THIS WEEK ON LATINOPIA: THE 4TH OF JULY! BUT WHAT IS THE MEANING OF THE 4TH OF JULY? DOES THE 4TH STILL HAVE RELEVANCE? TITO RIOS ON DAY OF THE REFUGIOS AND RICARDO ROMO ON LUIS VALDERAS.
In 2020 Latinopia posted a plática discussion with Professor of Journalism Dr. Maggie Rodríguez Rivas, Playwright and producer Dan Guerrero and comedian and actor Joe Hernández Kolski on the meaning of the 4th of July. We accompanied that post with a plática on whether or not the 4th still has much relevance today. Two years later, with the country divided along political lines following the January 5th attempted coup and now the overturning of Roe vs Wade, it seems these videos are still surprisingly relevant. We are reposting them here this week. Worth a look see and reflection as we celebrate the 4th.
Traditionally, we associate the 4th of July with parades, picnics and fireworks. But in some Latino households, the 4th of July has another special meaning. It is the day celebrated throughout Mexico and the Southwest as the saint’s day for anyone named Refugio. Arizona poet and narrative author Alberto “Tito” Rios has written a poem about The Day of the Refugios. Don’t miss this one.
Last but not least, Ricardo Romo engages us with another Tejano Report. This week he looks at the art of Luis Valderas, a south Texas artist.
Enjoy your week on Latinopia!
Tia Tenopia