Roberto Olivares is a Mexican filmmaker who makes films with and about the indigenous peoples of Mexico.  No mere documentarian, he infuses his films with vision, artistry and invention.  He filmed a unique collaboration between the indigenous musical group “Banda Regional Mixe,” and a visiting musical ensemble from Macedonia, the “Kocani Orquestra.” Enjoy this uplifting musical performance…and the filmmaking!

THE LATINO VOICE IN AMERICAN SOCIETY
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Preface: This is an outline for a suggested classroom course that utilizes the content found on Latinopia.com as classroom source material. Reference here is made to “Latino” but depending on the make-up of the students in the classroom, “Latino” can be replaced with “Puerto Rican” or “Mexican American” or “Cuban American.” Thus, this outline can just as easily be adapted to be “The Puerto Rican Voice in American Society,” “The Chicano Voice in American Society,” or the “Central American Voice in American Society.” The goal of the course is to empower students to discover their own unique voice and affirm their identity.  
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I. WHAT IS VOICE?

1. Suggested introductory remarks. This course will introduce students to the concept of “voice” and how it can empower an individual to compete, interact and accomplish goals in American society. A positive sense of self and an awareness of one’s identity can help an individual succeed in life. An individual can have a “voice” but so, also, can a people or a nation.
2. Suggested definition: “Voice is the authentic expression of the empowered identity, aspirations and goals of an individual or people.”
3. Suggested classroom exercise. Have students identify who they are using only a simple one word definition (i.e. “American,” “Chicano,” “Nuyorican,” “student,” “daughter,” etc.) Discuss the implications of each term used and what that term implies about the individual and how they think of themselves.  Are these terms positive, negative or neutral? Introduce definitions that will be used in the course for terms such as “Mexican American,” “Cuban American, “Puerto Rican,” “Hispanic, “ ”Latino,” and other terms likely to arise in classroom discussions. Get the definitions out of the way.
4. Now move on to having the students define themselves using a word that describes their character or personality (i.e. “caring,” “loving,” “angry,’ happy,” etc.)  What conclusions can we draw about how words inform and define our self-concept and self-worth? What does it mean to be “empowered?”
5. Suggested Class Assignment#1. Have each student write a brief description or essay of what they aspire to be in life and how they hope to accomplish these goals. Hold onto the descriptions or essays to compare with at the end of the course when you will ask them to write the same description or essay.
6. Suggested Class Assignment#2. Have students pair off and have each person
interview the person with whom they have been paired. Have each person write a brief (one paragraph) description of the person they interviewed. How does this description compare with that person’s own self-perception?

II. THE LATINO VOICE IN POLITICS.

Mayor Villaraigosa Victory Night

1. Suggested introductory remarks. Often individuals (or groups of individuals) encounter obstacles to their goals for a better life. Sometimes these obstacles can take the form of outright oppression, discrimination and exploitation. In these cases the individual (or groups of individuals) have the right to fight back or RESIST the obstacles in their path. Consider the original 13 American colonies and their response to British oppression.
2. In the process of resisting people or situations that would block your goals, or seek to oppress you, individuals (or groups of individuals) need to AFFIRM who they are and that will overcome these obstacles. Consider the Preamble to the United States Constitution which begins “We the People…”
3. How successful an individual or people will be in achieving their goals will also
depend on what SKILLS they put to use and how adept they are at these skills.
4. These, then, are some of the elements necessary to express your authentic voice: resistance, affirmation and skill or craft. Let’s look at how two Latinos put these
elements to work to express their political voice.

Labor Leader Dolores Huerta

5a.  DOLORES HUERTA. In what was were farm workers powerless and “voiceless” prior to the creation of the United Farm Workers Union? What obstacles did they face? How did American society view them? What were their aspirations? What were their goals for social change? What did they accomplish through the formation of the United Farm Workers Union?
5b. SOURCE MATERIALS:
5c.TIMELINE: 200 Years of Latino History in the United States.
5d. BIOGRAPHY: Dolores Huerta.
5e. DOCUMENTS: The Plan de Delano.
5f, LATINOPIA TEATRO VIDEOS – El Teatro Campesino1, El Teatro Campesino2  El Teatro Campesino3.
6a.JOSÉ ANGEL GUTIÉRREZ. In what ways were Mexican American Youth powerless and “voiceless” prior to the onset of the Chicano Movement for Educational Reform?  What obstacles did they face? How did American society view Mexican Americans? What were the aspirations of José Angel Gutiérrez and other young activists? What did students accomplish through their “walk-out” protests in Crystal City, Los Angeles, Denver and other cities?
6b. SOURCE MATERIALS.

Students Walk Out of School

6c. TIMELINE: 200 Years of Latino History in the United States.
6d. BIOGRAPHY: José Angel Gutiérrez.
6e. EVENT PROFILE: 1968 East Los Angeles Highs School Walk-outs.
6f.  EVENT PROFILE: 1969 Denver Youth Conference
6g. DOCUMENTS; High School Walk-out Demands.
6h. LATINOPIA EVENT VIDEO – 1968 L.A. School Board Sit-In.
7. Suggested Class Assignment#1. Have the students select a contemporary political figure in American society whom they admire. What is that person’s aspirations? What is that person’s goals? How does he or she work to accomplish these goals? How is that person viewed by American society?  What do you admire that person?
8. Additional Readings: Occupied America – A History of Chicanos By Rodolfo         Acuña Harper Collins, New York, NY,1988; Chicano! The History of the Mexican American Civil Rights Movement by F. Arturo Rosales, Arte Público Press, Houston, TX, 1997; Testimonio – A documentary History of the Mexican American Struggle for Civil Rights by F. Arturo Rosales, Arte Público Press, Houston, TX  2000

