelcome during a time of significant backlash.
The fact that this will be Florida's first courthouse named after a Cuban-American carries immense symbolic weight. Commissioner Regalado's words ring so true: "For the Hispanics who sit on this dais, we would not be here but for the work of Osvaldo Soto." He opened doors for generations to come.
And how meaningful that my cousin and his daughter, Judge Bertila Soto, was instrumental in getting the courthouse approved and was there for this vote. Her reflection captures it perfectly. This says to everyone that they're welcome, they're part of the community, and they're respected.
Our family is incredibly proud. Tio Osvaldo’s legacy will now stand in downtown Miami for generations, a daily reminder that the fight for inclusion and justice leaves lasting change. This is a beautiful tribute to a life truly well-lived in service of others.
https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/miami-dade/article3023…
https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/miami-dade/article248455680.html
https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/miami-dade/article312740869.html
