San Marcos — San Marcos Unitarian Universalists will celebrate El Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) at 11 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 1, at the UCM Wesley Center, 604 N Guadalupe Street in San Marcos.
The UU's will celebrate memories of those who have gone and the continuity of life. Members will contribute flowers —especially marigolds —fruits, sweets, and other decorations for the altar. Some will contribute their voices by reading selections during the service.
Afterwards, members will enjoy a meal together in the UCM. The UU's began celebrating this Mexican tradition several years ago, and members say it has become one of the most popular and moving services.
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What a beautiful way to celebrate a great holiday. I'm not surprised Texas is one of the first places to adopt this, but I think I will suggest this to my own NYC congregation.San Marcos — San Marcos Unitarian Universalists will celebrate El Dia de los Muertos... more
This is a article from the blog Racialicious that goes into detail over the Latino community's outrage over CNN's continued involvement with Lou Dobbs - despite his crusade to brand illegal immigrant situation is far-sweeping, and a greater threat to the United States.
Larry Whitten marched into this northern New Mexico town in late July on a mission: resurrect a failing hotel.
The tough-talking former Marine immediately laid down some new rules. Among them, he forbade the Hispanic workers at the run-down, Southwestern adobe-style hotel from speaking Spanish in his presence (he thought they'd be talking about him), and ordered some to Anglicize their names.
No more Martin (Mahr-TEEN). It was plain-old Martin. No more Marcos. Now it would be Mark.
Whitten's management style had worked for him as he's turned around other distressed hotels he bought in recent years across the country.
The 63-year-old Texan, however, wasn't prepared for what followed.
His rules and his firing of several Hispanic employees angered his employees and many in this liberal enclave of 5,000 residents at the base of the Sangre de Cristo mountains, where the most alternative of lifestyles can find a home and where Spanish language, culture and traditions have a long and revered history.
"I came into this landmine of Anglos versus Spanish versus Mexicans versus Indians versus everybody up here. I'm just doing what I've always done," he says.
Former workers, their relatives and some town residents picketed across the street from the hotel.
"I do feel he's a racist, but he's a racist out of ignorance. He doesn't know that what he's doing is wrong," says protester Juanito Burns Jr., who identified himself as prime minister of an activist group called Los Brown Berets de Nuevo Mexico.Larry Whitten marched into this northern New Mexico town in late July on a mission:... more
With hispanics accounting for 15% of the NBA's U.S. fanbase, the league is figuring out new ways to market to them. 'NBA en Espanol' is a new multi-platform promotion that will feature a new spanish-language website that will feature frequent webisodes from hispanic players, content on spanish-language social networking sites, and ads featuring hispanic players that will run on stations such as Univision and MTV Tres.With hispanics accounting for 15% of the NBA's U.S. fanbase, the league is figuring... more
The Obamas recently held a party called "Fiesta Latina" at the White House to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month. The star-studded bash featured performances by Gloria Estefan, Marc Anthony, and Thalia, among others. At one point, Barack and Michelle, along with Sasha and Malia, danced on stage with Jennifer Lopez. Video at link.The Obamas recently held a party called "Fiesta Latina" at the White House to... more
n Texas and across the Southwest, Hispanic farmers have been fighting the Agriculture Department for close to a decade.
The farmers say the department's Farm Services Agency discriminated against them — denying or delaying loans, and refusing to investigate when they cried foul.
Modesta Salazar in front of the family farm
Enlarge Kemp Davis for NPR
Modesta Salazar stands in front of what's left of the farm in Pearsall, Texas, that her father bought in 1952.
Modesta Salazar in front of the family farm
Kemp Davis for NPR
Modesta Salazar stands in front of what's left of the farm in Pearsall, Texas, that her father bought in 1952.
The government settled a similar complaint brought by African-American farmers for $1 billion. And while the claims of discrimination and other factors are almost identical, the Hispanic farmers have gotten nothing.n Texas and across the Southwest, Hispanic farmers have been fighting the Agriculture... more
In the last months, we have been listening to different voices in the Latino community asking us to boycott the Census count for 2010. Some of the “Lideres” argue that Latinos should refuse to be counted until the federal government moves forward with Comprehensive Immigration Reform.
Not being counted in the census could have a few consequences. Politicians will not see Latino constituencies in their district, therefore could decide not to push for issues of a community that doesn’t not exist. Non-profit organizations, in particular those serving immigrant communities could receive less funding from government grants and foundations. If the population they are serving is less than what’s needed, then the money they would receive would be lower.
