THIS WEEK ON LATINOPIA: WHAT DOES THE 4THOF JULY MEAN TODAY? JOHN J. VALADEZ ON THE ROLE OF THE DOCUMENTARY FILMMAKER, RICARDO ROMO’S TEJANO REPORT ON THREE EARLY SAN ANTONIO FAMILIES AND MARK GUERRERO’S EAST LOS ANGELES STORIES WITH DANNY DIAZ OF THE SHOWMEN.
Two years ago, at the height of the pandemic, Latinopia asked three distinguished thinkers to speculate about what the 4thof July meant to them and had it changed from what it meant in their childhood. Journalism professor Dr. Maggie Rivas-Rodriguez, actor/producer Dan Guerrero and actor/comedian Joe Hernandez-Kolski responded that while some right wing Americans are trying to usurp the meaning of the flag, it is up to Latinos today to defend it and give it new meaning. We believe the conversation by these three Mexican Americans continues to have much relevance for today’s world and so we repost it here. Don’t miss their thoughtful words!
Acclaimed documentary filmmaker John J. Valadez has been making important documentaries for decades, including The Longoria Affair, The Chicano Wave and American Exile. Latinopia asked him what he considers to be the role of the documentary filmmaker. Here is his reply.
Ricardo Romo returns with his Tejano Report. This week he looks at three early pioneering Mexican American families who lived in the Prospect Hill area of San Antonio and left a lasting impression.
And Mark Guerrero returns with his East Los Angeles Stories. This week he interviews Danny Diaz of the rock group The Showmen.
Enjoy your week on Latinopia!
Tia Tenopia