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BLACK ENTREPRENEUR WILL SERVE ALL SHADES OF BROWN WITH THE LAUNCH OF CULTURAL CUTS
Hair Care Franchise Will Target Blacks and Latinos
| A Taste of Spain | |
WASHINGTON, Oct. 8 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- A new report released today demonstrates that Hispanic Americans face greater challenges in obtaining a secure retirement than the average population. The paper, prepared by the Hispanic Institute think-tank and the Americans for Secure Retirement (ASR) coalition, finds that the unique challenges include a general lack of retirement preparation, less access to employer-sponsored retirement plans, lower levels of personal savings and inadequate financial literacy. [continue article]
BUENOS AIRES, Argentina, March 25 /PRNewswire/ -- Arcos Dorados, the largest restaurant company in Latin America, owner of the license to operate McDonald's restaurants in the region, announced today the biggest annual net revenue obtained by the brand since it opened the first Latin American restaurant in Puerto Rico 42 years ago.
In 2008, Arcos Dorados reached net revenue of more than US$3.5 billion, with sales at more than 1,750 restaurants in 19 countries, representing an increase of 26% compared to 2007.
In comparable sales, taking into account the same number of restaurants as the previous year, the growth was 21%.
"The 2008 results exceeded our expectations," said Woods Staton, president and CEO of Arcos Dorados. "Thanks to our strategic focus on offering an even more varied menu; on high quality products and ingredients; in attractive promotions and campaigns, like the Olympic Games in China; in the policy of always offering good value and in the expansion and re-imaging of the restaurants, the average number of clients we serve in Latin America reached 3.5 million per day."
The record was set in Arcos Dorados' first year of managing the McDonald's restaurants in the region, which places it among the 100 largest private companies in Latin America. The new job positions open during 2008 allowed the company to close the year with more than 100,000 employees, and be recognized as one of the region's 5 major employers and one of the companies that most offers first jobs to young people in the region.
"We are definitely a prime job option for young people. Besides our contribution to the economic and social development of the communities where we do business, the creation of jobs and the payment of taxes, it gives us great pleasure to be recognized as one of the best employers in Latin America," added Staton.
The rhythm of expansion of the restaurants was intense: Throughout 2008 the company opened 75 restaurants, 45 McCafe units and 125 dessert centers. The investments were also directed at offering a more friendly and comfortable experience to the customers, with the full re-modeling of 140 restaurants. "We grew not only by opening new restaurants, but also by maintaining and improving what we already had," Staton explained.
Woods Staton stood by the company's commitment to children's health through the support of the Ronald McDonald House Charities and revealed that the results from the McHappy Day fundraising campaign were 23% higher compared to 2007. "In 2008, for the first time, we implemented the campaign under the same name and format in the entire region and we achieved a record of US$9.8 million, which was donated to the magnificent work of the Ronald McDonald House Charities in Latin America," he said.
With respect to the environment, as well as continuing the policies of recycling and reducing the use of natural resources and supplies, the company was able to open the first environmentally friendly McDonald's restaurant in Latin America. It is located on the coastline of Sao Paulo, Brazil, and incorporates the philosophy of environmentally responsible construction, seeking the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification, a system that verifies the incorporation of sustainable measures in the construction and efficient operation of buildings.
"Our sustainable growth strategy brought in record results in 2008. We are committed to the economic, social and environmental development of the communities and cultures we are a part of, from the north of Mexico down to Patagonia," said Staton.
Arcos Dorados is the largest restaurant operator in
Latin America and the largest franchisee of the McDonald's brand in
the world. Arcos Dorados is a Latin American company and operates
more than 1,750 McDonald's restaurants, 1,200 dessert centers and
200 McCafe units in 19 countries (Argentina, Aruba, Brazil, Chile,
Colombia, Costa Rica, Curacao, Ecuador, Guadeloupe, French Guyana,
Martinique, Mexico, Panama, Peru, Puerto Rico, Saint Thomas, Saint
Croix, Uruguay and Venezuela) and delivers field service to the
other ten markets in the region. It has more than 100 thousand
employees who serve some 3.5 million clients per day. More than just
one of the major employers in the region, Arcos Dorados is
recognized as one of the best companies to work for and one of the
prime employers of young people in their first jobs. Arcos Dorados
also owns Axis, the logistics company present in Argentina, Chile,
Venezuela and Mexico, with 500 employees and 150 clients.
Source: Arcos Dorados
SANTA BARBARA, Calif., Jan. 14 /PRNewswire/ --
HispanicBusiness Media is pleased to announce the 7th Annual Woman
of the Year Awards Gala on June 4, 2009. This event will take place
at the state-of-the-art Hilton Americas in Houston, Texas, and will
honor the distinguished achievements of 20 successful and
inspirational U.S. Hispanic women who have made significant impacts
in the fields of business, government and academia.
Recent honorees and finalists have included Dr.
Sandra Hernandez, CEO, San Francisco Foundation (2008 WOY winner);
Los Angeles County Supervisor Gloria Molina (2007 WOY winner);
Attorney General of New Mexico Patricia Madrid; New York State
Commissioner of Health Antonia Coello Novello; and Miriam Rivera,
Vice President and Deputy General Counsel for Google.
The HispanicBusiness Media Woman of the Year event
not only honors Hispanic women who are trailblazers in their
respective fields, but also honors scholarship recipients who are
the next generation of future successful women. In 2009, we will
once again award the Winner's Circle Scholarship to three female
Hispanic students from across the United States.
In addition to the WOY evening awards gala, the
festivities will include a daytime panel symposium, a networking
luncheon and an afternoon roundtable discussion. Each year, the
Hispanic Business WOY Awards Gala serves as an outstanding
opportunity to learn, network and find inspiration among peers and
mentors.
