Celebrating Chicanos, Latinos, Native Americans
25th Annual Recognition Celebration Fetes Thousands of Students

By: Mimi Ko Cruz

About 300 graduates and graduation candidates were recognized May 11 at the 25th annual Chicano/Latino and Native American Recognition Celebration at the Hilton Anaheim Hotel. The Class of 2013 includes 2,850 Chicano/Latino and 59 Native American students.

As Latinos become the largest ethnic group in America, President Mildred García told the students, “your journey is to become role models and change agents for our country. Ustedes van a llevar este país a un lugar mucho más alto y esperamos que sigan aprendiendo. Keep learning. Keep doing the things that you love. Take the opportunity to do what you love with passion and always remember the institution that gave you a fabulous faculty and staff, a tremendous educational environment and a good academic degree.”

José F. Moreno, chair and professor of Chicano and Latino studies at Cal State Long Beach and president of Los Amigos of Orange County, delivered the keynote address at the event, which was sponsored by the Chicano/Latino Faculty and Staff Association.

Moreno noted that the number of Latino college graduates still lags far behind other ethnic groups and, therefore, those who succeed deserve special recognition. “In 1988, 11 percent of Latino graduates from high school attended a UC or Cal State,” he said. “Now, 25 years later, it’s only 14 percent. We must work hard every day to make sure that the dreams of our parents become a reality.”

The student speakers were Rebecca Avalos (M.A. communication studies) and Melisa Montaño-Ochoa (B.A. Spanish). Both first-generation college students thanked their parents, mentors and Cal State Fullerton for the opportunities afforded to them during their years on campus. Avalos has been admitted to the University of Colorado with a full scholarship to pursue a doctorate in communication studies.

LuminAID has distributed thousands of lights through Give Light Projects in more than a dozen countries to individuals in need of a better, safer, and cleaner source of light. 1.6 billion people around the world lack proper access to electricity. Many of these people are forced to rely upon dangerous, toxic, and expensive kerosene lanterns as their primary source of light.

Through the Give Light, Get Light program, LuminAID partners with NGOs and non-profits all over the world to distribute LuminAID Lights to individuals who will greatly benefit from a safe, rechargeable light source. Their mission is to make light more accessible and sustainable for all by purchasing a light for yourself and sponsoring one through the Give Light, Get Light program.

The LuminAID solar light was designed to fulfill the basic need for light in post-natural disaster situations shortly after the January 2010 earthquake in Haiti. When thinking about what could be designed to make a difference, they decided to focus on affordable, renewable light because it had the potential to greatly improve the comfort, safety, and survival of disaster victims.

About the Founders: Anna Stork and Andrea Sreshta met while studying architecture and design in graduate school. They shared an interest in solar lighting technology and a common belief that design and design thinking can be used to solve problems at a global scale, including improving access to basic resources such as lighting and power.

While on a school trip to Japan, they unexpectedly found themselves in the middle of the earthquake in March 2011. Having experienced first-hand how a disaster can negatively impact the lives of millions, they were motivated to make the LuminAID light a reality for those affected by disasters, crises, and conflict.

For more information:
http://www.luminaidlab.com/give-light/

Corazon de Los Angeles Anniversary Celebration & Opening of a New Exhibit by Acclaimed Artist George Yepes on Saturday June 1, 2013 from 5-9 p.m. at the Historical Olvera Street Marketplace.

World-renowned L.A. native (by way of Baja, Ca.) George Yepes’ acclaimed “La Pistola y El Corazon” is the featured work in latest exhibit “Corazon de Los Angeles”, running through June 30. For four decades, Yepes has painted eloquent social, historical, and sacred images. His works are in forty museum collections and the private collections Quentin Tarantino, Robert Rodriguez and Cheech Marin’s “Chicano Visions” exhibit, to name a few. Exhibit will include his beautiful Madonnas, Fridas, works on wood.

Corazon de Los Angeles is a unique family-run retail space at the historical Olvera Street Marketplace at El Pueblo de Los Angeles State Historical Monument. The elegant store and gallery is located in the historic century old Hammel Building, located upstairs from the famous La Golondrina restaurant and below the just opened viewing platform for “La America Tropical”, a mural by one of Mexico’s most famous muralists, David Alfaro Siqueiros.

RSVP (213) 617-0227

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Corazon-de-Los-Angeles-at-Olvera-Street

https://georgeyepes.com/

Emigdio Vasquez, one of the most prolific and famous artists to come out of Orange County, has been selected for the prestigious “Maestro” award from the Latino Arts Network (LAN), a California association of Latino Museums and Cultural Centers in partnership with the California Arts Council.

