September
Heritage, Diversity, Integrity and Honor
The end of summer can be a melancholy time. Vacations, long planned, have been taken and have ended. Children have returned to school, and for many of us the weather is changing as Autumn takes hold. But take heart, the KMA news page has returned and we are kicking off the fall with a focus on Latino culture.
Since 1968, the U.S. has officially observed the period between September 15th and October 15th as Hispanic Heritage Month. The theme for 2011 is “Heritage, Diversity, Integrity and Honor: The Renewed Hope of America.” KMA offers this collection of articles that look not only at numerous contributions of Latinos, but at the social and political strides and struggles of this cultural group.
While the terms "Latino" and "Hispanic" are generally interchangeable, and will appear to be such in the articles we have chosen. There are regional and ethnic preferences among different Hispanic groups for the use of one term or the other. Please also note that the term "Hispanic" covers only those groups whose origin is Spanish, whereas "Latino" can also include those whose origin is Portuguese. (e.g. Brazilians).
Hispanic Contributions to the United States of America
When we say "Hispanic," whom are we talking about? For sure, they are not one nationality, nor one culture. Instead, Hispanics are greatly diverse people. Their cultural and linguistic origins are Spanish and Latin American, regardless of race and color. They can be of European, Indian or African descent, or any combination of these three. They can have cultural ties to Mexico, the Caribbean countries, Central America, South America or Spain itself. Once considered a regional phenomenon in the United States, Hispanics are now found throughout the country. For example, there are more Hispanics in the Great Lakes region than in the states of Colorado and Arizona combined.
It gives us tremendous pleasure to share with you interesting information about how much Hispanics have contributed to the well-being of the United States, which will help us put them in a better historical perspective in this great country. Read More
Experiencing War: Hispanics in Service:
Asked to serve their country in time of war, Hispanic Americans displayed courage and valor in the face of adversity. Familiar with discrimination back home, many saw their service as affirming the ideals of democracy. In this presentation, the Veterans History Project recounts their inspirational stories. Read More:
TIME Magazine: 25 Most Influential Hispanics in America
From music to politics to business, Hispanics are remaking America.
TIME presents 25 titans leading the Latino charge into the 21st century
Individual women of Hispanic heritage, notable for their contributions to fields as far-ranging as sports, fashion, science and literature. Includes American women of Central and South American, Puerto Rican and Mexican background. Famous and notable Hispanic women, and others who may not be as well-known. Read More:
Exhibitions and Collections:
Enjoy this sampling of the material related to Hispanic American history available from the Library of the Congress and other partner agencies. Read More:
Strides and Struggles
LA Weekly Blogs: Latino Heritage Month: Scary Facts About America's Brown Influx
September 1, 2011 - We caused quite a stir recently by noting that Latinos are now the largest minority group on American college campuses. Critics noted that many of them are at community colleges, and one blog even decried the high-profile Latino products of universities … Well, we're back with more scary statistics about Latinos, aimed specifically at those same critics. This is the U.S. Census-derived stuff that makes some older white folks check their locks. And it's just in time for Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept. 15 through Oct. 15). Read More:
Washington Post Conversations/Live Q&A - The growing economic gap between whites and minorities
July 26, 2011 - Rakesh Kochhar chatted about Pew Research Center's recent report about a growing economic gap between whites and minorities, leaving whites on average with 20 times the net worth of blacks and 18 times that of Hispanics, according to an analysis of new Census data. Kocchar answered questions about the research behind this finding and what it means. Rakesh Kochhar is Associate Director for Research at the Pew Hispanic Center. Dr. Kochhar’s work at the Center focuses on trends in the employment, income and wealth of Hispanic workers and households. Read More:
North County Times: Hate Crimes increase in county, state says
August 18, 2011 - The number of hate crimes in San Diego County increased last year compared with the previous year, bucking a statewide trend, according to a report issued by the state attorney general's office. While hate crimes against Jews, blacks and gays decreased statewide from 2009 to 2010, the number of hate crimes against Latinos increased 46.9 percent, from 81 in 2009 to 119 in 2010, according to the state's report, released last week. Read more:
