We are #MoreThanALabel

Hispanic Heritage Month may be officially over, but that doesn't mean we can't keep celebrating accomplishments across the United States (or fighting the fight). Then again...why are we still fighting this fight?

2015’s States Where Hispanics Are Most Assimilated

According to U.S. Census Bureau population estimates as of July 1, 2013, there are roughly 54 million Hispanics living in the United States, representing approximately 17% of the U.S. total population, making people of Hispanic origin the nation's largest ethnic or race minority.

During every political season, Latinos seem to become more and more important. In fact, marketing to Latinos seems to be ore and more on everyone's mind. But then again some people have trouble marketing to Latinos because there are sub-groups. Is it the English dominant Latinos...or is it the parents that immigrated here?

Art matters in the Latino community

I'm not an artist...that's pretty obvious. But I can appreciate what the arts and culture world does for people and communities. Whether on a local or national scale, it's been proven that all forms of art can enrich and change a persons life. It's important to also grasp how important it is in the Latino community.

I've met some incredible Latino artists in the last 9 years in Philadelphia. Those including Tony Rocco, Julia Lopez, Michelle Ortiz, Luz Salas to name a few. I was also fortunate enough to serve on the host committee for the National Association of Latino Arts & Cultures conference when it was held in Philadelphia in 2012. An amazing opportunity to meet people in the industry and even catch some awesome performances throughout the city.

Where is the National Museum of the American Latino?

It's been almost three years since the national campaign for the National Museum of the American Latino was launched. Since then countless other campaigns, contests, supporters, and donations have been made in order to bring this idea to fruition.

According to an article in the Orange County Register, "It literally takes an act of Congress to establish another museum on the Mall, alongside famous sites like the National Air and Space Museum, National Gallery, National Museum of Natural History and National Museum of American History. Organizers say the museum would show the impact of Latino culture on American life throughout U.S. history, with exhibitions of fine art, artifacts, documents and oral histories."

News You Can use: Lists, first birthdays, Puerto Rico, and more!

From Al Dia: Alex Guevara (l) with his older sister, Dolly.

It's about that time! Here's your weekly "news you can use" where I highlight local and national stories of interest. Do you have an interesting story? Pass it along!

• Mis Primeras Mañanitas - Being Latino and Fisher Price give us the rundown about how to celebrate your baby's first birthday. Oh...there's also a contest as well :).
• 40 Under 40: Latinos in American Politics - Honestly who doesn't love a good list...especially on Latinos. Fact: There are only three Latino Senators, all Cuban-American men.
• ‘Isla del Encanto’ Public Art Mural Finally Finds a Home in Holyoke, Massachusetts - What's Hispanic Heritage Month without a good ol' fight about arts and culture in the community?
• When a Young Latino does in our city, there is only silence - And it's true. The media was all over the gay couple that was brutally attacked by a group of twenty-somethings. But what about this story?

Brands and their Hispanic Heritage Month promotions

Well it seems as though Hispanic Heritage Month is in full bloom and I'm seeing more and more promotions from major corporations and brands.

Just recently I received and email from iTunes which is owned by Apple. The email stated:

For a limited time, chart-topping albums from great Latin artists like Romeo Santos, Selena, Marc Anthony, Enrique Iglesias, and Banda Sinaloense MS de Sergio Lizarraga are available for just $5.99.

And I must say I was really tempted to purchase the Enrique Iglesias album; especially after attending his concert with Pitbull at Boardwalk Hall. Alas, I did not purchase. I recently started listening to iTunes' variety of playlists. I even put on a Charlie Zaa playlist for my mom (during a road trip) and she asked, "How the hell do you have this music?!"

I did some quick Hispanic Heritage Month Twitter research and found a good number of brands/corporations capitalizing on Twitter. Are there any brands you'd like to recognize for their HHM outreach?

See the tweets after the jump.

NCLR ALMA Awards want you to #ShowOffYourALMA

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@mayorgadc is ready for #ALMA14! #ShowOffYourALMA

View on Instagram

Since 1995, the NCLR ALMA Awards (American Latino Media Arts) has honored outstanding Latino artistic achievements in television, film, and music. The show is an integral part of NCLR’s mission to create greater opportunities for Hispanic families in the United States. As a national prime-time television special with a cause, the NCLR ALMA Awards demonstrates how inclusion strengthens the entertainment industry and diversity strengthens our country by promoting fair, accurate, and representative portrayals of Latinos. Past ALMA awardees have included Robert Rodriguez, Rosario Dawson, Antonio Banderas, George Lopez, and other astounding Latinos in media.

