FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Our America Foundation Launches its American First Initiative to Move Beyond Hyphenated Identities
Washington, D.C. (August 20, 2025) — Today, the Our America Foundation announced the launch of its American First Initiative, a nationwide campaign urging Americans to embrace a united national identity by putting “American First.”
“For far too long, Americans from different backgrounds have been encouraged to divide themselves with hyphenated identities like ‘Latin-American’ or ‘African-American,’” said Gabriel Nadales, National Director of the Our America Foundation. “With this initiative, we want to shift the focus back to what brings us together. Instead of identifying with hyphenated terms, we encourage people to say ‘I am an American of Mexican descent, or simply, ‘I am an American.’” Pride in one’s heritage matters—but being American comes first.”
The American First Initiative will collect and showcase stories from people across the country who are proud of their heritage but choose to identify first and foremost as Americans. Participants are invited to record 30-second videos answering three questions:
- What’s your name?
- Where is your family from?
- Why do you love America?
Each video should close with the pledge: “I am proud of my [heritage] heritage, but I am an American First.”
By spotlighting these voices, the campaign aims to push back against divisive identity politics and highlight the unity that comes from putting America at the center of our national identity.
Contact Information:
Gabriel Nadales
Our America Foundation
gabe@joinouramerica.org
703-239-3154
Videos can be submitted to gabe@joinouramerica.org. For more information, visit www.joinouramerica.org.
Watch National Director Gabriel Nadales announce the launch of the American First Initiative.