Author Maceo Montoya

III. THE LATINO VOICE IN LITERATURE

1. What is Latino Literature? Ask the students who their favorite Latino writers are.  Who have they read?  Use this opportunity to define different forms of literary expressions (essay, novel, short story, poem). What makes a Latino book, poem or short story “Latino?” Suggested Definition: “Latino literature is any writing–poems, novels, short stories, essays–written by a Spanish surnamed person, a person of Hispanic descent, or a person who identifies themselves as being Hispanic or Latino.”
2. Latino oral tradition. Latinos have always drawn from a rich oral tradition that has both informed and shaped their literary efforts. These oral traditions include dichos (wise sayings), proverbios (proverbs), and corridos (ballads). What is a dicho, have the students give examples. What is a proverbios? Have students give examples. What is a corrido? Have students give examples.
3. When did Latino Literature begin? How have Latinos been portrayed by non-Latino writers such as O’Henry and John Steinbeck? How did the civil rights movements of the 1960s and 1970s provoke a literary renaissance among Mexican Americans, Puerto Ricans and Cuban American? How did these writings differ from the portrayals of Latinos by non-Latinos in previous periods?
4. Discussion: In what ways has the Latino literary voice employed resistance, affirmation and craft?
5. SOURCE MATERIALS:
6. TIMELINE: 100 Years of Latino Literature in the United States.
7. IN THEIR OWN WORDS: Alberto Rios, Rudolfo Anaya, Luis Rodriguez.
8. INTERVIEW; Mario Picayo, Editorial Campana; Gary Keller, Bilingual Review Press; Nicolas Kanellos, Arte Público Press.
9.  LATINOPIA WORD VIDEO- MONICA ORTIZ “Enlistment Papers”
10; LATINOPIA WORD VIDEO – ALBERT RIO “Returning to the Cat, “ Theater of Night” How To Write a Poem”
11. LATINOPIA WORD VIDEO – DENISE CHAVEZ “Last of the Menu Girls”
12.  LATINOPIA WORD VIDEO – PAT MORA “Mi Madre”
13. LATINOPIA WORD VIDEO  – MACEO MONTOYA “Cielo Rojo”
14. LATINOPIA WORD VIDEO – JOSÉ MONTOYA “Pachuco Portfolio “
15. Class Assignment#1. Have students select one of the authors found as interviews
or spoken word on the Latinopia site and write a biography of that author. What
characterizes his or her Latino “voice?” What obstacles is that writer speaking about? What is that author’s aspirations? What goals is he or she suggesting? How is the author’s aspirations and goals expressed in their writings? What is the role
of skill or craft in their expressions?
16. Class Assignment#2.  Have the students write a poem or short story about something that is deeply important to them.
17. Additional Readings: Conversations with Contemporary Chicana and Chicano Writers by Hector A. Torres, University of New Mexico Press, Albuquerque, NM 2007; Chicano and Chicana Literature – Otra voz del Pueblo by Charles M. Tatum; University of Arizona Press, Tucson, AZ  2006; Hecho En Tejas – An Anthology of Texas-Mexican Literature Edited by Dagoberto Gilb, University of New Mexico Press, Albuquerque, NM  2006; Handbook of Hispanic Cultures in the United States Edited by Alfredo Jiménez, General Editors Nicolás Kanellos and Claudio Esteva-Fabregat, Arte Público Press, Houston, TX 1994

IV. THE LATINO VOICE IN ART

Muralist Moises Salcedo

1. What is Latino Art? Introduce the students to examples of a portrait painting,
charcoal or pen and ink drawing, serigraph, poster, sculpture and mural (this can be photos or actual art works brought to the classroom).  Use this opportunity to define different forms of expression in the plastic arts.
2. Ask the students who their favorite pictorial artist is.  What makes a Latino paintings, portrait, mural, silkscreen or drawing “Latino?” Suggested Definition: “Latino art is any artistic rendering –paintings, portrait, mural, silkscreen, drawing or sculpture–made by a Spanish surnamed person, a person of Hispanic descent, or a person who identifies themselves as being Hispanic or Latino.”
3. Latino artists draw pictorials from the world around them. What images exist in
the Latino home that reflect who we are as Latinos? Have students give examples.
4. When did Latino Art begin? How have Latinos been portrayed by non-Latinos in art or photography prior to the emergence of Mexican American, Puerto Rican and Cuban American artists of the 1960s and 1970s? (sleeping Mexican by cactus, Speedy Gonzalez, etc.)  How did the civil rights movements of the 1960s and 1970s provoke an artistic renaissance among Mexican Americans, Puerto Ricans and Cuban Americans? In what ways were these artistic works similar to the writings made by Latinos during this same period? In what ways was the art different than the writings?
5. Discussion: How did the art work of previous generations of Mexican, PuertoRican or Cuban artists influence the work of the artists of the civil rights era?
6. SOURCE MATERIALS:
7. TIMELINE: 100 Years of Latino Art in the United States.
8. IN THEIR OWN WORDS: Judy Baca, Barbara Carrasco, Wayne Healy, Carmen Lomas Garza, César Martinez, Patricia Rodríguez, Zarco Guerrero.
9. LATINOPIA ART VIDEO  – DAVID FLURY
10. LATINOPIA ART VIDEO – GILBERT “MAGU” LUJAN
11. LATINOPIA ART VIDEO – BARBARA CARRASCO
12. LATINOPIA ART VIDEO – MOISES VELEZ
13. Class Assignment#1. Select one of the artists  found as interviews or profile on the Latinopia site.  What characterizes his or her artistic Latino “voice?” What obstacles are inherent implied in their works of art. What is that artist’s aspirations? What goals is he or she suggesting by their art? How is the artist’s personal aspirations and goals expressed in their art work?
14. Class Assignment#2.  Have the students undertake a painting, drawing or sculpture based on something found in their home that reflects who they are and that is deeply important to them.
15.Additional Readings: Chicano Art, Edited by Alicia Gaspar de Alba, University of Texas Press Austin, TX 1998; Contemporary Chicana and Chicano Art, Vols. I and II By Gary Keller, Mary Erickson, Katie Johnson and Joaquin Alvarado, Bilingual Press, Tempe. AZ 2002; Handbook of Hispanic Cultures
in the United States, Edited by Alfredo Jiménez, General Editors Nicolás Kanellos
and Claudio Esteva-Fabregat, Arte Público Press, Houston, TX 1994; Chicano Visions, American Painterson the Verge, by Cheech Marin, Little Brown and Co. Boson, New York, 2002.

V. THE LATINO VOICE IN MUSIC

Music Group "Joey's Chemistry"

1. What is Latino music? Introduce the students to examples of different styles of
Latino music such as salsa, boleros, Tex-Mex, conjunto, reggaeton, hip-hop, etc.
Use this opportunity to define different forms of musical expressions.
2.. Ask the students who their favorite Latino musician is.  What makes a Latino music distinctly Latino?  Is it the musician? Is it what language it is sung in? Suggested Definition: “Latino music  is any musical expression–song, ballad, orchestral composition, individual or group performance –made by a Spanish surnamed person (or persons), a person (or persons) of Hispanic descent, or a person (or persons) who identifies himself (or themselves) as being Hispanic or Latino.”
3. Latino musicians often draw on their personal experiences relating to themes like love, romance, rejection, friendship, celebrations, from their life experiences.
What are the life experiences or emotions we find in the Latino home that reflect who we are as Latinos? Have students give examples. How is are these experiences or emotions different or the same as that experienced by non-Latinos?
4. Discussion: How have successive generations of Latino musicians in different styles ad fields influenced subsequent generations?
5. SOURCE MATERIALS.
6. TIMELINE: 100 Years of Latino Music in the United States.
7. IN THEIR OWN WORDS: FLACO JIMENEZ, LOUIE PÉREZ
8. ESSAY: SOME THOUGHTS ON LATINO MUSIC
9. LATINO MUSIC VIDEO – OLMECA “I am Not Alone”
10. LATINOPIA MUSIC VIDEO – OLMECA “Go to Hell”
11. LATINOPIA MUSIC VIDEO – JOEY’S CHEMISTRY “I Wonder”
12. LATINOPIA MUSIC VIDEO – DAVID GARZA “Minority Boys Got Cash”
13. LATINOPIA MUSIC VIDEO – LOS POCHOS “Margie”
14. LATINOPIA MUSIC VIDEO – LAS CAFETERAS “La Bamba”
15. LATINOPIA MUSIC VIDEO – JUAN TEJEDA “On Conjunto Music”
16. Class Assignment#1. Select one of the musicians found as interviews, in performance, or on the Music Timeline.  What characterizes his or her Latino “voice?” What obstacles are inherent implied in their music? What is that artist’s aspirations? What goals is he or she suggesting by their song or musical composition? How is the musician’s personal aspirations and goals expressed in their music?
17. Class Assignment#2.  Have the students undertake to compose a song, ballad or rap piece based on something that is deeply important to them.
18. Additional Readings: Chicano Soul- Recordings & History of an American Culture by Ruben Molina, Mictlan Publishing, La Puente, CA 2007; Mexican American Mojo by Anthony Macías Duke University Press, Durham, NC 2008;
Lalo – My Life and Music by Lalo Guerrero and Sherilyn Meece Mentes, University of Arizona Press, Tucson, AZ 2002; The Texas-Mexican Conjunto- History of a Working Class Music by Manuel H. Peña, University of Texas Press, Austin, TX 1985; Handbook of Hispanic Cultures in the United States Edited by Alfredo Jiménez, General Editors Nicolás Kanellos and Claudio Esteva-Fabregat, Arte Público Press Houston, TX 1994