But on the other side of the debate, community leaders also see this moment as a chance to refuse to cooperate with the federal government, and in general with the establishment. The question is, is is worth it? Should the Sleeping Giant continue sleeping? Or should the giant be acknowledged as a political force in the ever-changing demographics of the United States?In the last months, we have been listening to different voices in the Latino community... more
PHOENIX - The number of immigrants who died while sneaking across Mexico's border with America is expected to surpass the previous year's total, even as fewer people are getting caught entering the country illegally.
The U.S. Border Patrol says 378 people perished near the border during the 11-month period that ended Aug. 31. The death toll is likely to rise in the coming days as the government finishes its tally for the fiscal year that ended Sept. 30.
Immigrant-rights advocates say the numbers reflect deep flaws in America's border enforcement, because as the Border Patrol puts more agents and technology in certain spots, smugglers turn to more remote migration routes where enforcement is weaker, thus exposing their clients to more perilous conditions, such as triple-digit summer heat.
"There is a very large increase in the rate of deaths, despite the economic downturn, less immigration and the increase in the number of Border Patrol agents. This shows that our border strategy is having a truly horrifying cost in human lives," said Kevin Keenan, executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union of San Diego and Imperial Counties in California.
...More...PHOENIX - The number of immigrants who died while sneaking across Mexico's border with... more
Sunnyside Unified School District in Tucson, Arizona gives free laptops to high-achieving students from low-income high schools. The first-year program is considered one of the most innovative efforts to close the digital divide ever initiated.
Do you think so as well? How would you close the digital divide?Sunnyside Unified School District in Tucson, Arizona gives free laptops to... more
The event is designed to stimulate the awareness of the general public to the diverse Hispanic Community (21countries). A variety of hispanic popular performers that reflect the theme of the Hispanic Music Festival & Spomsored by corporate America.
Thomas Jefferson Park 114th. ST. & 1st. AveNew York, New York,
8/29/2009
The event is designed to stimulate the awareness of... more
Sonia Sotomayor became the Supreme Court's newest justice Saturday, pledging during a brief ceremony at the high court to defend the Constitution and administer impartial justice.
Sotomayor, 55, is the first Hispanic justice and only the third woman in the court's 220-year history.
She took the second of two oaths of office from Chief Justice John Roberts in an ornate conference room, beneath a portrait of the legendary Chief Justice John Marshall. Her left hand resting on a Bible that was held by her mother, Celina, Sotomayor pledged to "do equal right to the poor and to the rich."
Minutes earlier, she swore a first oath in a private ceremony in the room where the justices hold their private conferences.
Sotomayor wore a cream-colored suit and her right ankle, fractured in a fall a couple of weeks after her nomination to the court, was unbandaged. Her 60 or so guests included Justice Anthony Kennedy, White House counsel Greg Craig and other members of the Obama administration team that helped prepare her for her Senate confirmation hearings, family and friends.
Roberts, wearing his black judicial robe, said that once the oaths were done, Sotomayor could "begin work as associate justice without delay."
President Barack Obama scheduled a White House reception for Sotomayor on Wednesday.
The court is set to hear arguments Sept. 9 in a campaign finance case. The entire court will convene the day before for a formal ceremony to welcome Sotomayor.
Sotomayor has been a federal judge for 17 years. Obama nominated her in May to take the place of Justice David Souter after Souter announced his retirement. The Senate confirmed Sotomayor's nomination Thursday by a 68-31 vote.
The oath that Sotomayor took in private is prescribed by the Constitution and required of all federal officials. The second oath, taken in front of a television audience, is spelled out in the 220-year-old federal law that established the federal court system.Sonia Sotomayor became the Supreme Court's newest justice Saturday, pledging during a... more
A recent Washington Post/ABC News poll found that public support for President Barack Obama’s health care plan is decreasing. If the plan fails, blacks and Hispanics, who make up nearly half of the estimated 50 million Americans without health insurance, will be the most affectedA recent Washington Post/ABC News poll found that public support for President Barack... more
This week on infoMania Paula Deen tells a weird story about a goat's beard and urine. P-Diddy reminds us why we don't like P-Diddy. Local news stations across the land are on your side. Sarah Haskins looks at every older woman's fantasy show: 'The Cougar.' Ben Hoffman goes for a ride with Kogi BBQ, a taco truck that twittered its way to fame. And Sergio Cilli counts down his favorite summer jams of all time.