The award & reception will take place Saturday, May 25 from 11am-4pm. The event will be hosted by local arts leader United Artists of Santa Ana (UASA) and Orange County Center for Contemporary Art (OCCCA) at 117 N. Sycamore, Santa Ana. OCCCA will also feature an exhibition of Mr. Vasquez’s work in March 2014.

In depicting multi-cultural mid-century Santa Ana, Emigdio Vasquez excelled in portraying many Orange County landmarks & personalities: Fruit Pickers, Labor Leaders, Zoot Suits, Pachucos, and Nostalgic Neighborhoods & Street Scenes.

Mr. Vasquez has created over 400 paintings and 22 murals in Orange County. Additionally, his work hangs in the residence of the US Ambassador to the United Nations stationed in Rome, Italy.

Mr. Vasquez’ art will be on display for the duration of Saturday’s event and the maestro himself will be present along with family & friends to celebrate his 74th birthday. Local families, seniors and art lovers are all invited to this free event!

Mr. Vasquez was recently honored by Cal State Fullerton and featured in OC Weekly as a major Orange County artist. Presenting the award will be Latino Arts Network Executive Director, Rebecca Nevarez, and President, Tomas Benitez.

In addition to LAN & UASA representatives, several local speakers will pay tribute to Emigdio Vasquez throughout the event, including OC Weekly Editor and nationally-syndicated columnist Gustavo Arellano.

Para más información:

http://www.latinoarts.net

http://www.unitedartistsofsantaana.com/

Emigdio Vasquez’s website
http://www.1artstore.com/

‘¡Fantastico!’ is the first, and highly anticipated, Spanish-language album release from Lucky Diaz and the Family Jam Band. Translating their hit ‘Blue Bear’ into ‘Oso Azul’ and re-introducing songs like “Que Dices” and “Gato Astronauta.”

Led by husband and wife duo, award winning singer/songwriter, Lucky Diaz and Broadway performer/ songwriter Alisha Gaddis, The duo turns kid’s music into music loved by all.

Lucky Diaz and the Family Jam Band offers hip, fresh beats for not only Spanish speakers, but to families that yearn to immerse their youngest listeners in dual language right from the start.

Lucky Diaz and the Family Jam Band is spending much of 2013 recording and releasing new music plus touring the nation – bringing the music and dance parties straight to you!

The following web pages include immediate download of 8-track album in your choice of high-quality MP3, FLAC, or just about any other format you could possibly desire.

Para más información:

http://luckydiaz.bandcamp.com/album/fantastico

http://luckydiazmusic.com/fantasticopreview/

Uploaded on April 29th with an introduction by director Guillermo del Toro presents the case to be seated in a theater on July 12th, 2013 for “Pacific Rim”. Here the trailer promises heavy metal action sequences with the Kaiju Monsters and Human Powered Robots called “Jaegers” piloted by Idris Elba (Prometheus), Charlie Hunnam (Sons of Anarchy) and Rinko Kikuchi.

“This was originally intended for only WonderCon, but after listening to so many of you asking for more of the movie online, I think it’s time for me to show you more footage. Enjoy, my friends!”
– Guillermo del Toro

From acclaimed filmmaker Guillermo del Toro comes “Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures Pacific Rim.”

When legions of monstrous creatures, known as Kaiju, started rising from the sea, a war began that would take millions of lives and consume humanity’s resources for years on end. To combat the giant Kaiju, a special type of weapon was devised: massive robots, called Jaegers, which are controlled simultaneously by two pilots whose minds are locked in a neural bridge. But even the Jaegers are proving nearly defenseless in the face of the relentless Kaiju. On the verge of defeat, the forces defending mankind have no choice but to turn to two unlikely heroes—a washed up former pilot (Charlie Hunnam) and an untested trainee (Rinko Kikuchi)—who are teamed to drive a legendary but seemingly obsolete Jaeger from the past. Together, they stand as mankind’s last hope against the mounting apocalypse.

In theaters July 12th!
http://www.facebook.com/pacificrimmovie

http://pacificrimmovie.warnerbros.com/index.html

‪Pacific Rim – Con Footage [HD]‬

Middle School Teacher Maricela Gonzales has been searching for her sons Paul (7) and Ruben (5) Gonzales who were abducted by their non-custodial father James Gonzales in August 2012. She is raising money for assistance to help pay for attorney fees, travel expenses, and other fees associated with the on-going investigation.

