Cuban roots inspire Attorney General’s public service

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — In his Richmond office, just steps from the Virginia State Capitol, pictures on the wall remind Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares of his Hispanic heritage.

“I keep that photo of the old capitol in Havana to realize that democracy is also precious. It’s rare. It’s unique and it also needs to be guarded,” Miyares told WRIC-TV while pointing at a photo in his second-floor office.

Miyares is the first child of an immigrant to serve as Virginia’s Attorney General. His mother, Miriam, fled communist Cuba in 1965 at 19 years old.

“I heard stories from an early age of what it was like to have the secret police show up at your door, banging on the door, arresting my brother in the middle of the night,” Miyares said.

Miyares said it was his mother who instilled in him an appreciation for democracy and the freedoms it provides.

“The immigrant story, in so many ways, are people that have sacrificed their own dreams for the hopes and aspirations that their children or future children can achieve one day what they may not have been able to achieve in their home country,” Miyares said.

Now, nine years later, Miyares said he has a message for other first-generation immigrants looking to make their mark on the greatest nation on Earth.

“Realize the opportunities that you have, that you won life’s lottery by being here. You have something really unique. Carpe Diem. Seize the day,” said Miyares. He added that his Cuban heritage has made him a better attorney general by allowing him to connect with Virginians from all backgrounds.

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