About Hispanic Business Inc.
For 30 years HispanicBusiness Inc. has been the
authoritative source for the latest trends, research and reporting
on the growth of the U.S. Hispanic consumer market and the Hispanic
enterprise and professional sectors.
HispanicBusiness Media properties provide innovative
branding and targeted marketing solutions across multiple platforms:
-- Award-winning print editorial via HispanicBusiness magazine, which
provides readers in the United States and around the world with the
most relevant and data-driven news on the U.S. Hispanic economy.
-- Fresh, real-time online content and interaction via
HispanicBusiness.com.
-- HispanicBusiness Events, which feature and draw the nation's most
affluent and influential Hispanic leaders. Examples include the
HispanicBusiness magazine EOY Awards for entrepreneurial excellence;
the CEO Capital Markets Roundtable; and the Woman of the Year (WOY)
Awards.
-- Unique data reports on the U.S. Hispanic sector developed by
HispanTelligence, the research arm of Hispanic Business Media.
-- Diversity recruiting and development services from HireDiversity.com.
HispanicBusiness magazine, HispanicBusiness.com,
HispanicBusiness magazine EOY, HireDiversity.com and
HispanTelligence are registered trademarks of Hispanic Business Inc.
2008 Hispanic Business Inc. All rights reserved.
Source: Hispanic Business
Inc.
Web Site:
http://www.hirediversity.com/
http://www.hispanicbusiness.com/
DETROIT, Jan. 13 /PRNewswire/ -- The 13th Annual
Urban Wheel Awards event, honoring individuals and organizations for
diversity in the auto industry, was held Tuesday evening at the
Detroit Opera House. Awards were presented to the Company of the
Year, Executive of the Year, Urban Car, and Urban Truck of the Year.
The star-studded event, known as "The Academy Awards of the Auto
Industry" supplanted the traditional red carpet with a green carpet
for celebrities and other notables to walk.
Additional Urban Wheel Awards were presented for
Diversity in Motorsports, as well as to the advertising agencies
producing the most popular print and broadcast advertisements geared
to African-American, Asian and Latino markets.
Co-hosts Sheryl Lee Ralph, acclaimed veteran of
film, television and the Broadway stage, and Tony Plana,
award-winning star of ABC's Ugly Betty, filmmaker and stage
director, led a star-studded cast of local and nationally known
presenters including comedian Henry Cho and Congresswoman Carolyn
Cheeks Kilpatrick.
The 13th Annual Urban Wheel Awards recipients are: Executive of the Year Jocelyn K. Allen - VP, Public Affairs and Corporate Communications, OnStar Company of the Year Mitsubishi Motors North America Manufacturing Car of the Year Hyundai Genesis Truck of the Year Ford Flex Diversity in Motorsports Sprint African-American Diversity Broadcast Ad of the Year UniWorld Group, Inc. - Lincoln MKS - "Mad Crazy Love" Latino Diversity Broadcast Ad of the Year GlobalHue - Chrysler 300C - "Mano" Asian Diversity Broadcast Ad of the Year AdAsia Communications- Subaru WRX STI - "Wooden Dummies" African American Diversity Print Ad of the Year UniWorld Group, Inc. - Ford Flex - "Push It Good" Latino Diversity Print Ad of the Year Accent Marketing - Chevrolet Aveo - "La Solucion Es Simple" Asian Diversity Print Ad of the Year AdAsia Communications - Subaru Tribeca - "Carps"
About the Urban Wheel Awards: On Wheels Media, Inc.
has produced the Urban Wheel Awards, the automotive industry's
premier diversity awards event since 1996. Held during press week of
the North American International Auto Show, the Urban Wheel Awards
honor pioneering automotive industry leaders and serve as an
educational vehicle to increase awareness among minority audiences
about the importance of diversity to the industry.
About the Edward Davis Education Foundation: The
Edward Davis Education Foundation (EDEF) is a non-profit 501(c) 3
organization established by On Wheels Media, Inc. The mission of
EDEF is to provide scholarships, internships and mentoring to
students pursuing careers in the automotive industry and
communications.
About On Wheels Media, Inc.: On Wheels Media,
Incorporated is a multicultural multimedia company that publishes
African Americans On Wheels, Asians On Wheels and Latinos On Wheels
magazines. It also produces the Urban Wheel Awards, the On Wheels
with Warren Brown radio show, and maintains the OnWheelsInc.com
website. On Wheels Media is also the parent organization of the
Edward Davis Education Foundation.
Source: On Wheels Media, Inc.
Web site: http://www.onwheelsinc.com/
BOSTON, Jan. 12 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Although
the recent economic downturn has had a dramatic impact on low-income
families, people of color and immigrant populations, a new report
shows these groups face geographically determined barriers to
success even in strong economic times.
Massachusetts legal aid programs, together with the
Kirwan Institute for the Study of Race and Ethnicity at The Ohio
State University and the Charles Hamilton Houston Institute for Race
and Justice at Harvard Law School, today announced findings of the
report "The Geography of Opportunity: Building Communities of
Opportunity in Massachusetts" at a public launch at the State House
featuring representatives of the Patrick administration and the
legislature, the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston and Harvard School
of Public Health.
The report compiles research conducted by the Kirwan
Institute on behalf of Massachusetts legal aid programs and reveals
that critical building blocks of opportunity are out of reach for
many Massachusetts residents who are isolated -- most often by race
-- in neighborhoods of low opportunity. According to the Kirwan
Institute, "opportunity" is measured by a number of factors,
including access to high quality education, a healthy and safe
environment, and sustainable employment, and isolation from
opportunity impacts an individual's quality of life, financial
stability and social advancement.