This campaign is raising money for “Missing: Paul and Ruben Gonzales”

http://www.gofundme.com/Help-Find-My-Angels

Please share this post on your status to bring James Gonzales to Justice.

Santana Rose and her friends will also be planning a fundraising event to benefit Santa Ana Middle School Teacher, Maricela Gonzales.

Money raised will continue help pay her attorney’s fees, travel expenses, and other costs associated with the recovery efforts.

The event is tentatively scheduled for Saturday, August 3rd. More details to be announced.

Santana Rose is contributing her time because as she says “This is a nightmare no custodial parent should have to endure… EVER.”

If you feel you may not be able to attend the event in August but would like to help donate, please do so, any amount is greatly appreciated. Also spreading the word about this abduction could also bring new information to light.

For more information:

http://www.facebook.com/PaulandRubenGonzales

http://www.hlntv.com/video/2012/10/10/find-our-children-brothers-missing-after-visit-dad

http://www.kob.com/article/stories/S2751530.shtml

http://www.kob.com/article/stories/S2752954.shtml#.UEbIIbXmtpc.facebook

Condor Book Tours will be getting the word out about author Graciela Tiscareño-Sato’s “Good Night Captain Mama / Buenas Noches Capitán Mamá” the only children’s book currently written by a veteran, Latina, depicting a Latina mom in the military, and best of all, bilingual. Although, Graciela recently revealed that she has faced controversy for her decision in making the book bilingual for children ages 3-8.

She has been told that reading books in America should be “English Only” and that she is accommodating illegals by using Spanish. Here it must mentioned that Graciela is a U.S. Air-Force Veteran, a tough Business-Minded Entrepreneur, Latina, Woman, Author and a Mother who flew Military Jets.

Graciela’s decision to include the Spanish language alongside the depiction of a woman in U.S. Military uniform came from her ability to speak both English and Spanish fluently.

She says “I just wanted to answer the questions my little boy was asking about ‘What is this and why?’ and before we get into heavy issues of why Mommy goes away for long periods of time. Can we just talk about why she does it in the first place and her love of the work, her love of service, her love of country and the joy that his Mom takes in serving in the first place.”

The 850 word book features the young main character who is a young boy in pajamas. As he passes by his mother’s bedroom, he sees her in her olive-green Air Force-issued flight suit. The child is curious about the colorful patches on the uniform and asks questions as he pulls each one off. His mother’s answers teach him, and young children everywhere, why women serve in uniform too.

Sales of “Good Night Captain Mama / Buenas Noches Capitán Mamá” will benefit Veteran Women Igniting the Spirit of Entrepreneurship (V-WISE), a training program operated by the Institute for Veterans and Military Families at Syracuse University, whose mission is to educate and mentor veteran women through entrepreneurship to pursue self-employment as a post-service career.

On this Condor Book Tour, anyone who buys the book now can save $5 from the price before it is officially released, in the Summer of 2013. Pre-ordering helps the small, independently and Latina run Gracefully Global Group, LLC. publishing company to print in the USA, distribute in an environmentally cleaner fashion and get enough momentum going for the book release.

OCGente is proud to participate in the virtual tour of Graciela Tiscareño-Sato’s “Good Night Captain Mama / Buenas Noches Capitán Mamá” which was illustrated by Linda Lens and is helping educate children “Why women serve in uniform too!” both in our communities and hopefully globally one day soon.

And don’t miss the Twitter Party:

Friday April 26, 2013

1 p.m. Eastern/10 a.m. Pacific
#captmama

They will be discussing bilingual children’s books, and the controversy surrounding Graciela’s decision to include the Spanish language in this book depicting a military service member in uniform. Use #captmama at tweetchat or your favorite group tweet platform and join the conversation!

Para más información

http://www.captainmama.com

https://www.facebook.com/CaptainMama

http://www.captainmama.com/index.php?page=prizes-for-preorders

Veterans as Women Igniting the Spirit of Entrepreneurship

http://whitman.syr.edu/vwise/

I learned about One Tribe Nation in 2011 during the Occupy LA movement and their video “It’s Time” by renowned filmmaker Leonardo Bondani. Their last album “Servants of a Lesser God” holds what I’d like to think of the “theme song” for OCGente “Sons of the Sky/Hijos del Cielo” which features Bernard Fowler and Andy Vargas.