infoMania is a half-hour satirical news show that airs on Current TV. The show puts a comedic spin on the 24-hour chaos and information overload brought about by the constant bombardment of the media. Hosted by Conor Knighton and co-starring Brett Erlich, Sarah Haskins, Ben Hoffman, and Sergio Cilli, the show airs on Thursdays at 10 pm Eastern and Pacific Times and can be found online at http://current.com/infomania/ or on Current TV. And make sure to check out our facebook profile for special features at http://infomaniafacebook.com.This week on infoMania Paula Deen tells a weird story about a goat's beard and urine.... more
One of the more provocative critiques to come from conservatives concerning the appointment of Sonia Sotomayor to the Supreme Court has been the charge that her nomination is racial politics at its most cynical. But in the past, Republicans were eager to play up the diversity of their own nominees.
She is "an affirmative action pick," declared Pat Buchanan on MSNBC's Hardball. "Clearly the president was down to four choices, all of them woman, and he picked the Hispanic." Earlier in the day, Rush Limbaugh ramped up the rhetoric even further, proclaiming Sotomayor "a reverse racist" who was appointed by "the greatest living example of a reverse racist" -- Obama.One of the more provocative critiques to come from conservatives concerning the... more
Wow. Kudos to the New Mexico Film Office for bringing something like this to their state.
"Redford launches ‘Sundance’ for Hispanics, Native Americans
Hollywood icon Robert Redford has announced a programme aimed at helping Hispanic and Native American moviemakers in the southwestern US state of New Mexico.
The programme, dubbed ‘Sundance in New Mexico,’ is sponsored by state arts and film offices to “create and expand upon training programs in film, arts, and the environment,” according to a statement from the office of Governor Bill Richardson. “These programmes will be designed specifically for New Mexico’s Native American and Hispanic filmmakers,” the statement read.
Redford made the announcement in the New Mexico city of Santa Fe along with governor Richardson, a one-time Democratic presidential hopeful.
“My love of New Mexico goes back many, many years,” said Redford. “My commitment to this state began with ‘The Milagro Beanfield War’,” a 1988 film that also starred Melanie Griffith, Ruben Blades and Sonia Braga.
The programme “marks a new level of commitment ... in supporting the underrepresented voices in our culture, to job creation through the arts, and to the power of partnerships built on mutual goals and aspirations,” said Richardson.
In 1981, Redford founded the Sundance independent film festival, which takes place every year in the western state of Utah."Wow. Kudos to the New Mexico Film Office for bringing something like this to their... more
Over the years the population of the United States has changed dramatically. Up to one third of the US population consists of a minority group.
The Hispanic community has grown at a staggering rate, with nearly one in six residents, or 46.9 million people, coming from a Hispanic background.
Ken Gronbach, author of "The Age Curve: How to Profit from the Growing Demographic Trend", feels that the increase of the Hispanic/Latino population is having a positive affect on the American economy:
"Latinos have saved our country," explained Ken. "They represent 14 per cent of the population but 25 per cent of the live births. The United States is the only western industrialized nation with a fertility rate above the 2.2 per cent replacement rate."
Minority births and high immigration levels have been linked to the improvement of the economy, as they push forward consumer demand.
The real-estate market will also be seeing efficient changes, according to Rakesh Kochhar, associate director of the Pew Hispanic Center. During the housing boom, minorities closed much of the home ownership gap, although the bust has worked to widen that again.
The Hispanic population posted a median age of 27.7 years in 2008. That compared to 36.8 years for the total U.S. population -- which is a year-and-a-half older than the median age in 2000.
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-- Los Angeles County is home to 12.4 million Asians, the most of any county. Honolulu, with 58 percent, had the highest proportion.
-- More Pacific Islanders (283,000) and native Americans (739,000) lived in California than any other state.
-- 44 percent of children younger than 18 and 47 percent of children younger than the age of five are now from minority families.Over the years the population of the United States has changed dramatically. Up to one... more
Deterred by immigration laws and the lackluster economy, the population growth of Hispanics and Asians in the U.S. has slowed unexpectedly, causing the government to push back estimates on when minorities will become the majority by as much as a decade.
