Congrats Modern Family & Latinos

Thank you Sofia Vergara and Modern Family for representing Latino culture during the Golden Globes last night. Sure it seemed like a sketch comedy but it was a sign of respect. Considering ABC is already on the fence with their "Puerto Rican drug dealer" scandal, I'd say this helped...maybe not. Either way, enjoy!

Today's MLK day of service

Today we celebrated Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by devoting a whole day to service. I was happy to help out this morning at the Lighthouse by painting their kitchen and lobby. The Lighthouse is a community organization that provides educational, recreational and economic improvement programs. It serves the Kensington and North Philadelphia communities of Philadelphia. Dr. King thrived on non-violent actions and unfortunately Philadelphia has been facing horrible acts of violence. What can we do to better our community? Although, it was great to see so many people come together all over the city for community service, it needs to happen every day. Hopefully we can see change in the future.

Acts of violence must end NOW

So I must say it's unfortunate for an incident to take place for people to start getting together. However, the unfortunate murder of three Latino children in our community has erupted into a movement of astounding proportions. NBCphiladelphia reported, "Three teens are dead and another was injured after a 30-year-old stepfather opened fire on a car full of kids who allegedly came over to fistfight his three stepsons Tuesday night, according to police." Really though? A father killed his three stepsons. Completely unacceptable. The worst part was that this escalated thanks to Facebook.

Is this an act of youth violence or just violence? Both. Both because why weren't the kids at home? And why did a grown man decide to take these actions? Is there something wrong in today's society that keeps us from telling our youth to stay off the streets? Take action. Don't wait for someone to tell you to do something; do it yourself and/or with others. Speak at a high school, donate your time to mentor or just be a positive role model in every day life. I don't understand why things like these murders are happening...completely unacceptable. I pray for the family and anyone who has lost a loved one due to acts of violence. Act now, not later.

Mexican-American studies banned (in America)

Photo courtesy AP

So the Tucson Unified Schools Board voted to end the Mexican-American studies program. Well then. An NBC Latino article states, "Students in the courses will now be dispersed among other classes." So now what? Students can still learn about their own (or new) culture by studying on their own...that's what I would think. But for now, schools will only be teaching American culture, which is strange because the program was called Mexican-American. If this were to happen all over the country, what would that say about our lawmakers? What would it say about education? It's amazing how some people can use the Census numbers for something good and politicians are reaching out to Hispanic voters yet they ban our own history from schools. Interesting indeed.

Should Mexican-Studies be banned? Why Arizona?

How do you say donuts in Spanish?

So how do you say donuts in Spanish? Doesn't really matter because if you can say Dunkin' Donuts then you're one step closer to film their new commercial. According to a Miami New Times article, "Dunkin' Donuts is conducting a search for the ultimate 'hispanic Dunkin' Donuts coffee fan to appear in one of the brand's Hispanic television advertisements.'" Sounds like my dad would be perfect. The casting is being conducted by a local independent franchise group based in south Florida.

I wish Philadelphia would do something cool like this. In fact, I never see any type of mainstream brand do anything even remotely Latino in Philadelphia. The trends I am noticing are, "Can you put in touch with the Latinos in Philadelphia?" Really? Put me in touch?! Then there's no investment, it's just capitalizing on what already exists. Smh. Anyways. So if you're in Miami tomorrow be sure to stop by Dunkin Donuts Kendall on 12930 SW 120th Street between 6 a.m. and 8 p.m. I could sure use an old fashioned donut right about now.

Event: GPHCC's Alegria Ball - Fiesta Mexicana.

Gala season is starting, well sort of. The Greater Philadelphia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce presents their 2012 Alegria Ball: Fiesta Mexicana. For the 5th year, this GPHCC signature fundraising event recognizes the rich and vibrant cultures of Latin America. Did you during last year's gala I was awarded the Hispanic Professional of the Year!? I know crazy right. In fact it was last year this time when I felt something telling me, "Stay in Philly."

Anyways, this year's gala is bound to be bigger and better. The GPHCC will again feature the 3rd annual Excelencia Hispanic Business Awards marking the incredible growth and success of Latino business and professional markets across the Greater Philadelphia region. Come join in on the fun! Hurry because tickets are selling fast :).

Alegria Ball: Fiesta Mexicana - Que Viva Mexico!
1/20/2012
6 p.m. - 11 p.m.
Vie, 600 N. Broad Street
215-790-3843

2012 Knight Arts Challenge finalists announced

They are in! The Knight Foundation has announced the finalists for the second year of the Knight Arts Challenge Philadelphia. The 55 finalists - which include individual artists, artist collectives, community groups, music organizations and theater companies - offered a wide array of innovative ideas, rising above a field of 1,200+ applicants. These ideas are just a continuing message that art can create change in communities. I hope the deserving winners create outstanding programs and do bring some type of change. Sure change is sometimes a little scary, but if it's for the better, then go for it. Click here to view the 2011 winners.


Some of this year's finalists include:

• Artists and Musicians of Latin America - To cultivate new audiences for Latin Jazz by presenting "pop-up" performances using a portable stage. <-- Um amazing much?
• Delaware River Waterfront Corporation - To use world rhythms - from cowbells to congas, beat-boxing to Bhangra - to learn about cultures at an interactive music and dance festival <-- Because Penn's Landing always needs another festival :). 
• Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation - To engage new audiences in the visual arts by launching With Art Philadelphia, a two-year joint marketing program that includes late-night happenings for younger audiences at local museums <--- New audiences everywhere!
• Norris Square Neighborhood Project - To preserve local Latino culture in North Philadelphia by creating a sound booth to record stories that will be featured in podcasts <-- neighbor and great idea!

It would be amazing to see some of these projects come to life...especially in Philadelphia. The full list of finalists and ideas can be found at knightarts.org and the winners will be announced in the spring. Good luck to everyone and see you in "warmer" weather.

The Americas and America

So a picture is worth a thousand words and the one above is worth too many. I find it funny because most people call those living in the United States Americans; but what do you call South Americans? Most of the time they are never, ever called American...just from their prospective country. Even my dad once said, "We're not American...we're Colombian."

The Americas are lands in our hemisphere (western), also known as the New World. In English, the plural from the Americas is often used to refer to the landmasses of North America and South America with their associated islands and regions, while the singular form America is commonly used to refer to the United States of America. Unfortunately our wonderful country we live in was given the same name as our own continents.

So how does the photo make you feel?