Following more of today’s “media heavy” posts, here’s a nice piece from Univision showcasing the Latino market. You’re probably familair with this video format - an impressive view of the world’s 15th largest market. Enjoy! (h/t Giovanni Rodriguez).
I’ve been meaning to give a big shout out to News Taco. I’ve been reading their blog posts and articles for the last few weeks – a great resource for news from a Latino perspective. Enjoy!
As the Census results and analysis continue to resonate across the country, no question the growth of the Latino population is the big story. Extraordinary growth in “non-traditional” Latino states like Montana, Kentucky, Alaska, North Dakota, and others illustrate how Latinos are moving beyond their Southwest roots.
As I contemplate my own relocation to Madison, Wisconsin, I’ve started to research what professional and community support groups I’ll be able to find there. Unfortunately, only a few – but these few are making a positive impact to support the city’s 74% Latino growth rate since 2000. Milwaukee, which is about two hours away from Madison, resembles much of what I find here in Cincinnati. Madison is much like other communities that are coming to grips with a growing Latino population. This article, for example, provides an illustration of how one person can make a positive difference in a growing Latino community. Learn about Andres Moreno and how he’s making a difference.
Happy Birthday César Chávez. Also, check out and support this documentary on his last fast.
I haven’t had a chance to dig into the new Latino census data, but there are already many questions regarding what the results might mean - and not mean. An interesting piece via NPR on Latinos, ethnicity, and race. Classification was a big question coming into the 2010 census – how would Latinos “classify” themselves on a census form.
Take a listen and see what you think.
A great piece via Dana Goldtein’s blog outlining the benefits of educational integration. Rhode Island is experimenting with a new model which seems to be having good success. Worth a read when you have a chance:
The result is RIMA’s first school, Blackstone Valley Prep, one of the most diverse schools of any kind I have ever visited. BVP currently draws 252 kindergartners, first-graders, and fifth-graders from two low-income cities, Pawtucket and Central Falls, and two affluent towns, Lincoln and Cumberland. Fifty-five percent of the students are black and Latino, 65 percent are poor, and 43 percent are English language learners.
While one article does not a fact make – this article coincides with the findings of my doctoral studies regarding the “general mood” of Latinos. A good read and report (via the Washington Post):
A new Washington Post-Kaiser Family Foundation-Harvard University poll has found that despite being hit harder by the recession, African Americans and Hispanics are more optimistic than white about their economic futures.
My buddies over at Bixal share this great overview of the Center for American Progress’ (CAP) new Spanish language advocacy website supporting Latino Community efforts. Bixal’s blog post provides an excellent interview with Raúl Arce-Contreras, CAP’s Press Assistant for Ethnic Media. Even more interesting is how CAP approached the creation of this new website – not by translating current content – but by developing a website targeting Latino efforts and interests – lessons for organizations as well.
…Instead we intend to portray the content in CAP en Español in way that demonstrates how a particular issue or set of issues are important for the Latino community and communities of color. This is easier to do for some issues than it is for others.
I hear this a lot – especially when it comes to organizations and the foundational argument FOR inclusive policies. Jamelle Bouie via the American Prospect provides a simple yet solid response to those that might think multiculturalism is not needed – and outlines the reasons for WHY it is… money line:
Now, there’s something to be said for treating people as individuals and not “members of groups” in terms of formulating public policy. But group-based discrimination requires group-based remedies, and anything less risks avoiding the inequalities and power differentials that actually hinder marginalized groups.
As the Latinos (particularly college students) expand into new areas of the United States, it’s important they have a “place” where they can connect with others. I’ve written before about Northern Kentucky University down the road from me in Cincinnati and how their Latino Affairs Department is an important part of making this happen for their 200+ Latinos on campus. National organizations such as the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers provide this the same type of conenction for Latino students all over the U.S. especially in places where Latinos comprise a small part of the student body. Case in point – the new SHPE Chapter at Utah State.
Everyone wants to feel they belong. People group together in accordance to things they have in common and form bonds of friendship and loyalty.
Indeed.
