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.
"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?
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:
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.
As some networks continue to fail in media diversity, other cable channels are doing their best to portray what America is really like. Launching on January 9, MTV's newest docu-series Washington Heights will follow the lives of nine friends trying to make it in New York City. These friends include men and women looking to find their way into various industries including fashion, baseball, music and so on.
Could this be a smart move on MTV's part? With the Jersey Shore coming to an end, Washington Heights is a bold move. Some may find this a misinterpretation of the actual neighborhood. Then again isn't all reality television a misinterpretation of a group of individuals? My perception of Washington Heights is that it's mostly Latino...specifically Dominican. My only other concern is that not everyone who lives in city neighborhoods wants to be a fashionista, musician, etc. Some people want to do other things in like like social services, journalism, teaching, etc. There's no reason why MTV didn't choose more of these characters (only one wants to become an English professor).
Watch the world premiere Wednesday, January 9 at 10 p.m.
Last Saturday, December 8, Telemundo stations across the entire United States switched over to the new logo/brand. The new "T" conveys the duality of Latinos living in the U.S. This past May Telemundo announced new programming, specials and content. The press release stated, "With that concept in mind, it announced a 40% increase in original programming, adding six new original primetime novelas and the addition of unscripted reality series to its lineup." I must say after seeing the new logo in print (above), it looks amazing. The new concept allows the media company to use it to its capacity. Talk about making a bold move :).
In the video below, Emilio Romano, Telemundo Media president, discusses the unveiling of the company's new logo.
As you can see from the photo above, it looks like a Penn State University sorority has taken upon itself to have its members dress up in traditional Mexican clothes and act like them. Right. Ridiculous is what this is. Jezebel.com reported that Onward State, Director of Greek Life, Dr. Roy Baker, Director of the Paul Robeson Cultural Center, Carlos Wiley, and the leadership of Chi Omega met to discuss potential punishments for the sorority last night. Suspension is rumored by not confirmed. The question to ask is why this is still happening. Penn State has several minority Greek-lettered organizations (Black, Latino, Asian, etc.) and for this to happen is disgraceful.
Since the U.S. government began to receive requests for DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrived) last August, thousands of undocumented youth have begun the application process. DACA permitted to obtain a work permit, a conditional social security and protection to avoid deportation for two years. However, the application fee plus legal fees, if need be, have been a barrier to our community that normally struggle to meet the basic needs of their families.
Together, an organization based in Philadelphia led by Latino immigrant community in Pennsylvania who fight for human rights of immigrants, recently partners with JUNTOS to award scholarships to help begin the DACA process. Pictured above, Olivia Vasquez, 18, Jaqueline Gomez, 19, Montserrat Gallegos, 16, Kenny Mejia, 18, and Sajid Safkat, 18, received their checks in order to begin the process of TAT.
This is a tremendous opportunity not only for these students but for the country as well. In addition to the scholarships, JUNTOS also had one of their students, Karla Rojas, 18, on MSNBC's Jansing & Co. discussing immigration and the Dream Act along with Telemundo's Jose Diaz-Balart.
