I almost shivered as I read an article entitled “The Hispanic Factor.” Its purpose was to “look at the possibility of African-Americans and Hispanic Americans forming a political bloc as a means of combatting white America’s racism.” It was written in 1993 and published in 1995 as part of a book entitled Not To Be. The author, Mba Mbulu, had anticipated at least 15 years in advance that a rift would emerge between African-Americans and Hispanics, but he was not blaming either group.

I have not read many of Mr. Mbulu’s works, but it is clear that the race question is a major factor in much that he writes. I can understand why some people, particularly those in positions of affluence and prosperity, might accuse him of seeing race in every thing. But this prophetic article about African-Americans and Hispanics does not seem like the writing of an individual who can’t get beyond his Black roots. This appears to me to be an objective assessment of a well thought out policy. Listen to this quote:

“Why were Hispanics selected to fulfill America’s cheap labor needs? Why not Asians, or Arabs, or Pacific Islanders? Why not other whites, from western or eastern Europe? Why Hispanics? Simply because Hispanics are more like African-Americans than any of the other mentioned peoples. But alike how? Shouldn’t similarities increase the possibilities of African-Americans and Hispanics uniting against white American discrimination and domination? If those were the type similarities whites had observed, white businessmen and politicians definitely would not have recruited Hispanics and placed them right in the midst of African-Americans. The similarities that appealed to white leaders were the type that suggest that Hispanic immigrants would fail to be politically astute to the point where they could become a threat to the white American way-of-life. America’s white leadership concluded that Hispanics, like African-Americans, would not develop a sophisticated enough degree of political maturity to orchestrate an independent political platform or unite with their ‘natural’ allies and force the changes that they feel are necessary. If their assessment is correct, then African-Americans and Hispanics in the United States will not form a viable political bloc. They will, instead, grow continually more hostile toward each other and possibly render each other politically ineffective.”

Since the year 2000, the reports of violence between Hispanics and African-Americans have been on a steady upsurge. Gang activity that targets one or the other group has turned deadly, and those who are less likely to resort to physical violence are using words that indicate an infectious level of hostility. Granted, these segments of each group are the least likely to be politically sophisticated, but that is exactly the point Mr. Mbulu made. White America’s status quo allowed Hispanic immigrants into the country knowing that they could only afford to live where the deprived masses of African-Americans live, could only compete for the jobs the masses of African-Americans traditionally worked, and could not speak the language African-Americans speak. One would think that the leaders of this country had to know what the results of this combination of ignorance, poverty deprivation and inability to communicate would be.

Even worse, those Hispanics and African-Americans who are politically astute, those who can control their gut impulses- don’t have enough influence with status quo representatives and authority figures to slow this self destructive monster down. However, white America’s political and business leadership can slow that monster down.

But white America’s political and business leadership will not put a stop to the violence because color on color discord and antipathy makes it easier for them to maintain control of the country. It seems, like Mba Mbulu suggests, that they planned it this way and are playing African-Americans and Hispanics like a piano. And, like a piano, like politically immature people, African-Americans and Hispanics are producing the senseless tune white power America wants them to produce.

Immigration is one of the key issues in this year’s presidential election and voters are paying careful attention to what the presidential candidates are saying about immigration reform. We the People travels to Tulsa, Oklahoma to explore how immigration policy has divided one community.

I almost shivered as I read an article entitled “The Hispanic Factor.” Its purpose was to “look at the possibility of African-Americans and Hispanic Americans forming a political bloc as a means of combatting white America’s racism.” It was written in 1993 and published in 1995 as part of a book entitled Not To Be. The author, Mba Mbulu, had anticipated at least 15 years in advance that a rift would emerge between African-Americans and Hispanics, but he was not blaming either group.