"Since 2003, the Kirwan Institute has conducted
opportunity mapping for more than a dozen regions and states across
the country," says John A. Powell, executive director of the Kirwan
Institute, who was one of the featured speakers at the launch event.
"While we often find that to varying degrees people of color are
isolated in low-opportunity neighborhoods, we were surprised to find
that Massachusetts has one of the highest rates of this type of
isolation among all of the communities we studied."
The Massachusetts Opportunity Mapping Initiative
assessed how low-income groups and racial, ethnic and immigrant
populations are distributed in the Commonwealth's "geography of
opportunity." The study used Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
and extensive data sets, including U.S. Census data from 2000. Some
key findings of the report include:
-- Isolation from opportunity along racial lines is very evident in
Massachusetts. More than 90 percent of African American and Latino
households in 2000 were isolated in the lowest opportunity
neighborhoods in the Commonwealth, compared to 56 percent of Asian
households and 31 percent of White, non-Latino households.
-- Racial isolation into low-opportunity neighborhoods is far more
pronounced than class-based segregation into these low-opportunity
communities. Ninety-five percent of low-income Latino households, 93
percent of low-income African-Americans households and 71 percent of
low-income Asian households were found in low-opportunity
neighborhoods in Massachusetts in 2000, compared to 43 percent of
low-income White, non-Latino households.
-- Non-native U.S. residents from Africa and Latin America were far more
likely to be concentrated in low-opportunity neighborhoods in
Massachusetts, compared to immigrants from Europe or Asia. Seventy
percent of African-born and Latin American-born households were
concentrated in the state's low-opportunity neighborhoods in 2000,
compared to 42 percent of European-born households and 46 percent of
Asian-born households.
Harvard Law School's Charles Hamilton Houston
Institute for Race and Justice was a co-sponsor of the launch. The
Institute was founded by Executive Director Charles Ogletree to
continue the unfinished work of Charles Hamilton Houston, a central
architect of the civil rights strategy leading to Brown v. Board of
Education.
"The Institute is very pleased to participate in the
launch of this important research on the geography of opportunity,"
says David J. Harris, managing director of the Houston Institute.
"In the spirit of Charles Hamilton Houston, we are committed to
working with the legal aid programs that sponsored the research as
well as other advocacy organizations in communities across the
Commonwealth to reduce this isolation and increase access to
opportunity for all residents."
The report and launch was coordinated by a committee
of Massachusetts legal aid programs. There are 21 federally and
state-funded civil legal aid programs throughout the Commonwealth,
which provide legal information, advice and representation to
low-income Massachusetts residents with civil legal problems such as
domestic violence, foreclosure, income maintenance, and more.
"The findings of this report will be instrumental in
targeting our resources more effectively and refining our advocacy
on behalf of low-income clients," says Francisca Fajana, staff
attorney for the Massachusetts Law Reform Institute. "Because legal
aid programs reach every neighborhood in Massachusetts, we are
uniquely positioned to partner with other community advocacy
organizations, as well as the state and local governments, to create
strategies for distributing opportunity more evenly."
The Kirwan Institute for the Study of Race and
Ethnicity was established in 2003 as a center for interdisciplinary
research at The Ohio State University. The Kirwan Institute partners
with people, communities and institutions worldwide to think about,
talk about and act on race in ways that create and expand
opportunity for all.
The full report can be found at
http://www.mlac.org/. For more information on the Kirwan
Institute, visit:
http://kirwaninstitute.org/, and for more information on the
Houston Institute, visit:
http://www.charleshamiltonhouston.org/.
Source: Massachusetts
Legal Assistance Corporation
Web Site:
http://www.charleshamiltonhouston.org/
http://www.kirwaninstitute.org/
WASHINGTON, Jan. 12 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ --
Ramona E. Romero, the HNBA National President, has written to
Senators Patrick J. Leahy and Arlen Specter to urge the expeditious
confirmation of Eric Holder as the Attorney General of the United
States. In her letter, President Romero explained that after
conducting appropriate due diligence and considering Mr. Holder's
credentials and record of public service, the HNBA endorsed Mr.
Holder because he has both the broad professional experience and the
personal qualities required to lead the Department of Justice
("DOJ") in a manner that honors its finest traditions and its
mission of "ensur[ing] fair and impartial administration of justice
for all Americans."
At a time when the DOJ's reputation for impartiality
and integrity has been undermined by reports concerning the role
political considerations have played in setting prosecutorial and
personnel priorities at the Department, Mr. Holder's record
evidences the ability to remain unaffected by political pressures.
He also has an established record of making enforcement decisions
based on legal analysis and the public interest, with due respect to
individual rights.
"Because its raison d'etre is promoting the fair
administration of justice for all, the HNBA is particularly
interested in ensuring that the next Attorney General possesses the
stature, integrity, judgment, experience and commitment to public
service required to command the respect and support of both the
citizenry and the career staff at the DOJ. Eric Holder is such a
person," wrote President Romero.
"We believe that under the leadership of Eric
Holder, the DOJ will bring together a cadre of diverse attorneys who
will abide by our constitution and the rule of law," said Alejandra
Y. Castillo, Chair of the HNBA's Executive Endorsements Committee
and Co-Chair of the Association's Presidential Appointments Project.
Through its Appointments Project, the HNBA has received almost 200
resumes from highly talented and experienced Latino lawyers who are
interested in serving in President-Elect Barack Obama's
Administration.
A copy of the letter to Senators Patrick J. Leahy
and Arlen Specter is available on the HNBA website, www.hnba.com.