V. THE LATINO VOICE IN CINEMA

Actor Danny De La Paz

1. What is Latino Cinema? Ask the students what their favorite Latino film is.  What makes that film particularly Latino? Is it just the theme? Is it that the film
was written or directed by a Latino?
2. Suggested definition: “A Latino film is a cinema production–a motion picture, documentary, short drama, webisode or music video–made by a Spanish surnamed person (or persons), a person (or persons) of Hispanic descent, or a person (or persons) who identifies himself (or themselves) as being Hispanic or Latino.”
3. Latino screen writers and directors often draw on their personal life experiences
to make films in many different genres such as dramas (El Norte, Crossover Dreams, Mi Familia) , musicals (Zootsuit, La Bamba, Selena, El Cantante) and action adventures (El Mariachi, American Me). Use this as an opportunity to define
popular film genres and identify Latino films that fall within each.
4. Why have there been so few movies made about Latinos by Hollywood? In what ways have Latinos been systematically barred from entry into the motion picture and television industry?  What has prompted Latino writes, directors and producers to write, produce and direct their own film?
5. What kind of themes have Latino screen writers and directors undertaken in the films they make? Have the students select one or two films that most of the students have seen and ask in what ways the Latino experience portrayed in these films the same kind of experiences shared by all Americans? In what ways are these experiences different and unique?
6. How are Latinos portrayed in films made by non-Latinos (Boulevard Nights, Walk Proud, Blood In, Blood Out) as compare to how Latinos are portrayed in films made by Latinos (Mi Familia, La Bamba, Selena, El Cantante)?
7. SOURCE MATERIALS:
8. TIMELINE: 100 Years of Latino Cinema in the United States.
9. IN THEIR OWN WORDS: Victor Millan, Rey Villalobos,
10. FEATURE: TOP LATINO MOTION PICTURES
11. FEATURE: LATINA FILMMAKERS
.     12. LATINOPIA CINEMA – DANNY DE LA PAZ “Blvd. Nights”
13. LATINOPIA CINEMA – REY VILLALOBOS “Uurban Cowboy”
14. LATINOPIA CINEMA – DANNY VALDEZ “La Bamba”
15. LATINOPIA TEATRO – LUIS VALDEZ “El Pachuco 1 & 2″
14. LATINOPIA CINEMA – RUTH LIVIER “Ylse.net”
15. LATINOPIA SHOWCASE – “Pushing out Juan”
16. LATINOPIA SHOWCASE – “Inundation”
17. LATINOPIA SHOWCASE – “La Hora del Té”
18. Class Assignment#1. Select one of the motion pictures found in the list of Ten Top Latino Films.  What is the Latino “voice” of that film? What obstacles is the hero or heroine of the film trying to overcome? What is the protagonist’s  aspirations? What are his or her goals? How is the film maker’s personal aspirations and goals expressed in the film?
19. Class Assignment#2.  Have the students compose a one or two-page synopsis fora motion picture based on something that is deeply important to them.

VI. FINDING YOUR OWN VOICE

Hip Hop Artist Olmeca

1. Introductory remarks. We have seen how Latinos in different fields have found and expressed their voice, often overcoming huge obstacles to attain their goals. But how do you find your own special “voice?” And how do you know when it is authentic and real?
2. Discussion. Incorporate the following questions in the course of a discussion on
finding your own unique voice.
3. First you must begin by defining what it is you want. Shakespeare has said, “To thine own self be true.” What are your goals in life?
4. What are the obstacles that lie in your path to achieve these goals? By what means can you overcome these obstacles?
5. What activities do you enjoy doing? How can these activities or interests help you in achieving your goals?
6. What are the additional skills you will need to accomplish your goals?
7. How will you go about attaining these skills?
8. What is the role of higher education in this pursuit?
9. Suggested Class Assignment#1.  Have each student write a brief description or essay of what they aspire to be in life and how they hope to accomplish these goals. Compare these thoughts to the description or essay they wrote at the beginning of the course. How are they different, how the same?

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Advisory: This teacher’s guide was developed and is copyrighted 2012 by Barrio Dog Productions Inc. You are free to make copies for classroom instructional use only. Any commercial duplication, posting on the internet other than on Latinopia.com, or other commercial dissemination is strictly prohibited and will prosecuted.  
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This Moment in Time is quite extraordinary. It is a photo of President John F. Kennedy visiting a reunion of the Houston League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) in Houston, Texas on October 21, 1962.. What makes the photo particularly poignant is that this photo was taken the night before President Kennedy was assassinated in Dallas, Texas. Benny Martinez, who had joined LULAC back in 1932, recounts that the LULAC chapter had invited the President to their function but figured he would not show up because he had a previous commitment to attend a fundraiser for Congressman Albert Thomas. But to everyone’s surprise, President Kennedy, accompanied by his wife, Jacqueline, and Vice-President Lyndon Johnson did appear.

Speaking to Latinopia, Benny Martinez recalls, “When the President came into the room everyone went crazy with cries of Viva Kennedy, Viva Kennedy!” President Kennedy’s 1960 campaign was successful because he won the Southern vote and Texas was crucial to securing that vote and Mexican Americans were, in turn, crucial to securing the Texas vote because they created ”Viva Kennedy” clubs throughout the state that helped him get elected.

“He was with us for 45 minutes or so. “Recalls Martinez, “ I had a good look of the President because my brother was police Sargent and in charge of security. He sat next to Vice -President Lyndon Johnson and they talked together. Jackie Kennedy, the President’s wife, spoke to us in Spanish and told us how important it was for the United States to reach out to Latin America and Mexican Americans in this country. The program included flamenco dancers and. At one point, the pounding sound of their feet on the dance floor sounded like a gunshot. I saw President Kennedy duck for cover.”