This is taking Latinos in media in a strong direction but at the same time why should we create our own awards ceremony? The United People for Latinos in Film & Theater Facebook page always produces thought provoking post on this very topic. But I digress.

Taller Puertorriqueño is ever growing and needs your help!

I'm a huge of Taller Puertorriqueño (Taller), also known as El Corazón Cultural del Barrio, The Cultural Heart of Latino Philadelphia. Taller was actually my first employer from 2007-2008 and have stayed in touch with most of the group since then. They produce amazing exhibitions, youth programs, author series, the ever-growing Feria del Barrio and much more.

Since 2008 I've seen Taller grow and still struggle to find the final funding for their capital campaign for the new Taller building on 5th Street. Through new construction, Taller will create a gathering and meeting place, a crossroads, and a focal point for community pride while successfully addressing handicap accessibility and other operating issues and growing to meet community demand. New studios, gallery space, and a café will make Taller the community’s gathering space, while expanded programs, an expanded gift shop, rentable function rooms and incubator space for new businesses will provide new revenue streams.

National Museum of the American Latino Campaign Contest - Part 3!

The Friends of the National Museum of the American Latino are up to their annual campaign design contest again. Vote for your favorite! Only one vote per person is allowed, so be sure to tell your friends to go vote for your favorite design. A trip to Washington, D.C. for a premier Cinco de Mayo celebration, a national media campaign, and a chance to be a part of history is on the line! To be honest I'm not sure what they plan on doing with these posters considering it's the third year. Maybe when the museum finally opens we can get the ball rolling right?

I chose the piece above because it stood out the most. It clearly defined what my family has gone through and what we all aspire to become/do. Alejandro Martinez from Santa Rosa, CA says, "This piece of art work is inspired by the struggles of all Latinos, and the hope they have for a brighter future. I tried to capture the moment where one generation passes down the torch to the next generation."

Rumba with Las Gallas in Philadelphia

I am a huge fan of Las Gallas. Julia Lopez, Michelle Angela Ortiz, Magda Martinez, gather to share stories, inspire dialogue and create collaborative work together around ideas of family, traditions, religion, politics, education and gender roles. I've been to several of their events and have had the pleasure to work with them through different capacities. Each bring unique works of art and perspective. They have performed locally in Philadelphia at the Barnes Foundation, Taller Puertorriqueno, the First Person Arts Festival and across the globe.

Now they have the opportunity to perform at the 14th Annual International Festival of Poetry in Havana, Cuba! But they need our help. Join Las Gallas on Saturday, March 22 for a Rumba like no other. This is a perfect chance to support art in your community.

For a small donation of $10 you'll be able to:

• Listen to dancing beats from DJ Rahsaan 
• Taste delicious Colombian food from La Costeña Catering 
• Get your hands on new GALLAS t-shirts for men and women

The Latin Quarter arrives at Revel Casino Hotel

Today Revel Casino Hotel launched opening of their newest stage production The Latin Quarter Show. The Latin-themed variety show includes Flamenco dancers, dramatic Gauchos, a heart-stopping crossbow act, award winning ballroom dancers, mind blowing quick change artists, gorgeous production show dancers, and a hilarious host comedian, all framed with stunning multimedia.

I must say my favorites including the crossbow act, something I've never seen, and the comedian. Although the crowd was not getting his jokes and they were a bit vulgar, it was hilarious to me. In between the show there are a variety of dancing acts as well. Everything from flamenco to the inevitable Elvis Crespo's Suavemente.

Performances will take place on Thursdays and Fridays at 5 p.m. and 8 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays at 2, 5 and 8 p.m.Tickets are only $25 and are on sale now! They can be purchased at all Ticketmaster locations, ticketmaster.com and by calling 1-800-745-3000.

What to do to piss off Latinos in America and everywhere else...

...You try to patent Dia de los Muertos. According to the Huffington Post article, "The entertainment giant filed trademark applications on May 1 for the phrase “Dia de los Muertos,” the subject of an upcoming animated film by Pixar studios, Mexican news site Animal Político reports." I didn't even know you could trademark something cultural. I'm assuming as large as Disney is they would have a team of experts behind them saying, "Cease and diciest!"

I don't need to go on and tell you why Dia de los Muertos is important, or maybe I should. But there was even a petition on Change.org and you know when things get on Change.org it gets series. While I am not Mexican I completely understand the cultural sensitivity behind the cause. Imagine how Mexicans (in Mexico) felt about this. Just another big top corporation attempting to take over one culture at a time. And why Dia de los Muertos you ask? That's because Mexico is pretty much taking over the U.S. one state at a time...seriously. According to the Pew Hispanic Center, "The size of the Mexican-origin population in the U.S. has risen dramatically over the past four decades—from 5.4 million in 1970 to a record 33.7 million in 2012." So why not capitalize on this money and make a move about it. Right?