The Hispanic National Bar Association is an incorporated,
not-for-profit, national membership organization that represents the
interests of the more than 100,000 attorneys, judges, law
professors, legal assistants, and law students of Hispanic descent
in the United States, its territories and Puerto Rico. For more
information about the HNBA, please visit www.hnba.com.
Source: Hispanic National Bar Association
Web Site: http://www.hnba.com/
WASHINGTON, Jan. 12 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The
Hispanic National Bar Association (HNBA) condemns the Bush
Administration's latest attempt to thwart Constitutional protections
provided to immigrants. In Matter of Compean, 24 I & N Dec. 710
(A.G. 2009), Attorney General Michael Mukasey held that immigrants
do not have a constitutional right to effective counsel under the
Due Process Clause (or any other provision in the Constitution). The
Attorney General's decision declared that even immigrants who have
been prejudiced by their attorney's ineffective or fraudulent
representation do not have the right to have their cases
reconsidered. The text of Matter of Compean is available at
http://www.usdoj.gov/eoir/vll/intdec/vol24/3632.pdf.
Immigration law is very complex -- a labyrinth that
only a competent lawyer can navigate. Immigrants regularly fall prey
to illegal schemes and ineffective representation by unscrupulous
attorneys, non-attorneys, and notarios. The courts ensure that the
"standard of fairness" is met by guaranteeing that immigrants have
the opportunity to be represented by competent and effective
counsel. Judicial precedent has recognized that the high stakes of a
removal proceeding, coupled with the maze of immigration rules and
regulations, make evident the necessity of the right to counsel.
Now, Attorney General Mukasey has reversed the
decades of Court precedent and only a handful of cases "may" be
considered under the grace of the Department of Justice. "The
decision of the Attorney General runs afoul to basic principles of
fairness and protection and condones fraudulent schemes and their
consequences against the most vulnerable group in our society,"
stated Ramona E. Romero, the HNBA National President. According to
Victor Nieblas, Chair of the HNBA's Immigration Law Section,
"Attorney General Mukasey's decision green lights the unauthorized
practice of law and continuing attacks on immigrants by individuals
motivated by greed. The Latino community, as well as the entire
immigrant community, will suffer greatly as a result."
The legal reasoning in Matter of Compean is wrong
and the decision should be overturned by President-Elect Barack
Obama's administration. The HNBA will continue to work with elected
leaders and the judicial system to protect access to justice and the
fair administration of the law for all.
The Hispanic National Bar Association is an
incorporated, not-for-profit, national membership organization that
represents the interests of the more than 100,000 attorneys, judges,
law professors, legal assistants, and law students of Hispanic
descent in the United States, its territories and Puerto Rico. For
more information about the HNBA, please visit www.hnba.com.
Source: Hispanic National Bar Association
Web Site: http://www.hnba.com/
New tools are available to help Hispanics enjoy
healthy versions of their favorite recipes and control portion
sizes, all designed to reduce their risk of developing diabetes. The
recipes and other materials are part of a campaign called Mas que
comida, es vida, which means "It's more than food. It's life." (http://www.ndep.nih.gov/new/new.htm)
The campaign was developed by the National Diabetes
Education Program (http://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/ndep/index.htm),
a joint program of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
and the National Institutes of Health.
"Mas que comida, es vida provides new tools to
Hispanics to prepare traditional foods in a more healthy way. A few
simple adjustments can make these dishes healthier and lower in fat
and calories," said Betsy Rodriguez, public health advisor of the
National Diabetes Education Program's Hispanic/Latino Work Group.
Mas que comida, es vida features materials written
in English and Spanish, including a recipe booklet called Ricas
recetas para personas con diabetes y sus familiares (http://www.ndep.nih.gov/diabetes/pubs/catalog.htm)
(Tasty Recipes for People with Diabetes and Their Families), that
offers food ideas specifically designed for the Hispanic palate.
Among the delicious and healthy recipes ola), beef ornow included in
the booklet are: Spanish omelet (tortilla Espan), turkey stew (carne
guisada de res o pavo), Caribbean o), two cheese pizza (pizza de dos
quesos), andred snapper (pargo rojo cariben) and avocado tacos
(tacos de aguacate).
Compared to whites, Hispanics are disproportionately
affected by diabetes (http://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/faq/groups.htm).
More than 10 percent of Hispanics aged 20 years and older have
diagnosed diabetes. Among Hispanics, rates of diabetes are 8.2
percent for Cubans, 11.9 percent for Mexican-Americans, and 12.6
percent for Puerto Ricans.
"Meal preparation is a critical component of
diabetes control. Studies show that overweight or obese individuals
can prevent or delay diabetes by losing just 5 percent to 7 percent
of their total weight," Rodriquez said.
CDC's Division of Diabetes Translation (http://www.cdc.gov/diabetes)
and the NIH jointly sponsor the National Diabetes Education Program,
which provides diabetes education to improve treatment and outcomes
for people with diabetes, promote early diagnosis and prevent or
delay the onset of diabetes.
Mas que comida, es vida campaign materials and the
recipe booklet are available at www.ndep.nih.gov or by calling
1-888-693-NDEP (6337).