Latinos and the President of the United States, October 21, 1962…a Moment in Time.

Enrigue Lopetequi and Guillermina Zabala are filmmakers based in San Antonio, Texas  who are documenting the music of extraordinary blind musical virtuoso Juanito Castillo. They are seeking completion funds for their film and require only $851 to complete a $5,000 matching grant to complete their film. The deadline is January 9th, so if you can help out, go to: http://www.usaprojects.org/project/juanitos_lab  Once you see this video you’ll know you have to contribute to make the film a reality! No sean tacaños!

Pat Mora is a poet, novelist and author of children’s books. Her writings often reflect the conflictive nature of being bilingual and bi-cultural. Here she reads the poem “Legal Alien,” which explores the unease of being viewed as neither fully American nor fully Mexican.

Las Cafeteras is a music ensemble that combines the vibrant energy of Son Jarocho music with an edgy LA-alternative sound & political message. Their pounding Afro-Mexican rhythms, stomping zapateado dancing, & uplifting lyrics tell stories of everyday people searching for love & fighting for justice in the concrete jungle. The group is comprised of Annette Torres, Daniel French, David Flores, Denise Carlos, Hector Flores, Jose Cano, y Leah Gallegos. In 2009 they perform a rendition of the popular folk song, “La Bamba” at the Tia Chucha bookstore. Their version is infused with contemporary lyrics that give it relevance to the Latino experience in the United States.

Around the year 1325 A.D. the Mexica people settled in the Valley of Mexico and founded what we know as the Aztec empire. According to the Codex Boturini, an Aztec pictograph scroll, the Mexicas originated to the north and west of what is today Mexico City in a place they called Aztlán , “the place of reeds and herons.” Azltán was said to be an island on a lake with seven caves. During the 1960s, Chicanos embraced the concept of Aztlán as a mythical homeland of their ancestors, somewhere in the American Southwest. But where exactly could such an ancestral home have existed? This excerpt from the video “In Search of Aztlán” provides tantalizing clues.

The Becas de Aztlan (Aztlan Scholarships) program was initiated during the administration of Mexico’s President, Luis Echeverría Alvarez (1970-1976). José Angel Gutíerrez and other Chicano educators were instrumental in getting the program launched. Chicano/a recipients were chosen nationwide to receive these scholarships allowing them to study in Mexico. Administered through the University of Houston, the support ranged in its coverage from summer studies to doctoral degrees. The program was ended in 1982 because of Mexico’s economic crisis. This photo was taken at the Colegio de Mexico in the summer of 1982 by Jesús Cantú Medel who has identified some but not all of the persons in the photograph. Pictured here, standing from left to right, are: Jesús Cantú Medel, Benny Gutierrez, Andres Medel, Feliciano Medel, unidentified, unidentified (person with hat), unidentified, Dr. Tatcho Mendiiola (Director, Center for Mexican American Studies, University of Houston), unidentified, unidentified. Bottom Row, sitting, from left to right: Dr. Emma Pérez, JoAnn Zuñiga, unidentified, unidentified, unidentified, unidentified, Domingo García, unidentified, Dr. Armando Gutíerrez, unidentified. If you know who any of the unidentified person are please leave a comment below.

Juntos is an arts and literary association based in El Paso, Texas, headed by Co-Directors Maria Almeida and Ivonne Jimenez with outstanding support from Fernando Racelis, Lydia Limas, Dr. Denniz Bixler and Socorro Diamondstein. In April, 2010, they sponsored a symposium of writers whose literary works reflect El Paso and its environs. Latinopia was there to record the conversations between these “border writers.”

FEBRUARY EVENTS:

LOS ANGELES

EL NOGALAR
OPENS JAN 28 THRU FEBRUARY
THE FOUNTAIN THEATER
5060 FOUNTAIN AVENUE
LOS ANGELES, CA 90029
INFO: www.fountainTheater.com

This play, about three women who come home to claim their family’s land in modern day Mexico, was inspired by Anton Chekhov’s classic drama, The Cherry Orchard.  Stars Yetta
Gottesman, Justin Huen, Isabelle Ortega, Diane Romo and Sabina Zuniga Varela. Directed by
Laurie Woolery with dramaturgy by Luis Alfaro.

YLSE.NET FUNDRAISER &
TONY PLANA RECOGNITION
FEBRUARY 4TH, 2012  6:30PM
ATLANTIS BANQUET HALL
3802 EAST CESAR CHAVEZ AVE,
LOS ANELES, CA 90063
INFO: Ylseshow@yahoo.com

An awards ceremony honoring acclaimed actor Tony Plana (Resurrection Blvd., Ugly Betty)
in benefit for the Ylse.net webisode series produced and starring actress Ruth Livier.

FRIDA KAHLO
JAN. 27 THRU
FEBRUARY 26, 2102
FRIDA KAHLO THEATER
2332 WEST FOURTH STREET
LOS ANGELES, CA 90057
INFO: http://www.fridakahlotheater.org

The play Frida Kahlo starring Minerva Garcia returns to the namesake
theater in Boyle Heights for performances only in Spanish during the
month of February.

CROSSING BORDERS
SERGIO TRONCOSO
FEBRUARY 10, 1-3PM
YOUNG RESEARCH LIBRARY
PRESENTATION ROOM
U.C.L.A.
LOS ANGELES, CA

Author Sergio Troncoso reads from his new collection of essays Crossing Borders at UCLA’s
Young Research Library. Event is free.

OUR STORY JETS & SHARKS
THEN AND NOW
FEBRUARY 11, 2012 12-3PM
BARNES & NOBLE BOOKSTORE
714 SOUTH MAIN STREET #100
ORANGE, CA 92868

OUR STORY JETS & SHARKS
THEN AND NOW
FEBRUARY 18, 2012 3-6PM
12136 VENTURA BLVD
STUDIO CITY, CA 91604
Maria Henley, an accomplished assistant director of stage and screen, was one of the dancers in the classic stage and movie production of Westside Story. Now Maria and other cast members share their remembrances in a new book, OUR STORY, JETS & SHARKS, THEN AND NOW.

PROVOCATIVE IMAGES
OF MOTHERHOOD
FEBRUARY 11, 2012 6-9PM
ARENA 1 GALLERY
3026 AIRPORT AVENUE
SANTA MONICA, CA 90405
INFO: http://www.judithehernandez.com

This is a group art show featuring the work of some of the most prominent women artists of the Post World War II period in Los Angeles. Chicana artist in the show are renowned artists JudithE Hernandez and Linda Vallejo.

FLAMENCO & FOLKLORICO
DANCE CLASSES
2012 REGISTRATIONS
ARTE FLAMENCO DANCE THEATRE
230 WEST MAIN STREET
ALHAMBRA, CA 91801
INFO: www. Clarita-artflemenco.com

The Arte Flemenco Dance Theatre under the direction of renowned dancer Clarita is open for Spring classes in Flamenco ballet, folklorico and hip-hop. Prices vary and dance instruction is open to adults as well as children.