Census data released Thursday also showed that fewer Hispanics were migrating to suburbs and newly emerging immigrant areas in the Southeast, including Arkansas, Tennessee and Georgia, staying put instead in traditional gateway locations such as California.
The nation's overall minority population continues to rise steadily, adding 2.3 percent in 2008 to 104.6 million, or 34 percent of the total population. But the slowdown among Hispanics and Asians continues to shift conventional notions on when the tipping point in U.S. diversity will come — estimated to occur more than three decades from now. Black growth rates remain somewhat flat.
Thirty-six states had lower Hispanic growth in 2008 compared with the year before. The declines were in places where the housing bubble burst, such as Nevada and Arizona, which lost construction jobs that tend to attract immigrants.
Other decreases were seen in new immigrant destinations in the Southeast, previously seen as offering good manufacturing jobs in lower-cost cities compared to the pricier Northeast. In contrast, cities in California, Illinois and New Jersey showed gains.Deterred by immigration laws and the lackluster economy, the population growth of... more
Low-income Latinos in the South have been routinely cheated out of wages, denied basic health protections and are victims of racial profiling, according to a report released by the Southern Poverty Law Center.
The report, "Under Siege: Life for Low-Income Latinos in the South," documents the experiences of 500 immigrants, the center said.
"This report documents the human toll of failed policies that relegate millions of people to an underground economy, where they are beyond the protection of the law," said Mary Bauer, author of the report. "Workplace abuses and racial profiling are rampant in the South."
The report details stories of a Tennessee woman who says she was jailed for asking for her pay after working at a cheese factory, a bean-picker in Alabama who says his life savings were taken by police at a traffic stop and a rapist in Georgia who was not arrested because the suspect's victim was an undocumented immigrant.
Forty-one percent of the people surveyed said they had experienced theft of their wages by employers. Forty-seven percent said they know someone who was treated unfairly by police. Seventy-seven percent of women surveyed said they have been sexually harassed by bosses, many saying that bosses used their immigration status as leverage.
The center urged the federal government to strengthen labor laws and crack down on racial profiling to alleviate some of these issues.Low-income Latinos in the South have been routinely cheated out of wages, denied basic... more
Karnythia, better known as The Angry Black Woman along with several other talented writers have formed a new indie publisher with a unique mission:
"...if you're a talented writer with an awesome, original story about a POC girl/guy/transgendered character, there is a place for you. And that if you're a sci-fi/fantasy fan who has grown tired of the constant whitewashing of these genres, there is a place for you, too.
Now that isn't to say that we will accept ANY ol' manuscript as long as it features a POC protagonist, because we will NOT. What we're looking for is quality, soul and PASSION, something that will resonate with readers for years to come.
"Everyone has a story." These words are the driving force behind this project, because we believe that EVERYONE has at least one good story in them, and that story demands to be shared with the world.
As start-up costs can be enormous, we're relying on the generosity of strangers to help us launch. So far, you guys have been absolutely fabulous in donating your money, time and effort, and we hope you will continue to do so as we grow. Even if you can't volunteer at this time, feel free to spread the word (and the widget) around."Karnythia, better known as The Angry Black Woman along with several other talented... more
Since taking office, President Barack Obama has seemed intent on keeping the politically explosive issue of immigration on the back burner.
He won’t be able to do that for long.
Latino leaders are pressuring the White House to set a goal of signing a major immigration reform bill by the end of the year. Friction between immigrant communities and local police seeking to enforce federal law is increasing, prompting hearings on Capitol Hill and scrutiny from the Justice Department.
And in less than two weeks, Obama will be in Mexico for a presidential summit in which immigration issues will be on the agenda.
“I think, politically, [Obama] is in a tough spot, and he recognizes that the public isn’t where he is on immigration,” said Steven Camarota of the Center for Immigration Studies, which bills itself as a “low immigration” think tank. “If you are Obama, it’s a no-win situation, and there is no reason to bring this issue up right now from a political view. You can give a few speeches to the right groups and then say, ‘What else is on the agenda?’”
With everything on his plate — from the economy to health care to two wars — it’s easy to see why Obama is hoping to steer clear of the issue. Immigration reform inspired furious debate in Congress when President George W. Bush tried to push through a “comprehensive” approach that would have allowed most of the estimated 12 million illegal immigrants to stay in the United States.Since taking office, President Barack Obama has seemed intent on keeping the... more
