THIS WEEK ON LATINOPIA: BURUNDANGA BORICUA ON THE LATEST POLLS IN PUERTO RICO, ALFRED SANTOS AND LA VOZ IN TEXAS, AND HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO LEGENDARY ARTIST GILBERT MAGU LUJAN.
This week José Umpierre brings us another Burundanga Boricua. This week he looks at a recent poll taken by the daily El Nuevo Día in San Juan, Puerto Rico, which shows a surprising upsurge, particularly among young people, for the independence movement on the island. Previously the statehood folks have always had a substantial lead and the majority of Puerto Ricans have opted to maintain the current Free Associated State status. But the recent poll shows a significant rise in people leaning to independent home rule. Check out Umpierre’s Spanish article.
Also this week, Austin-based publisher Alfredo Santos brings us another monthly issue of his La Voz newspaper. He draws attention to the 25th anniversary of the Voces history project which has compiled more than 1,000 interviews with Latino veterans of wars going back to the First World War. Headed by pioneering journalist and community activists Dr. Maggie Rivas-Rodriguez, the Voces project will hold a special anniversary celebration on November 16th at the Etter-Harbin Alumni Center, 2110 San Jacinto Blvd. Austin, Texas 78712 You can read the entire issue of this month’s La Voz at: www.lavoznewspapers.com
Also this week we remember our dear friend and pioneering Chicano artist, muralist and social activist Gilbert “Magu” Lujan who would have been 84 years old this week on October 16th. We post an interview with Magu’s son, Naiche. He explains the philosophy and artistry behind the 2017 exhibit at the University of California at Irvine, Aztlán to Magulandia, the Journey of Chicano Artist Gilbert “Magu” Lujan. Paired with Naiche’s interview is the 2014 homage exhibit to Magu titled “In Search of Magulandia” at the Santa Paula Museum of Art in Santa Paula, California. In this exhibit, co-curated by Vanessa Acosta and Xavier Montes, thirty six artists produced art works remembering Magu and his artistic vision.
We hope you enjoy your week on Latinopia!
Tia Tenopia