NHMC IMPACT
AWARDS
FEBRUARY 24, 2012 6PM
BEVERLY WILSHIRE HOTEL
LOS ANGELES, CA
INFO: http://www.nhmc.org

The National Hispanic Media Coalition, a media advocacy and civil rights organization created in 1986, holds its annual fundraiser at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel. The awards ceremony recognizes Latinos who have contributed to the advancement of Latinos in the media.

BOYLE HEIGHTS LATINA
INDEPENDENT FILM
EXTRAVAGANZA
ADVANCE WARNING
MARCH 2-4, 2012
CASA0101
2102 EAST FIRST STREET
LOS ANGELES, CA 90031
INFO: http://www.facebook/NEW.BHLIFE

The Boyle Heights Latina Independent Film Extravaganza (BHLIFE) will re-launch its festival this year on March 2nd-4th. In celebration of International Woman’s Day. BHLIFE is a celebration of Latinas, their voices and their visions. The mission of the festival is to build a network of Latina filmmakers that will draw attention to the growing number of Latinas working behind the camera. BHLIFE was founded by Josefina Lopez, writer of Real Women Have Curves, among many other plays and novels. Josefina is also the founder of Casa0101 (theater space) in Boyle Heights, which is the new home for BHLIFE.

RESURRECTED HISTORIES
CHICANO ART COLLECTIVES
OF HIGHLAND PARK
JANUARY 14 THRU FEBRUARY 5
AVENUE 50 STUDIO
131 NORTH AVENUE 50
HIGHLAND PARK, CA
INFO: www.avenue50studio.com

Avenue 50 Studio presents an art exhibit showcasing paintings, graphic arts, publications and other memorabilia telling the story of Chicano arts collectives in the Highland Park community of Los Angeles. Showcased are Mechicano and Centro de Arte Publico and the work of numerous artists.

RESUME WORKSHOP
FEBRUARY 8, 2012
IMAGENES FOUNDATION
150 S. ARROYO PARKWAY
SUITE 102B
PASADENA, CA 91105

Diane Medina, Vice President of Diversity and Community Relations at ABC7 gives pointers on how to write an effective resume from an industry professional of more than 35 years.

DISAPPEARING INTO
THE TREES – KEN
GONZALEZ-DAY
FEBRUARY 11 THRU APRIL 27, 2012
SMALL GALLERY
VINCENT PRICE ART MUSEUM
EAST LOS ANGELES COLLEGE
1301 AVENIDA CESAR CHAVEZ
MONTEREY PARK, CA 91754
INFO: http://www.vincentprice.elac.edu

SUDDENLY WE HAD NOTHING
XAVIER CÁZARES CORTÉZ
HOY SPACE
VINCENT PRICE ART MUSEUM
EAST LOS ANGELES COLLEGE
1301 AVENIDA CESAR CHAVEZ
MONTEREY PARK, CA 91754
INFO: http://www.vincentprice.elac.edu

NETWORKING TO YOUR
NEXT JOB
FEBRUARY 29, 2012
IMAGENES FOUNDATION
150 S. ARROYO PARKWAY
SUITE 102B
PASADENA, CA 91105

James E. Wright, Talent Acquisition Pipeline Development at NBC Universal discusses
how Latinos can network their way to their next job.

SAN JOSE

SOLITUDE
FEBRUARY 9-12TH
MEXICAN HERITAGE
PLAZA THEATER
1700 ALUM ROCK AVE.
SAN JOSE, CA 95126
INFO: http://www.teatrovision.org

Teatro Visión of San Jose is proud to bring the national touring productions of Solitude, an original play written by Evelina Fernandez, to San Jose’s Mexican Heritage Plaza Theater. Set on the day of the Los Angeles million immigrant march in 2006, Solitude weaves together an emotionally charged story of secrets, laughter and explosive mambo. Directed by Jose Luis Valenzuela, the play is performed in both English and Spanish versions on alternate dates. For more info check out Teatro Visión website.

CHICANA/O BIENNIAL
EXHIBIT
JANUARY 18 THRU MARCH 10,2012
MACLA
510 SOUTH FIRST STREET
SAN JOSE, CA 95113
INFO: http://www.maclaarte.org

The Movimiento de Arte y Cultura Latino Americana of San Jose hosts a exhibit and public forums conceived to take inventory and invite reflection on Chicano art. The exhibit features 23 artists.  Opening reception is on February 3, 2012.

SAN FRANCISCO

NEW FIRE- TO PUT
THINGS RIGHT AGAIN
LA BRAVA THEATRE
2781 24TH STREET
SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94110
INFO: http://www.brava.org

Founding member of La Brava Theater and acclaimed author Cherri Moraga celebrates
the 25th anniversary of La Brava Theater with a play which follows the sacred geography of indigenous American ancestors to tell a post-modern story of rupture and return.

RAFAEL JESÚS GONZALEZ
POETRY READING
FEBRUARY 4, 2012 4PM
BOOK PASSAGE
51 TAMAL VISTA BLVD.
CORTE MADERA, CALIFORNIA 94925
INFO: http://www.bookpassage.com/event/group-poetry-reading-sppillway-magazine

Bay area poet Rafael Jesús González joins other bay area poets in a reading sponsored by Spillway Magazine. Hosted by editor Susan Terris the reading will take place at Book Passage, 51 Tamal Visat Blvd., Corte Madera, California.

WORD BECOMES FLESH
FEBRUARY 11, 2012 8PM
LANEY COLLEGE THEATER
900 FALLON STREET,
OAKLAND, CA
INFO: www.lapena.org

Word Becomes Flesh is an evening length choreopoem written in the form of a narrative verse play. This is a series of performed letters to an unborn son utilizing poetry, dance , live music directed by Marc Bamuthi Joseph. The program is co-commissioned by the La Pena Cultural Center.

ART AS A VEHICLE FOR CHANGE
February 8, 2012 6-8:00PM
THE MEXICAN MUSEUM GALLERIES
FORT MASON CENTER, BLDG. D
SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94123

Artist Caleb Duarte will speak about current Artist-in-Residence program revolving around community activism in Chiapas, Mexico.

MIAMI

HISPANICIZE 2012
ADVANCE WARNING
APRIL 11-13, 2012
MIAMI, FLORIDA
INFO: http://www.hispanicizeevent.com

This event brings together national and international media, Latino bloggers, innovators, marketers, celebrities and filmmakers in a creative environment best described as SXSW with a Latino focus. The website above tells you all about the events and opportunities.

CHICAGO

LOS CONDENADOS HUASTECOS
FEBRUARY 1, 2012 8:30 pm
GARY & LAURA MAURER
CONCERT HALL
4544 NORTH LINCOLN AVENUE
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS
INFO: http://oldtownschool.org

Los Condenados Huastecos (The Condemned Huastecos) is a Chicago-based trio that specializes in the son huasteco musical tradition from Mexico’s central gulf region. This concert of Son Huasteco takes place on Wednesday, February 1, 2012 at 8:30PM.