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (http://www.hhs.gov/)
/PRNewswire-USNewswire -- Jan. 12/
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Web Site:
http://www.cdc.gov/
http://www.hhs.gov/
http://www.ndep.nih.gov/
RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil, Dec. 6 /PRNewswire/ -- The third most important event in Rio de Janeiro's official calendar, after Carnival and New Year's Eve, is the Bradesco Seguros e Previdencia Christmas Tree, which has floated in the Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon in Rio de Janeiro for the past 12 consecutive seasons, reaching a height of 85 meters. Its record for greatest height has won it a new title in the Guinness Book of Records as the tallest floating Christmas tree in the world. It weighs 530 tons on an 810 square meter base made up of 11 floats, in the middle of the lagoon beneath the statue of Christ the Redeemer, which has been chosen as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
Photo: Guto Costa. (PRNewsFoto/Bradesco Seguros e Previdencia) RIO DE JANEIRO BRAZIL
The theme "A symbol of hope for the Brazilian family" presents a scene inspired by the stained glass windows of Brazilian cathedrals. 2.9 million miniature light bulbs and 37,000 meters of strings of lights cover the eight surfaces, illuminated by four moving spotlights. The water ballet, consisting of water in motion, lights and colors, completes the spectacle. Jets of water shoot up from 48 pumps installed at the base and reach 20 meters in height, illuminated by the colored lights.
A variety of leisure options along the shore enhance the charm of this Christmas symbol even further, which can be visited until January 6. Decorated kiosks serving local cuisine, together with live entertainment, bring together those who seek amusement outdoors in a climate of peace and harmony.
More than 100,000 people attended the tree's inauguration (see photo) along the shores of the lagoon. For over five minutes, the public thrilled to the shifts in scenery, heralded by fireworks and the dancing waters.
The energy consumed by the tree is supplied by seven generators powered by biodiesel, with a total capacity of 2,515 kVA. A computerized telemetry system ensures their optimal use.
The newest development in the 2007 edition is the neutralization of carbon (CO2) emissions with the planting of native trees, through a partnership between Bradesco Seguros e Previdencia and the Fundacao SOS Mata Atlantica. The calculation of emissions includes not only the set-up, display and dismantling of the tree, but also the amount of fuel consumed by vehicles used for these operations, as well as the transportation of staff -- by bus or plane -- to the event. The number of trees to be planted by Mata Atlantica is to be determined based on standards established by the United Nations International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).
Source: Bradesco Seguros e Previdencia
HARRISBURG, Pa., Sept. 20 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- To honor the local and global contributions of Pennsylvania's Latino community, Governor Rendell's Advisory Commission on Latino Affairs today kicked off the commonwealth's celebration of national Hispanic Heritage Month.
This year's theme, "Hispanic Americans: Making a Positive Impact on American Society," reflects on contributions by -- and trends in -- the Latino community.
"Pennsylvania has more than 527,000 Latino residents, adding cultural flavor to our state's diversity of people, beliefs, traditions and history," GACLA Executive Director Norman Bristol Colon said. "These individuals have brought strong family values; work ethic; and high hopes, dreams and aspirations to Pennsylvania; the same strong foundations brought to America by our founding fathers."
Between 2000 and 2006, Latinos accounted for more than 60 percent of Pennsylvania's population growth.
For more information about the Governor's Advisory Commission on Latino Affairs, including information about Hispanic Heritage Month events, visit http://www.gacla.state.pa.us/.
Source: Pennsylvania Department of Latino Affairs
WASHINGTON, Sept. 21 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Effective today, the first woman of color elected as top officer at the National AFL-CIO, Linda Chavez- Thompson, will retire from her historic position. Chavez-Thompson, a second generation American and the daughter of cotton sharecroppers, won election as Executive Vice President of the AFL-CIO in 1995.
According to the AFL-CIO, Chavez-Thompson will continue serving as first executive vice president emerita, and continue to chair the AFL-CIO Immigration Committee and serve as the head of the Inter-American Regional Organization of Workers (ORIT).
Linda Chavez-Thompson is one of five Democratic National Committee (DNC) Vice-Chairs, a post she will continue to hold, and a member of the DNC Hispanic Caucus.
DNC Hispanic Caucus Acting Chair Ramona Martinez issued the following statement:
"Linda Chavez-Thompson has not only been a key leader in the labor movement over many years, she has also been an inspiration to millions of women and Hispanics. Linda has proven by example that there are no glass ceilings women and minorities can't break. Her work championing the rights of working families, women, minorities and immigrants exemplified a commitment to fighting for the greater good and never leaving anyone behind. Linda broke new ground and in doing so not only improved countless lives, but touched countless individuals. I'm honored to have known and worked with Linda for more than 30 years, and know she will be deeply missed as she begins her well- deserved retirement."
Paid for and authorized by the Democratic National Committee, http://www.democrats.org/. This communication is not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee.
Source: Democratic National Committee
Web site: http://www.democrats.org/
MONTGOMERY, Ala., July 25 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Southern Poverty Law Center today filed suit against the nation's second-largest Klan group and five Klansmen, saying two members were on a recruiting mission for the group in July 2006 when they savagely beat a teenage boy at a county fair in Kentucky.
The lawsuit claims that as part of an official recruiting drive organized by the leadership of the Imperial Klans of America (IKA), several members went to the Meade County Fairgrounds in Brandenburg, Ken., to hand out business cards and flyers advertising a "white-only" IKA function.
Unprovoked, two of the Klansmen at the fair began harassing a 16-year-old boy of Panamanian descent, calling him a "spic," according to the lawsuit. The boy, who stands 5-foot-3 and weighs just 150 pounds, was beaten to the ground and kicked with steel-toed boots by the Klansmen, one of whom is 6-foot-5 and 300 pounds. The beating left the boy with two cracked ribs, a broken left forearm, multiple cuts and bruises and jaw injuries requiring extensive dental repair.
"The defendants are members and high-ranking officials of one of the most violent white supremacist groups in America," said SPLC President Richard Cohen. "They promote violence and intimidation and call for the death of racial and ethnic minorities, homosexuals and so-called 'race traitors.' They targeted and viciously beat our client solely because he has brown skin."