This pretty much sums up our message to Disney:

Día de Muertos is a Mexican tradition, it is part of our culture!!! It s NOT a product. It CANNOT be a trademark! @disney @disneypixar
— aida luna (@aida_lu) May 7, 2013

An article on BeingLatino says, "Disney has withdrawn this petition, citing a name change for the film as the reason. That’s great news. Thanks for acknowledging all the criticism you received from potential viewers, and apologizing for your cultural insensitivity." In the end, the next time you attempt to trademark us, you should probably call your local Latino leader. This sort of reminds me of the festival celebrating Cuba yet had a Cinco de Mayo party. I guess they didn't call their local Latino leader either.

The National Museum of the American Latino's campaign contest winner

A few weeks ago the National Museum of the American Latino launched their 2nd Annual Campaign Design contest and today we have a winner! Ana Maria Villegas, whose design can be seen above, from Coral Springs, FL will be flying to Washington, D.C. for a special unveiling event. The winning design will be the featured image of FRIENDS' national campaign in 2013. Along with the trip to Washington, D.C. for an unveiling ceremony along with national exposure for their work, Ana will play an important role in the historic campaign to build a National American Latino Museum in our nation's capital.

"In this original pastel painting I portray the innocence and excitement of a Latino child being immersed within a new culture integrating Latino and American richness," said Ana. "The feathers represent the indigenous roots, as I found them in Native American and Aztec headdresses."

The new winner, although different from last year's winner, emphasizes Latinos in the U.S. I believe Ana really captured our soul and the addition of the American flag was probably key in the design.

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. 

Awilda Rodriguez Lora aka La Performera

During the National Association of Latino Arts & Cultures conference in Philadelphia, there was one performer that really stuck out from the rest. Awilda Rodriguez aka La Performera performed at the Prince Music Theatre during one of the night time activities. Amazingly hilarious and insightful is how I would describe her performance. Awilda brought to life her experiences growing up, finding her true identity and more. An astounding mixture of visual and sound, her performances really ask the questions, "Who are we?" and, "How do people view us?" Some may think she's a bit "too much," but I say we have the freedom to do whatever we want creatively. And that's exactly what she does.

In her bio, she says, "...the development of performance art is a constant exercise in self-reflection where she challenges her identity, sexuality and gender"

Taller Puertorriqueño needs your support

There comes a time when you see an organization grow from small to large. I used to work at Taller Puertorriqueño where there mission is to preserve, promote and develop Latino arts & culture. Not just an organization for Puerto Ricans, Taller has changed and connected so many lives in the local and national community. But now they need our help. With arts organizations losing funding, Taller has been struggling with their capital campaign for the last four years.

Just in time, the Innovation grant program rewards artists for using their talents to turn their cities around. And now their asking art lovers to help pick the viewer's choice to help a worthy project win $15,000. choice. Taller has been chosen as one of the top 64 organizations fighting for the grant that will help support their own programs. This grant would actually help Taller make their dream a reality- they have already over halfway there, having secured the site and $6.5 of the $10 million needed to build a new building.

Here's how to help Taller: 

1. Log in to Facebook (or register if you don’t have one) 
2. Click this link: https://www.facebook.com/OvationTV/app_255394737897823 
3. Click the “Like” button that the big red arrow on the page points to. 
4. Scroll down to find our project, “Building Community Through Art: Taller Puertorriqueño’s Capital Campaign” 
5. Click the “Vote” button under our project.

NALAC's inspiring preformances

Spoken Hand Percussion Orchestra

Last night (Thursday, October 18) I had the pleasure of attending NALAC's evening performances at the Prince Music Theatre. I didn't know what to expect when I attended, but I left amazed. Performances included Awilda Rodriguez Lora, Quique Aviles, Circa '95 and Spoken Had Percussion Orchestra. All different types of performances, but they had something in common. They each brought a sense of identity and the self to the audience.

Lora performed a very personal story about her upbringing through spoken word, music and acting. She spoke about the role of women in today's society and the machista mentality our fathers usually have. While adding some humor, she ended on a note about discovering herself and looking after herself but still caring for others. Aviles had a great story to tell through poetry and spoken word. He spoke greatly about immigration and how our mothers and fathers leave their country to come live the dream in the United States of America.

So what is it about the arts? I believe it can change lives for the better. Whether visually, voice or through sound, we should be creating better worlds for our sons and daughters. Keep art programs in our schools, encourage a little creativity, because without these activities, we will not only lose culture, but our self-identity as well.