RAUL FERNANDEZ
PASEO JAROCHO
FEBRUARY 22, 2012 8:30 pm
GARY & LAURA MAURER
CONCERT HALL
4544 NORTH LINCOLN AVENUE
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS
INFO: http://oldtownschool.org

The Son de Chicago jarocho musical ensemble collaborates with Aztec conchero dancers and musicians of the huasteca tradition in an evening of dance and song.

LATINO BOOK &
FAMILY FESTIVAL
ADVANCE WARNING
MARCH 31-APRIL 1, 2012
UNITY JUNIOR HIGH
2100 s. LARAMIE AVE.
CICERO, ILLINOIS
INFO: www.teleguias.us

Chicago’s Teleguia de Chicago hosts this year’s Latino Book and Family Festival which promotes literacy and education to the Latino communities through book stalls, book-signings, author readings and other entertainment. The festival isn’t until end of March but if you’re an author of or publisher of Latino literature and would like to register now contact América Vasquez at: avasquez@teleguia.us.

TUCSON:

QUETZAL GUERRERO
MUSIC IN THE GARDEN
FEBRUARY 5, 2012 12 NOON
DESERT BOTANICAL GARDEN
TUCSON, ARIZONA

Quetzal Guerrero extraordinary musician performs at the Desert Botanical Garden’s 2012 Concert Series and promotes his newest album Coiza Boa (Good Thing) , a collection of upbeat expressions of all things good featuring Quetzal’s electrifying violin playing.

PHOENIX AREA

LATINO ARIZONA
100 YEARS
OPENS FEB. 3, 2012
ARIZONA LATINO ARTS
& CULTURAL CENTER
147 EAST ADAMS STREET
PHOENIX, AZ 85004
INFO: http://www.alacaz.org

“Latino Arizona: 100 Years,” a new state Centennial documentary photo exhibition that opens First Friday, Feb. 3 at the Arizona Latino Arts & Cultural Center (ALAC) in Phoenix, holds a mirror to the past, and chronicles the contributions Latinos of Mexican descent have made to the state of Arizona. This revealing photograph collection looks back at the early days of Latino pioneers and their many contributions to the founding and growth of the state.

NEW MEXICO

SHAMANIC JOURNEY
APRIL 19-22, 2012
BORDER BOOK FESTIVAL INC.
MESILLA CULTURAL CENTER
MESILLA, NEW MEXICO
INFO: www.borderbookfestival.org

Hosted by Denise Chávez and the Border Book Festival, this yearly event brings together curandera/herbalist Dona Enriqueta Contreras from Oaxaca, Dr. Marta Moreno Vega, Yoruba priestess from New York, Alter artist Catalina Delgado Trunk and Ester Yazzie-Lewis, Navajao Earth Activist in a celebration healing energies for 2012.

SAN ANTONIO

TEJANO MONUMENT
ADVANCE WARNING
MARCH 29-31, 2012
AUSTIN STATE CAPITAL
AUSTIN, TEXAS
INFO: darellano@austin.rr.com

The Tejano Genealogy Society of Austin announces the unveiling of a major Tejano Monument honoring Tejano Heroes which will take place at the State Capital Building in Austin, Texas. On Thursday, March 29th, there will be an official unveiling of the monument. On Friday, March 30th there will be free historical sessions by scholars of Tejano history with a banquet Friday night at the Texas Executive Student Center at the University of Texas, Austin. On Saturday, March 31st, there will be a Tejano parade on South Congress Street beginning at 9AM.

HOUSTON

PONCHE MARTINEZ
CHICANO/A CORRIDOS
March 2, 2012
Texas State University
San Marcos , Texas 7866
INFO: CHANO6_@HOTMAIL,COM

The Museo Guadalupe Aztlan will present artist-in-residence Ildelfonso “Poncho” Martinez singing corridos to coincide with the National Association of Chicano/a Studies Conference, Tejas Foco 2012 on March 2, 2012 at Texas State university, San Marcos, Texas.

VIVA EL AMOR
ART EXHIBIT
JANUARY 30 THRU
FEBRUARY 24TH, 2012
MECA
1900 KANE STREET
HOUSTON, TEXAS 77007
INFO: http://www.meca-houston.org

MECA celebrates Valentine’s Day with an art exhibit running through February 24th. The exhibit features “Heart” art work by community people.

VIVA EL AMOR
CONCERT
MECA
1900 KANE STREET
HOUSTON, TEXAS 77007
INFO: http://www.meca-houston.org

MECA celebrates Valentine’s Day with a concert featur9ing the music of Mariachi MECA, Tres En Punto de Colombia, and Vanessa Cerda Alonso

ARTE PÚBLICO
CHANGES LOCATION

Arte Público, the premiere bilingual publishing house in the United States announces they have changed their address. The new address is:  Arte Público Press, University of Houston, 4902 Gulf Frwy. Bldg. 19 Room 100, Houston, TX 77204-2004

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA

DOING YOUR DOC
3-DAY WORKSHOP
FEBRUARY 10-12, 2012
NEW ORLEANS, LA
INFO: http://www.nalip.org

This is a three day workshop for Latino documentary media makers sponsored by the National Association of Latino Independent Producers (NALIP) and the National Endowment for the Arts and the Full Frame Documentary Film Festival.

Latinopia continues its exploration of the possible geographic site of Aztlán, the mythic homeland of the Mexica people. The Codice Boturini, an ancient Aztec manuscript, indicates that Aztlán was located to the north and west of the Valley of Mexico which the Mexica people settled in 1325 A.D. Speculation that the site was California’s Salton Sea, then known as Lake Cahuilla, or Chaco Canyon, in New Mexico, is inconclusive at best. Like “Atlantis,” “El Dorado,” and “Camelot,” the site of this mythic locale inspires curiosity. In this excerpt from the film “In Search of Aztlán,” we learn that there are other candidates in the American Southwest for the geographic origins of Aztlán.

JANUARY EVENTS:

LOS ANGELES, CA

3RD ANNUAL PLAYWRIGHTS FESTIVAL
JANUARY 25-20, 2012
LOS ANGELES THEATER CENTER
514 S. SPRING STREET, LOS ANGELES
INFO: www.thelatc.org

LATC 3rd Annual Playwrights Festival Reading of select plays for the 2012 Spring and Fall seasons. The UCLA New Play festival is incorporated into this event with playreadings of MFA playwrights’ thesis projects. (schedule subject to change)

WE ART THE 99%
ON-GOING EXHIBIT
THE LATINO MUSEUM OF
HISTORY ART AND CULTURE
514 SOUTH SPRING STREET
LOS ANGELES, CA 90013
INFO: www.thelatinomuseum.org

An art exhibit underscoring the Occupy Los Angeles movement at the Latino Museum of History, Art and Culture in downtown Los Angeles.

