Is the Pope Latino?

First let's ask, "Does it matter if he's Latino or not?" Yes it does matter because with the estimated 45 million Latino Catholics living in the U.S., you're going to need a reason to make him Latino. There are various news outlets, like the Huffington Post's Latino Voices, calling him Latino in the headline.

BeingLatino raised the question on Facebook and of course there are mixed reactions and even people attempting to identify what is a Latino. One person comments, "Argentinians don't claim Latino. They claim European," while another writes, "He's a Latino without a doubt. He was born in Argentina, which is in South America and where Spanish is the official language." So what is the definition of a Latino? Although a dictionary might say one thing, as a people we could easily say something else. 

An article in BeingLatino states, "The election of a Latin American is being celebrated by the 480 million Catholics living in Latin America, not to mention the estimated 45 million Latino Catholics in the United States. The Argentine-born son of Italian immigrants, Papa Francisco is already hailed as a 'Pope for the People,' like some ecclesiastical Obama." What should matter is that this new Pope is indeed the first from South America and he speaks Spanish. Should it matter if he's considered Latino?  Maybe this is just a ploy in the church seeking more Catholics which of course leads to more $$. Egh.

The 2nd Annual Campaign Design contest is back!

Last year's design winner via Uno Branding

Remember last year's American Latino campaign contest? Well it's back for the second time! The Friends of the National Museum of the American Latino are giving their supporters the opportunity to be an important part of the campaign to create a National American Latino Museum in Washington, D.C. After receiving inspiring designs from talented artists nationwide during the inaugural Campaign Design Contest in 2012, the museum is bringing this contest back to give supporters the opportunity to share their artistic vision for this museum.

Last year's design by UNO Branding, a Latino-owned agency in Minneapolis, Minnesota, won after more than 6,000 votes. This design by UNO Branding served as the central image for FRIENDS promotional materials, online imaging, and posters. Posters were distributed at major Latino conferences nationwide and to members of Congress.To be honest, I voted for this submission as well because it pretty much summed up our gente in the United States.

For more information on how to enter this year's contest, click here. 

American Idol's Lazaro Arbos moving on

America (especially the Latinos living here) fell in love with Lazaro Arbos when he auditioned for American Idol a few weeks ago and made everyone cry. Seriously. And now he's in the Top 20 and I'm sure he'll make it to the Top 10. And yes while there are two other Latinos on the show, Arbos' adversity seems to make him favorable.

Reality shows are always adding more Latinos to shows but you have to wonder if producers sit behind a desk and say, "We need to keep him/her because he/she is Latino." Or has our culture become mainstream enough where that doesn't matter anymore? Either way, I'm rooting for Arbos.

My Latino world has become smaller

So it's been almost months since I even attempted to write something on this blog. As you may know I have moved back to New Jersey near Atlantic City to start a new career path. Almost all my "work" ties within the Latino community have all been disconnected. The only times I get to see anything remotely Latino is on social media. Although I do tend to keep in touch with a lot of people it's not business related. And as we all know if you're not talking business it's of no relevance. Working in a town of about 40,000, it's rare to find people who look like you. The ironic part is that 30% of the population is Latino. Right.

In Philadelphia, the Inquirer stated protesters outside City Hall last Friday said they were outraged that a judge, who acquitted former police Officer Jonathan Josey of assaulting a woman attending the Puerto Rican Day Parade, was married to a police officer. This case keeps getting crazier and crazier. This case brings so much into one punch including police brutality and racial discrimination. It makes it worse that this involves an African-American office and a Puerto Rican woman. This probably won't be solved anytime soon.

I also recently read a story online that stated two Latino Philadelphians may want to run for Mayor in 2015. The article said, "THE FIELD of potential 2015 candidates for mayor now includes two former city solicitors who served Mayor John Street: Ken Trujillo and Nelson Diaz." I honestly don't know what to say. I haven't really worked with either of them but I've heard more positive things from one than the other. I have respect for both but it's interesting what you hear from those who have worked within the Latino community. Key statement: working in the Latino community.

Then there's this story in the March issue of Philadelphia Magazine. No words. I hope to keep this blog updated daily with not just Philadelphia stories, but national as I have been doing before. My opinion will be added a little more as well ;).

Buying a brick helps Shakira build a new school

Sometimes giving to a charity really is difficult unless we are really committed. Our money probably ends up in some giant pool of money and then what? However, I was always a fan of Shakira's Barefoot Foundation. I've never donated but it definitely intrigued me. You can help the Barefoot Foundation build a new school for vulnerable children in Cartagena, Colombia by giving just a few dollars to ‘buy a brick.’

There are also two social components integrated with the community giving. Once you "buy a brick" you'll then be able to see your face on the online mosaic as the school takes shape (pictured above). And in a world of sharing, everyone who gives and then Tweets their personal sharing link will be entered into a contest to win a video chat with Shakira and other prizes.

To donate and enter, visit Facebook.com/Shakira.

More Latinos head to our nation's capital

"The new U.S. Congress sworn in today will have 3 Latino U.S. Senators and 28 Latino House members; nine of these are first-time members of Congress," via the Associated Press. Soak in that statement for a minute. During the 2012 elections, Latinos showed the United States of America not only our voting power but as political officials. Sure it's the ever changing landscape of the U.S. Even brands are shifting gears...but this is old news.

The AP article stated the following:

• In a sign of some diversity for the venerable body, the Senate will have three Hispanics — Democratic Sen. Bob Menendez of New Jersey, Republican Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida and one of the new members, Republican Ted Cruz of Texas. There will be 20 women in the 100-member chamber, the highest number yet.

Will the new Congress with record number Latinos change laws? Will it help Latinos? 

DigiBunch video site launches under the radar

A few months ago,  under the radar, a website was created by Lance Rios (BeingLatino founder). digibunch.com, although doesn't have much info, is a website designed to host videos and fotos by Latinos for Latinos. Not sure what the goal is or if there's a relationship to the BeingLatino site, but it may be a good site to learn and laugh.

Here's an example of the content digibunch.com hosts:

Video: The Voice adds Shakira and Usher

NBC's The Voice has just added some big players to their coaches cast. Shakira and Usher replace Christina Aguilera and Cee Lo Green. Notice that they replaced both minorities with other minorities? Just a fact. Regardless, I think the addition of Usher and Shakira will make a huge impact on the show. Both are huge in the music industry and currently are either in "peak" mode.

Will you keep watching?