The SPLC has documented a 40 percent rise in the number of hate groups since 2000 -- an increase fueled by anti-immigration fervor aimed largely at Latinos. The boy who was attacked is a U.S. citizen.
The lawsuit says the boy has endured physical and mental pain and suffering from the attack. It seeks compensatory and punitive damages.
Two IKA members at the time of the beating -- Jarred R. Hensley, 24, of Cincinnati and Andrew R. Watkins, 26, of Louisville -- each are serving three- year prison terms for the beating after pleading guilty to second-degree assault. Hensley was the IKA's Grand Titan in Ohio. Watkins served as the IKA's webmaster.
The center earlier sued Hensley and Watkins for their actions, but Wednesday's filing adds the IKA and three other individuals.
The suit names Ron Edwards, the IKA's founder and highest-ranking member; J. Edward, who as an Exalted Cyclops had "authority over and responsibility for the operations and activities of the IKA in Kentucky"; and Joshua Cowles, another member participating in the recruiting drive.
The IKA's compound in Dawson Springs, Ken., is situated on 28 acres owned by Edwards. It is the site of Nordic Fest, a music festival that brings together Klansmen, skinheads and members of other violent hate groups each year in May.
Over the past 25 years, the SPLC has crippled some of the nation's largest and most violent white supremacist organizations by helping victims of racial violence sue for monetary damages. Its victories include a $7 million verdict against the United Klans in 1987 for the lynching of Michael Donald in Mobile, Ala.; a $12.4 million verdict against the White Aryan Resistance in 1990 for the brutal murder of an Ethiopian student in Portland; and a $6.3 million verdict against the Aryan Nations in 2000 that forced the organization to give up its 20-acre compound in Idaho.
The Southern Poverty Law Center, based in Montgomery, Ala., is a nonprofit
civil rights organization that combats hate and discrimination. For more,
visit http://www.splcenter.org/. See our new Hatewatch blog at
http://www.splcenter.org/blog.
Source: Southern Poverty Law Center
Web site: http://www.splcenter.org/
McDonald's Will Be 'Lovin' It' at Fiesta Atlanta '07!! - Fiesta Atlanta, Hispanic Themed Cinco de Mayo Celebration at Centennial Olympic Park on May 6, 2007, will include McDonald's as a key sponsor
ASKING RIDGE, N.J., April 6 /PRNewswire/ -- Verizon Wireless customers can now add VZ Navigator(SM) in Spanish to their Get It Now(R)-enabled phones to get maps and audible turn-by-turn directions in Spanish to over 14 million points of interest. Verizon Wireless, operator of the nation's most reliable wireless network, today announced the immediate availability of Spanish- enabled VZ Navigator. The downloadable service allows customers to locate points-of-interest relative to their locations, including restaurants, gas stations, banks and more.
VZ Navigator gives customers the features of an advanced navigation system on their mobile phones at a fraction of the cost of other GPS devices and systems. To activate VZ Navigator in Spanish, customers simply set their phone to Spanish. The first time the application is launched it will detect the language setting on the phone and set VZ Navigator to that language. Thereafter, customers can change the language for the application independently of the phone setting by going to Options, then Preferences and then Language on their phones.
VZ Navigator is available for $9.99 for unlimited monthly access or $2.99 for one day use on select Get It Now-enabled phones in the getGOING Tools-on- the-Go shopping aisle of the Get It Now virtual store. The service is available today on the Motorola RAZR V3c and V3m, MOTOKRZR, MOTOSLVR L7c; LG VX8300, Chocolate by LG, VX8600, The V by LG; and Samsung SCH-u540, SCH-u620, SCH-a990. Download charges for Get It Now applications vary and airtime charges apply when browsing, downloading and using certain applications.
For more information about VZ Navigator and other Verizon Wireless products and services, visit a Verizon Wireless Communications Store, call 1-800-2 JOIN IN or go to http://www.verizonwireless.com.
About Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless operates the nation's most reliable wireless voice and data network, serving more than 59 million customers. The largest US wireless company and largest wireless data provider, based on revenues, Verizon Wireless is headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with 65,000 employees nationwide. The company is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE: VZ) and Vodafone (NYSE and LSE: VOD). Find more information on the Web at http://www.verizonwireless.com. To preview and request broadcast-quality video footage and high-resolution stills of Verizon Wireless operations, log on to the Verizon Wireless Multimedia Library at http://www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia.
Golden Globe® Awards 2007 - © MMVII Hollywood Foreign Press Association®
Results of 2006 National Latino Survey
The Latino Coalition Announces 2006 Endorsements
Poll: Support for Making English the Official Language Strong in Michigan
WASHINGTON, Oct. 4 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Board of Directors of The Latino Coalition (TLC) announced a partial list of endorsements for the 2006 election cycle, during the 2006 Small Business Economic Summit in Washington, D.C. Additional endorsements will be announced next week.
"Today, we announce our complete list of endorsements for the U.S. Senate, and a partial list of governors and attorneys general," said TLC Chairman Hector Barreto. "Our Board of Directors has voted on these endorsements, and while many were not unanimous, we believe that these individuals deserve our support."
"After a careful review of their overall record throughout their career in public service, and after speaking to many of our members across the country and in their respective states, our board believes that these are important leaders, not only of their respective states, but for the country as a whole," said TLC President Robert G. de Posada. "These are also officials who understand the importance of the Latino community and the many benefits this community brings to their states and this country."