LOS TRES REYES MAGOS
JANUARY 6, 2012
MEXICAN CULTURAL CENTER
125 PASEO DE LA PLAZA (OLVERA STREET)
LOS ANGELES, CA
INFO: (213) 624-3660

A Binational Exhibition of art inspired by La Virgen de Guadalupe is on exhibit at the Mexican Cultural Institute. A good time to visit will be during the annual celebration of Los Tres Reyes Magos procession in Olvera Street.

FRIDA KAHLO, THE PLAY
JANUARY DATES TO BE ANNOUNCED
THE FRIDA KAHLO THEATER
2332 WEST FOURTH STREET
LOS ANGELES, CA 90057
INFO: www.fridakahlotheater.org

Grupo de Teatro SINERGIA returns with their production of Frida Kahlo, The play.

PALOMA ROOM POETS
JANUARY 8,  2PM
AVENUE 50 STUDIO
131 NORTH AVENUE 50
HIGHLAND PARK, CA
INFO: www.avenue50studio.com

Hosted By Rolando Ortiz, this poetry reading includes readings by poets Carlye Archibeque,
Armine Iknadossian, Bryan Sanders, Miguel Sanchez and Judi Smolker.

NOCHES DE CANTO Y POESIA
1st and 2nd WEDNESDAYS IN JANUARY 8-10PM
TIA CHUCHA CENTRO CULTURAL
13197-A GLADSTONE AVE.
SYLMAR, CA
INFO: www.tiachucha.com

Noches de Canto y Poesía is a time dedicated to musicians and poets that express their art in Spanish, with Latin influence. This includes, but is not limited to, boleros, ballads, Spanish Rock, folklorica, latin american, ranchera, trova, new song, jarocho, huapango and poetry. Everyone is invited! Entry is always free, but we do accept your generous donations.

TIA CHUCHA OPEN MIC
FRIDAYS IN JANUARY 8-10PM
TIA CHUCHA CENTRO CULTURAL
13197-A GLADSTONE AVE.
SYLMAR, CA
INFO: www.tiachucha.com

Tía Chucha’s Open Mic is a welcoming, creative sanctuary where people are encouraged to share their thoughts, feelings and talents through various styles of expression. Whether it be a poem, story, song, joke, freestyle, or just something they feel the need to express. Everyone is welcome to be themselves. Hosted by Nery Boche. Free, donations welcomed.

MAPPING ANOTHER L.A.
CHICANO ART MOVEMENT
ONGOING IN JANUARY
FOWLER MUSEUM AT UCLA
LOS ANGELES, CA
INFO: www.pacificstandardtime.org

On going art exhibit maps the deiverse social netowrks among Chicano artist groups and art speaces in Los Aneles during the 1970s such as ASCO, Centro de Arte Público, East Los Streetscapers, Goez Art Gallery, Self-Help graphics and Social Public Art Resource Center (SPARC).

ICONS OF THE INVISIBLE

OSCAR CASTILLO
ONGOING IN JANUARY
FOWLER MUSEUM AT UCLA
LOS ANGELES, CA
INFO: www.pacificstandardtime.org

Since the late 1960s, Oscar Castillo has documented the Chicano community in Los Angeles, from major political events to cultural practices to the work of muralists and painters. This exhibition will present rarely seen photographs from 1969-1980, drawing from an on-line digital archive of over 3,000 images by Castillo at the CSRC Library and a forthcoming book on Castillo through the CSRC series The Chicano Archives.

ART ALONG THE HYPHEN
MEXICAN-AMERICAN GENERATION
ON-GOING IN JANUARY
THE AUTRY MUSEUM
4700 WESTERN HERITAGE WAY
LOS ANGELES, CA 90027-1462
INFO: (323) 667.2000 www.autrymuseum.org

ART OF OAXACA
THROUGH JANUARY 14, 2012
FREMONT GALLERY
812 FREMONT AVENUE
SUITE 100
SOUTH PASADENA, CA
INFO: www.fremontgallery.com

On exhibit and for sale jewelry and art by noted artisans from Oaxaca and Norther Mexico.

ART MURAL ORDINANCE
PUBLIC MEETING
JANUARY 5, 2012  6PM
GOODWILL INDUSTRIES
342 N. SAN FERNANDO ROAD
LOS ANGELES, CA

Convened by Los Angeles city councilman Ed Reyes, this meeting is to discuss and obtian public input on a new ordinance under consideration by the city of Los Angeles that would limit mural and other super graphics in Los Angeles.

SAN DIEGO, CA

MEDIA WORKSHOPS
JANUARY 10-12,17-19,
24-26, 2012
MEDIA ARTS CENTER
2921 EL CAJON BLVD.
SAN DEIGO, CA 92104
INFO: http://www.mediartscenter.org

San Diego’s Media Art center which yearly sponsors the San Diego Latino Film Festival has on-going media workshops in January. You cna register on-line for the workshops bying going to their website: http://www.mediartscenter.org

HASTA LA BAHIA
ALL THE WAY TO
THE BAY
ON-GOING IN JANUARY
CHICANO PARK
SAN DIEGO, CA

Following a December 21st, Solstice Day commemoration, artist and muralist Victor Ochoa continues to lead a group of muralists that include Mario Chacon, Eddie Galindo, Hector Villegas, Bees Sanchez and others in restoration of the murals at San Diego’s iconic Chicano Park.

SAN FRANCISCO, CA

IMAGES; INDEPENDENCE
AND REVOLUTION
ONGOING IN JANUARY
THE MEXICAN MUSEUM
FORT MASON CENTER, BLDG.D
SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94123
INFO: www.themexicanmuseum.org

An on-going exhibit drawn from the museum’s collections to celebrate the Bicentennial of the Mexican Independence of 1810 and the Centennial of the Mexican Revolution of 1910.

THE TEQUILA DON JULIO
ART COLLECTION
ONGOING IN JANUARY
THE MEXICAN MUSEUM
FORT MASON CENTER, BLDG.D
SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94123
INFO: www.themexicanmuseum.org

A contemporary art exhibition featuring some of today’s most engaging Mexican and Mexican American artists.

LATIN JAZZ YOUTH ENSEMBLE
OF SAN FRANCISCO
JANUARY 7, 7PM, 2012
LA PENA CULTURAL CENTER
3105 SHATTUCK AVENUE
BERKELEY, CA
INFO: www.lapena.org

Join the Latin Jazz Youth Ensemble for thier annual Reunion Concert benefitting La Peña education programs. The ensemble is led by John Calloway, a virtuoso multi-instrument music educator and musician.

CHUCUMITE
JAROCHO GROUP
JANUARY 21, 2012
LA PENA CULTURAL CENTER
3105 SHATTUCK AVENUE
BERKELEY, CA
INFO: www.lapena.org

Santa Barbara based jarocho group on tour performs folk music from Veracruz, Mexico.

AVOTCJA’S MUSIC/POETRY
EXTRAVAGANZA
JANUARY 29, 7PM, 2012
LA PENA CULTURAL CENTER
3105 SHATTUCK AVENUE
BERKELEY, CA
INFO: www.lapena.org

Truly a music extravaganza, this event features the Bay Area Blues Society, Pablo Rosales, Little Brown Brothers and others.

