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.
That, I think, was the outcome from last night’s Town Hall Meeting on Latino Education sponsored by Univision. While the core message regarding the academic success of Latinos was important, much of the discussion lacked some depth. No doubt there is a sincere effort being made by the Obama Administration to support the educational success of Latinos, and I applaud the President’s effort. A lot of good discussion on parent involvement, educational budget allocations, and early childhood support. A few good laughs as well regarding the President’s use of technology. However, some of the chatter on Twitter via #latism and other Latino channels was somewhat divided. Some wanted to hear more policy discussion and while others questioned the “politics” of such an event, especially after the census results. Not sure how much could have been addressed in a 60 minute program. In either case, the event illustrated the importance of the growing Latino population and its importance to the economic future of the United States.
After 5 years in Cincinnati, Ohio I’ll be moving to Madison, Wisconsin within the next couple months. My stay in Cincinnati has been great; but I’m looking forward to getting to know our new home. Unless you’ve been living under a rock the last few weeks, you know that Madison has been the epicenter of the fight between unions and Republican governors. After visiting Madison last week, I can assure you the city is passionate about its politics.
Additionally, Wisconsin is one of many Midwest states that has seen significant increases in its Latino population. A quick review of the 2010 Census data shows that the Latino population in Madison has increased 74% over the last 10 years.
I’m looking forward to getting involved in my “new” community. I’ll keep you posted!
A great discussion regarding women in the workforce via NPR (Diane Rehm Show). Topics range from pay equity, impact of the recession, research, and leadership development. Startling data regarding how the recovery has negatively impacted women – even during the slight recovery we’ve been seeing over the last few months.
Another guest contribution from my good friend Edwin Martinez. Enjoy!
By Edwin Martinez, PHR
Sometimes when we are still for a brief moment, time seems to stop and everything around us might strike us as empty and meaningless. We stare into thin air and simply allow the moment to exist without interruption until forced to shake it off and let time tick tock again as reality sinks in. That strange phenomenon that’s exists between our ears forces us to take notice from time to time and evaluate our very existence. What happens when we realize that life is far more than our surroundings? What is it that tugs at the guts and screams a silent voice of acknowledgement?
The greatest minds of the ages took the time to listen to an inner voice and made the choice to follow it. Those choices lead to the fulfillment of their destinies and have left imprints on our society that will carry on for generations to come. Still moments of reflection from time to time can help steer our life paths in ways we destined but not quite yet connected.
When I was a child around the age of five or so, I found a clear square box approximately 3×5 with a lid that opened and shut so perfectly. I don’t know who it belonged to but I remember thinking that if I owned that little box, I would be very happy. I don’t remember what happened to that box and or why I felt that way about it but, for some odd reason, that clear box always remained in my subconscious mind even throughout my adult years. Perhaps it represented some of my character traits or maybe even some of the things I am drawn to in my vocations. Read more…
An interesting dialogue occuring over at Room for Debate via the New York Times. Essentially is questions whether or not higher education is evolving to include AND leverage the benefits of technology – including social media. A number of thought provoking comments from academics and students.
Great article via USA Today regarding a new sort of digital divide – computer vs. mobile internet. What’s more interesting is the articles view about what minorities (mainly Latinos and African Americans) are doing and NOT doing with mobile technology. Engaging.
Yet mobile Internet access may not be the great equalizer. Aaron Smith, a Pew senior research specialist, says there are obvious limitations on what you can do on a mobile device — updating a resume being the classic example. Research has shown that people with an actual connection at home, the ability to go online on a computer at home, are more engaged in a lot of different things that people who rely on access from work, a friend’s house, or a phone,” Smith says
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.
Ruben Navarrette’s piece provides yet another illustration of why the Dream Act needs to be passed. In this case, the college student in question (and ready for deportation) is the student body President at Cal State University, Fresno. He was brought illegally to the United States when he was three.
Student body president Pedro Ramirez is an illegal immigrant whose parents brought him to California from Mexico when he was 3. Like many others in his situation, he has no memory of living anywhere but the United States and he’s always considered this country to be his home. Ramirez has said in media interviews that he always assumed he was a U.S. citizen until his senior year in high school, when his parents told him otherwise.
It’s simple really. The DREAM Act is a fair and the right thing to do in order to provide the children of undocumented immigrants the opportunity to contribute and be productive citizens. Only politics is keeping these individuals the opportunity to pursue the American Dream.
NPR is awesome – despite some of the political rhetoric aimed at them recently. Here are two excellent pieces featured over the last week.
First, a story regarding minority faculty and how some colleges in MA. are attempting to improve their representation. Money quote from the interview which resonated with me:
“When I got my Ph.D. (at Tulane University), I didn’t have a black professor, and New Orleans is 70 percent black. As an undergrad I didn’t have one either,” Baskerville Watkins said. “So much of what we think we can do is based on what we see. So if I don’t see anyone who looks like me, it is easy to think, ‘oh that’s not for me.’”
Second, an interview with newly elected chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, Democratic Representative Charlie Gonzalez. A good discussion regarding the recent PEW poll regarding national Latino leaders (I blogged about it here) among other issues important to Latinos – including the Dream Act.
That, I think, was the outcome from last night’s Town Hall Meeting on Latino Education sponsored by 
After 5 years in Cincinnati, Ohio I’ll be moving to Madison, Wisconsin within the next couple months. My stay in Cincinnati has been great; but I’m looking forward to getting to know our new home. Unless you’ve been living under a rock the last few weeks, you know that Madison has been the epicenter of the fight between unions and Republican governors. After visiting Madison last week, I can assure you the city is passionate about its politics. 
NPR is awesome – despite some of the political rhetoric aimed at them recently. Here are two excellent pieces featured over the last week. 