"We believe these leaders will serve as a bridge to unite all the people of this country seeking a growing economy, with better job opportunities, a good education for their children, quality and affordable health care, and an environment of tolerance and understanding. But above all, these are strong leaders in protecting our national security," said TLC Vice Chairman Susan Alvarado. "On behalf of the Latino Coalition, I would like to congratulate all on our list of endorsements and thank them for their service to our country. We urge Latino voters in their respective states to support these candidates."
The following is the list of endorsement:
U.S. Senate:
Arizona - John Kyl (R)
California - Dianne Feinstein (D)
Connecticut - Joe Lieberman (I)
Delaware - Thomas Carper (D)
Florida - Bill Nelson (D)
Missouri - Jim Talent (R)
Nebraska - Ben Nelson (D)
Nevada - John Ensign (R)
New Jersey - Robert Menendez (D)
New Mexico - Jeff Bingaman (D)
New York - Hillary Clinton (D)
Ohio - Mike Dewine (R)
Pennsylvania - Rick Santorum (R)
Maryland - Michael Steele (R)
Tennessee - Harold Ford (D)
Virginia - George Allen (R)
Washington - Mike McGavick (R)
Governors:
Arizona, Janet Napolitano (D)
Colorado, Bill Ritter (D)
Florida, Charlie Crist (R)
Illinois, Rod Blagojevich (D)
Maryland, Robert Ehrlich (R)
Nevada, Jim Gibbons (R)
Pennsylvania, Ed Rendell (D)
Texas, Rick Perry (R)
Attorney General:
California, Jerry Brown (D)
Colorado, John Suthers (R)
Georgia, Thurbert Baker (D)
Maryland, Doug Gansler (D)
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The Latino Coalition is a non-profit, non-partisan organization based in Washington, D.C. TLC was established to address policy issues that directly affect the well-being of Hispanics in the United States. TLC's agenda is to develop and promote policies that will foster economic equivalency and enhance overall business, economic and social development of Hispanics. For more information and to review past surveys, please visit TLC's website at http://www.TheLatinoCoalition.com
http://www.usnewswire.com/
U.S. President George W. Bush (right) and U.S. Attorney General Alberto Gonzales at the swearing-in ceremony of immigrants as U.S. citizens, during a U.S. Naturalization Ceremony at the Daughters of the American Revolution Administration Building in Washington, D.C., March 27, 2006. (Robin Weiner/U.S. Newswire) 3/27/06
WASHINGTON, Oct. 4 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Latino Coalition today released the results of the 2006 National Latino Survey during the 2006 Small Business Economic Summit in Washington, D.C. Survey top-line results and power-point presentation, are available on the Web at http://www.thelatinocoalition.com.
"The 2006 National Latino Survey shows that Latino voters are not excited about the options in this year's elections. This apathy among Latino voters might indicate a lower turn-out than expected this November," said TLC President Robert Deposada. "Republicans hit rock bottom last year and they have remained there, while the support for Democrats dropped. Democrats failed to capitalize on the opportunity provided by the immigration debate. It's not enough to hate your opponent, they need to provide an alternative that excites the voter, and so far they have failed in rallying Latino voters to their side."
"Both extremes in the immigration debate have polarized the debate so much that it has turned off Latino voters," Deposada added. "On one side, the Republicans tone has turned intolerant, while on the other hands, Democrats announced that this issue was not a priority in their agenda if they take control of Congress. Therefore, many Latino voters that want commonsense immigration reform feel that both parties are simply playing politics and do not care about them."
"This survey has become the most reliable and accurate study on Hispanic political and consumer behavior in the U.S.," said TLC Chairman Hector Barreto. "And the trend from last year continues trends spell that spell trouble for the Republican Party. But instead of taking advantage of this opportunity and take their numbers back to the levels achieved by President Clinton, Democrats failed to energize Latino voters."
The debate over immigration reform is the hottest issues in the upcoming elections. When asked "what is the most important issue facing them," immigration came first followed by the economy, discrimination and health care. When asked "what are the biggest barriers to Latinos in the U.S.," learning English was first, followed by discrimination, immigration status and education.
"While there has been enormous progress for the Republican Party under President George W. Bush, there is real danger for a repeat of the Pete Wilson era that alienated Hispanics from the GOP for years," Deposada added. "If the Republican leadership in Congress allows an extremist group to control the debate over immigration reform and put partisan rhetoric over real commonsense legislation, the GOP will eliminate all the progress achieved by President Bush in attracting Hispanics into the GOP."
When asked what party they identify with most, 46 percent said Democrats and 16 percent said Republicans. Thirty-eight percent did not identify with either party.
In a generic ballot, if the election were held today, Democrats would win 59 percent to 16 percent.
"A very interesting fact revealed by this survey is that there is a growing trend among Latino voters to the independent column," Deposada said. "Republicans have failed in attracting Latinos, and Democrats are losing steam. The biggest growth is in the independent column."
According to the results of the survey, the one ray of hope for Republicans is that Latino voters continue to support a conservative social agenda and a conservative economic policy. By a margin of 61 percent to eight percent, Latino registered voters prefer lowering taxes to grow the economy; by a margin of 48 percent to 40 percent, registered voters prefer to be covered by a private health care plan over a government-run program like Medicaid; by a margin of 54 percent to 36 percent, Latino voters consider themselves pro-life; 59 percent said they would be less likely to support a candidate that supports gay marriage and 67 percent said they would be more likely to support a candidate that support parental notification before a teenage girl can have an abortion.
"The Republican leadership in Congress has failed miserably in keeping the coattails of President Bush among Hispanic voters," Deposada said. "But instead of capitalizing on this, the numbers for Democrats in Congress have dropped across the board."