RENACER FOLKLORICO BOLIVIA
JANUARY 29, 2012 8PM
LA PENA CULTURAL CENTER
3105 SHATTUCK AVENUE
BERKELEY, CA
INFO: www.lapena.org

Celebrating 20 years in existence, the bay area Renacer Folklorico Bolviia presents an evening of music from the many regions of Bolivia.

TUCSON, AZ

QUETZAL GUERRERO
MUSIC IN THE GARDEN
FEBRUARY 5, 2012 12-2PM
DESERT BOTANICAL GARDEN
TUCSON, ARIZONA

Coinciding with the release of his album Cosa Boa (Good Thing) , this is violinist extraordinaire Quetzal Guerrero’s live performance at the Desert Botanical Gardens.

HOUSTON, TX

SPRING 2012 REGISTRATION
ARTS,MUSIC AND DANCE CLASSES
ON-GOING IN JANUARY
MECA
1900 KANE STREET
HOUSTON, TEXAS
INFO: www.meca-houston.org

MECA offers classes in ethnic and classsical studies in music, dance, and visual arts. Classes run from 3PM to 8PM Mondays through Fridays.

Hola Latinopians! And welcome to February of 2012!

As you will see, your Tia Tenopia has a whole new batch of Latino cultural events in major U.S. cities listed in February Events. Also this week, we are posting our first Latinopia Teacher’s Guide for secondary school teachers and university professors who want to use Latinopia as a resources for their classroom instruction. This first Teacher’s Guide is titled The Latino Voice in American Society and utilizes the timeline, biographies and videos you will find on Latinopia to teach a course which will allow students to identify and find their own creative voice. Check it out! And by the way, those of you who are using Latinopia as a classroom resources, leave us a message and let us know how so we can pass the word on to other instructors.

Also more news in February. Watch for a new Latinopia blog written by Dan Guerrero, one of the pioneering Mexican American television and stage producers whose credits include the Paul Rodriguez Show as well as major stage events in New York and Los Angeles.

And last, but not least, we showcase a new film by Mexican director Roberto Olivares who brings us an exciting Mexican musical group, Grupo Xime, in concert with a Macedonian musical ensemble, “Kokani Orchestra.”  Check out this cool and zany music!

Abrazos,  Tia Tenopia

Hola mis queridos Latinopianos! How’s the new year treating you? All well I hope. Here at Latinopia the new year is ushering in great additions to Latinopia which your Tia will be announcing next week.. Preparense! For this week, however, we have renowned poet Pat Mora returning with a poem about how difficult it sometimes is for Mexican Americans and other Latinos who live in the United States. Though bilingual and bi-cultural they are often viewed differently by other Americans and even by their own people. Check out Pat reading her poem, “Legal Alien,” y dime si no es verdad! And in history, we continue our exploration of the possible geographic site of Aztlán, the mythic homeland of the Mexica people. Por Dios! All this talk of Aztlán makes your Tia want to put on her Indiana Jones hat, jump in a four-wheel drive jeep and go searching for Aztlán herself. Any takers? In Moment in Time. we have a poignant historic photo of President John F. Kennedy in Houston, Texas on the night before he was assassinated. What does this have to do with Latinos? Check it and find out. Hey, if any of you Latinopians out there have photos of key events or moments in Latino history, please pass them on so we can post them on Moment in Time. Well, enjoy this week’s postings, and remember the words of the great Spanish director Luis Buñuel, “Our memory is our coherence, our reason, our feeling even our action. Without it, we are nothing.” OO XX Your Tia Tenopia

“Bailar La Bamba, Bailar La Bamba…” Hola Mis Queridos! Yes, this week we’ve got music in the form of that popular folk song “La Bamba.” But watch out! This version, performed by the ensemble music group Las Cafeteras, is an updated version with contemporary lyrics that link an old song to current day realities faced by Latinos in the United States. In History, we have another Latinopia Event. For this one we go way back to the year 1325 A.D. when the Mexica people, ancestors to today’s Mexicans and Mexican Americans, left their ancient homeland of Aztlán. Something that has always puzzled your Tia: after more than 500 years why has the site of this ancient dwelling never been uncovered? If, as some people think, it was somewhere in the American Southwest, where could that have been? Pues, miren no más, in an excerpt from the video “In Search of Aztlán” we get some provocative clues. Oh and this is the first of a two-parter. And speaking of Aztlán, this week’s Moment in Time photograph documents the Becas de Aztlán (Aztlán Scholarships) program which allowed dozens of Mexican American students to study in Mexico from 1972 to 1982. So check out all of our great postings and have a great week! OOXX Tia Tenopia

Mis queridos! Welcome to another week of Latinopia and do we have fun videos for you this week! Our Latinopia Showcase highlights a new documentary work-in-progress that you can help complete. “Juanito’s Lab” is a true labor of love by San Antonio filmmakers Enrique Lopetegui and Guillermina Zabala who are documenting the music of an extraordinarily gifted blind musician Juanito Castillo. Check out this amazing talent and help out if you can by going to the link and contributing to the completion of this important film. In literature, we visit with four stellar Latino authors convened at the El Paso Juntos Arts and Literature Festival in April of 2010. Check out what Sergio Troncoso, Benjamin Sáenz, Christine Granados and Dagoberto Gilb think about how labels such as Chicano, Latino, Hispanic and Fronterizo affect the reception of their work in mainstream society. Your Tia hopes the next year is being good to you and that you have made that New Year’s Resolution to visit Latinopia at least once a week!
OOXX Tia Tenopia

Happy New Years and Feliz Navidad to all you Latinopians! Your Tia is just a wee bit cruda this week from all of that partying and New Years revelry. No, I didn’t make it to Times Square this year. Hay, standing up for 12 hours straight and they won’t let you get to a restroom? Olvidate!

But great news, Latinopians. This week marks one full year of Latinopia being on-line and your Tia thought we would celebrate by posting our THREE MOST POPULAR LATINOPIA VIDEOS OF 2011 AS VOTED AND VIEWED BY YOU! And, as they say in Hollywood, the envelope please…yes, the top three most viewed Latinopia videos were in literature, music and art. Topping the list is José Montoya reading his classic Chicano poem, “El Louie,” next is Flaco Jimenez, showing off his wide range of musical stylings and another most viewed video was the profile of our friend, mentor, and visionary art innovator, Gilbert “Magu” Lujan who passed away in July. These are all videos that are never dated. If you haven’t seen them before, you have a treat in store. If you have, you’ll find they still deliver. And that’s why people keep coming back time and again.

Also be sure to check out the January Events. We’ll be updating the January Events as the month progresses.

What’s that? Did I make a New Years resolution? Yes, indeed I did. No, its not getting more things done, or more exercise, or losing weight (Hey, what are you saying about your Tia?!) No, my New Years Resolution is just to spend more time enjoying and appreciating the company of my familia and my many friends. Life is short and we must make the best of it. So here’s wishing each and every one of you Latinopians health, happiness and prosperity in 2012!

OOXX Tia Tenopia