NALAC conference begins with a welcoming reception

Just this evening, Wednesday, October 17th, 2012, the National Association of Latino Arts & Cultures (NALAC) held their welcome reception at the Loews Philadelphia Hotel (33rd Floor). NALAC and the Philadelphia host committee welcomed all attendees and community leaders to a warm reception. With an amazing view, NALAC explained their reasons why they chose our beloved city. Philadelphia was recently chosen as the #1 city for arts & culture by Travel & Leisure Magazine. The Philadelphia Cultural Alliance mentioned that people of color (mostly Hispanics) have the highest level of engagement when it comes to arts & culture in the city.

Reception attendees included the Mexican Consul Carlos Giralt-Cabrales, Maria del Pilar representing State Representative Angel Cruz and Mayor Michael Nutter. From today through Sunday, October 21st, NALAC conference attendees will enjoy a variety of workshops, exhibitions, tours and more. Who knows, maybe there will even be a few surprises. For information regarding the conference visit http://conference.nalac.org and follow them on Twitter @Nalac_Arts (use #NALACphilly).

EVENT: NALAC hits Philly in one week!

In one week (10/17-10/21) more than 500 artists, community leaders and officials will convene in Philadelphia for the National Association of Latino Arts & Cultures (NALAC) conference. The 8th National NALAC Conference, Seizing the Moment NOW, is the only national convening of Latino arts. The five-day conference will serve as a platform for the development and promotion of Latino arts via educational sessions, panel discussions, exhibitions, and performances. Notably, the NALAC Conference provides opportunities for conference participants, established and aspiring artists, and speakers to interact, network, share their knowledge and resources, and create new ideas in intimate settings.

Special honorees have been selected to receive 2012 NALAC Lifetime Achievement Awards during the Conference. The honorees are Jesse Bermudez, Founder and Executive/Artistic director of Asociación de Músicos Latino Americanos (AMLA); René Buch, Artistic Director of Repertorio Español; Al and Carmen Castellano, Castellano Family Foundation and Tina Ramirez, Founder of Ballet Hispánico.

In addition to conference workshops and learning experiences, attendees will be able to explore Latino Philadelphia with mural tours, exhibitions, etc. If you are interested in volunteering at the event, please e-mail nalacphilly@gmail.com with your name and contact information. Be sure to follow NALAC on Twitter, Facebook and other notable Latino Philly Twitter accounts like @PhillyTeAma and @TelemundoWWSI.

Special thanks to the Philadelphia host committee:

• Veronica Castillo-Perez, Raices Culturales Latinoamericanas, Inc. 
• Carmen Febo San Miguel, Taller Puertorriqueño 
• Magda Martinez, Fleisher Art Memorial
• Emilio Buitrago, Casa de Venezuela 
• James Claiborne, Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance 
• Andrea Townrow, Mexican Cultural Center 
• Alice Santana, Artistas y Musicos Latinoamericanas (AMLA) 
• Matilde Duenas, Mexican Cultural Center 
• Jasmin Dottin, Raices Culturales Latinoamericanos, Inc. 
• Michelle A. Ortiz, Stockton Rush Bartol Foundation 
• Tony Rocco, Photography Without Borders 
• Edgardo Gonzalez, Taller Puertorriqueno 
• Cecilia Bonilla, Mexican Cultural Center
• Eric Cortes, WWSI Telemundo Philadelphia 
• Graziella DiNuzzo-D'Amelio, 2012 Philadelphia NALAC Conference Coordinator

Live and breath Latino art all this weekend

First Friday. That can mean many things. But in this blog post it means there are a good number of art exhibitions opening up to the public. This weekend there are a good number of Philadelphia Latino openings as well.Below are three events happening today through Saturday; all hosted by some great people.

• 15 Ideas to Rebuild our World - This art exhibit displays Gina Echeverry’s 15 ideas of her optimistic vision of our existence, considering we are an intimate part of the universe. This is her vision of rebuilding hope allowing her audience the opportunity to possibly reinvent a new consciousness and spirit that will help to rebuild self-esteem of our people to become better citizens of the world… affecting all other systems that shape us. 2708 N. 5th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19133


• Aqui y Alla exhibition - The "Aqui y Alla" transnational public art project was created and directed by local artist Michelle Angela Ortiz. The project explores the impact of immigration in the lives of Mexican immigrant youth in South Philadelphia in connection with youth in Chihuahua, Mexico.1729 Mount Vernon Street, Philadelphia, PA
  
  
• Latin Bridges Meet and Greet- Arden Theatre Company, 40 N. 2nd St. , Philadelphia, PA 19106

There are also a few places to buy Latino art in Philadelphia. Check them out here.