President Bush's favorable rating dropped to 36 percent with an unfavorable rating of 53 percent among Latino registered voters. Hillary Clinton's favorable rating was 59 percent with 21 percent unfavorable. Republicans in Congress were viewed unfavorable by 43 percent of Latinos with a favorable rating of 33 percent. Democrats in Congress on the other hand had a favorable rating of 63 percent.
Fifty-five percent of registered voters support President Bush's effort on immigration reform. There is strong support for a Temporary Worker Program (83 percent), and 56 percent said they would be less likely to support a candidate that voted to change the criminal status of illegal immigrants from a misdemeanor to a felony. "A potential compromise legislation that would take out the path to citizenship for illegal immigrants, unless they reapplied from their country of origin is supported by 65 percent of Latino registered voters," Deposada added. "This number could be instrumental in helping bridge the gap that exists between both Chambers of Congress and pass legislation that would protect our borders, promote economic development and legalize the status of 11 million workers in the U.S."
When compared to last year's number on the question of who does a better job at handling key issues, Republicans in Congress kept the same low level of support, while the support for Democrats dropped:
"Creating more jobs and improving the economy"
Republicans in Congress (2005): 19 percent; Republicans in Congress (2006): 20 percent
Democrats in Congress (2005): 50 percent; Democrats in Congress (2006): 44 percent
"Improving Education"
Republicans in Congress (2005): 20 percent; Republicans in Congress (2006): 19 percent
Democrats in Congress (2005): 50 percent; Democrats in Congress (2006): 43 percent
"Providing more affordable health care"
Republicans in Congress (2005): 15 percent; Republicans in Congress (2006): 16 percent
Democrats in Congress (2005): 55 percent; Democrats in Congress (2006): 48 percent
"Representing your views on immigration"
Republicans in Congress (2005): 17 percent; Republicans in Congress (2006): 14 percent
Democrats in Congress (2005): 46 percent; Democrats in Congress (2006): 48 percent
"Keeping America safe and fighting terrorism"
Republicans in Congress (2005): 30 percent; Republicans in Congress (2006): 25 percent
Democrats in Congress (2005): 30 percent; Democrats in Congress (2006): 30 percent
"Being in touch with the Hispanic community"
Republicans in Congress (2005): 16 percent; Republicans in Congress (2006): 16 percent
Democrats in Congress (2005): 57 percent; Democrats in Congress (2006): 52 percent
This national Hispanic survey was conducted among 1,000 Hispanic adults by Latino Opinions during the week of Sept. 26- 30. All interviews were conducted by professional English and Spanish speaking interviewers via telephone. Respondents were given the option of conducting the survey in English or Spanish. Interview selection was at random within predetermined population units. These units were structured to statistically correlate with the nation's adult Hispanic population according to the 2004 U.S. Census estimates. The accuracy of this national survey of 1,000 Hispanic adults is within +/(minus) 3.1 percent at a 95 percent confidence interval. For more detailed information on the survey and to review past surveys, visit http://www.thelatinocoalition.com.
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The Latino Coalition is a non-profit, non-partisan organization based in Washington, D.C. TLC was established to address policy issues that directly affect the well-being of Hispanics in the United States. TLC's agenda is to develop and promote policies that will foster economic equivalency and enhance overall business, economic and social development of Hispanics.
http://www.usnewswire.com/
10-4-06. According to the 2000 Census, the U.S. population grew 13 percent from 1990 to 2000 while people who identified themselves as Mexican increased by 53 percent. If this trend continues, within decades, the majority of this country will be of Mexican descent.
Armando Navarro, a professor at the University of California- Riverside who has organized many pro-illegal alien rallies, was quoted in the Los Angeles Times on July 7 as saying: "A new majority is forming. Everything will change. The White House will be within our reach. We might have to change the name to the Brown House. . . . We are only doing what any good Jew would do for Israel."
On October 7, Yeh Ling-Ling, executive director of Diversity Alliance for a Sustainable America, will speak at the conference held at Days Inn in Anderson sponsored by the Indiana Federation for Immigration Reform & Enforcement (IFIRE) on the devastating fiscal and political consequences of another amnesty. Yeh, who has 10 years of prior experience preparing immigration applications, has published an article in Harvard Law School's Record and a scholarly piece on the severe political impact of continued mass Mexican immigration on the political future of the United States, which can be found by visiting http://www.diversityalliance.org/docs/DASA-ArticleList.html
Recent massive demonstrations across the United States, with many protesters waving Mexican flags and pressuring the United States with demands identical to Mexico's, support the point Ms. Yeh made in her articles.
"Granting amnesty to 6 million illegal Mexican migrants could add tens of millions of people to the U.S. within years who will vote, consume energy, need jobs, education and other social services that any taxes most amnestied aliens and their relatives will pay will not cover due to their low incomes. Although many Mexican Americans are patriotic, President Bush and Congress are urged to also examine Mexico's real intent before reforming immigration!" says Yeh. She will take questions from reporters at the Days Inn Anderson Convention Center, 5901 Scatterfield Rd., Anderson, Ind. She will also be available for radio and TV interviews.
http://www.usnewswire.com/
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10-4-06. According to the 2000 Census, the U.S. population grew 13 percent from 1990 to 2000 while people who identified themselves as Mexican increased by 53 percent. If this trend continues, within decades, the majority of this country will be of Mexican descent.
Armando Navarro, a professor at the University of California- Riverside who has organized many pro-illegal alien rallies, was quoted in the Los Angeles Times on July 7 as saying: "A new majority is forming. Everything will change. The White House will be within our reach. We might have to change the name to the Brown House. . . . We are only doing what any good Jew would do for Israel." [continue]