This energetic LA band offers a musical interpretation of the state of the American life from a multicultural point of view. Armed with a powerful and poignant message, One Tribe Nation releases its new album “We Are the One”, the band’s musical reflections of the good, the bad, and the immense potential of America.

The album consists of 11 tracks, including the politically charged title “The Enemy”, the love song “Don’t Let Me Down”, “The Only One”, The title track “We Are The One”, “San Francisco”, “Free My Pain”, “Room To Breathe” , “Free My Pain”, “Don’t Let Me Down”, “Mended Heart” and the outspoken “It’s Time”. Not to mention my new favorite “Esperanza (Becky’s Song)”.

“This record picks up where many artists left off in the early 70s,” says Michael Sanders band-leader and guitarist. “For us, it’s not about blue, red, left or right, or any other device that’s used to keep us fighting amongst ourselves. It’s about those who build and those who destroy, and the reality is, we all choose a side in this battle by virtue of the decisions we make in our own lives each and every day.” says Sanders.

Although the band was formerly a solo project for guitarist Sanders, this new record is true collaboration in which band members, Quetzal Guerrero and (bassist) David Filice, and (drummer) David Cowan contributed in a more creatively democratic process with the guidance of producer Chris Baseford, who’s worked with such heavy weights as Tommy Lee, John 5, and Rob Zombie, delivers the band’s diverse vision with a powerful driving punch that’s sure to keep listeners rocking and even dancing as they listen.

They also brought in session players Dave Schulz (Goo Goo Dolls, Berlin) on keys and well known and respected percussionists Chuck Prada (Sergio Mendes, Michael Jackson, Kelis) and Daniel de Los Reyes (Jennifer Lopez, Sting).

“We really wanted to make music with substance that is relevant and inspirational to the listener,” says Quetzal Guerrero. The singer says that growing up as multicultural/multilingual American has always helped him understand and connect with different demographics of people. “In our new album I believe we do exactly that, through our wide range of rhythms, styles and lyrics, One Tribe Nation attempts to find a common ground with everyone and connect with them on a musical level,” says the vocalist.

In support of their new album, the band is already scheduled for multiple performances and promotional interviews in the Southern California including:

The Mint (Los Angeles) April 27, 2013
http://www.themintla.com/artists/detail/one-tribe-nation

Para más información:
http://www.onetribenation.com

On Itunes
https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/we-are-the-one/id621973692

Check out the video “It’s Time” (Director’s Cut) a tribute to the world-wide movement inspired by Occupy Wall
Street.

The new Latino Rebels Foundation is committed to raising funds to build a pipeline of Latino Film Makers and Journalists. In response to the results of a shocking new study about the negative perception of Latinos in the United States, a who’s who of Latino business, communications and media professionals have banded together to form the Latino Rebels Foundation. The foundation is based on the hope of improving the roles and images of Latinos on television, film and the media.

“The results of the Hill & Knowlton study are extremely troubling,” said Charles Garcia, co-founder of the Latino Rebels Foundation. “Despite the positive influence of Hispanics in the United States, 80% of non-Latinos said they believe Hispanics are involved in criminal activity. It is an insult to the millions of hardworking Latinos who have made major economic, social and political contributions to the United States.”

The Latino Rebels Foundation was officially launched during Hispanicize 2013, the largest gathering of Latino journalists, bloggers, celebrities, advertisers and their agencies in the United States.

“There couldn’t have been a better place to launch the foundation,” said Garcia. “The journalists, bloggers and media professionals will truly give this movement a voice. It is time for Latinos to really be heard.”

The foundation’s mission is already gaining momentum. The American Film Institute hopes to admit at least 15 qualified Latinos into their two-year Masters of Fine Arts program.

Additionally, in partnership with the Hispanic Scholarship Fund (“HSF”), who will manage the program, the Latino Rebels Foundation will grant 50 scholarships of $5,000 to Latinos getting a degree in journalism, and will also pay them a monthly stipend to write stories of their own. Jim McNamara, the CEO of Cine Latino who is also the Chairman of HSF, has given a $100,000 match grant for this initiative.

In an effort to raise these scholarship funds, the foundation is asking the public to pledge their support by joining the #LRF899 campaign. Supporters can make a monthly contribution of $89.99 or $8.99.

“Every contribution will help change the image of Latinos in this country,” said Garcia. “It is time we have a say in how we are portrayed.”

Para más información

http://www.latinorebelsfoundation.org/