I have not read many of Mr. Mbulu’s works, but it is clear that the race question is a major factor in much that he writes. I can understand why some people, particularly those in positions of affluence and prosperity, might accuse him of seeing race in every thing. But this prophetic article about African-Americans and Hispanics does not seem like the writing of an individual who can’t get beyond his Black roots. This appears to me to be an objective assessment of a well thought out policy. Listen to this quote:

“Why were Hispanics selected to fulfill America’s cheap labor needs? Why not Asians, or Arabs, or Pacific Islanders? Why not other whites, from western or eastern Europe? Why Hispanics? Simply because Hispanics are more like African-Americans than any of the other mentioned peoples. But alike how? Shouldn’t similarities increase the possibilities of African-Americans and Hispanics uniting against white American discrimination and domination? If those were the type similarities whites had observed, white businessmen and politicians definitely would not have recruited Hispanics and placed them right in the midst of African-Americans. The similarities that appealed to white leaders were the type that suggest that Hispanic immigrants would fail to be politically astute to the point where they could become a threat to the white American way-of-life. America’s white leadership concluded that Hispanics, like African-Americans, would not develop a sophisticated enough degree of political maturity to orchestrate an independent political platform or unite with their ‘natural’ allies and force the changes that they feel are necessary. If their assessment is correct, then African-Americans and Hispanics in the United States will not form a viable political bloc. They will, instead, grow continually more hostile toward each other and possibly render each other politically ineffective.”

Since the year 2000, the reports of violence between Hispanics and African-Americans have been on a steady upsurge. Gang activity that targets one or the other group has turned deadly, and those who are less likely to resort to physical violence are using words that indicate an infectious level of hostility. Granted, these segments of each group are the least likely to be politically sophisticated, but that is exactly the point Mr. Mbulu made. White America’s status quo allowed Hispanic immigrants into the country knowing that they could only afford to live where the deprived masses of African-Americans live, could only compete for the jobs the masses of African-Americans traditionally worked, and could not speak the language African-Americans speak. One would think that the leaders of this country had to know what the results of this combination of ignorance, poverty deprivation and inability to communicate would be.

Even worse, those Hispanics and African-Americans who are politically astute, those who can control their gut impulses- don’t have enough influence with status quo representatives and authority figures to slow this self destructive monster down. However, white America’s political and business leadership can slow that monster down.

But white America’s political and business leadership will not put a stop to the violence because color on color discord and antipathy makes it easier for them to maintain control of the country. It seems, like Mba Mbulu suggests, that they planned it this way and are playing African-Americans and Hispanics like a piano. And, like a piano, like politically immature people, African-Americans and Hispanics are producing the senseless tune white power America wants them to produce.

Strengthening Our Lives (SOL), a progressive organization that mobilizes Latino voters, is successful because of the dedicated, passionate community members who educate their own neighbors.

cnn’s Fredricka Whitfield interviews MALDEF attorney John Amaya regarding a recent report on the increase of non-citizen Hispanics appearing before federal courts. February 19, 2009.

www.americanprogress.org The Latino population is now so large, its trajectory of growth so rapid and its contrast in relative age to that of the general population so stark, that it will not be possible for the United States to advance without substantial, and so far unimagined, gains for the nation’s Latino community. The Census Bureau’s mid-range estimates for 2050 assert that the nation’s Latino population will grow by 63 million people or a stunning 48% of total US growth, and that Latinos will constitute 25% of the United States population in 2050. Henry Cisneros and Arte P�blico Press of the University of Houston celebrate the launch of their new book, Latinos and the Nation’s Future and take part in an engaging debate on what Latino growth means for our country, and what the next administration needs to do about it. Latinos and the Nation’s Future is a landmark collection of essays by leading Latino figures such as Raul Yzaguirre, Lionel Sosa and Aida Alvarez, among others, about the most pressing issues facing Latinos today and how the future of the nation is inextricably linked to that of the Hispanic community. Featured Panelists: Henry Cisneros, Executive Chairman, cityview, former San Antonio Mayor and former Secretary of the US Department of Housing and Urban Development Sarita Brown, President, Excelencia in Education Dr. Nicol�s Kanellos, Founder and Director, Arte P�blico Press Janet Murgu�a, President and Chief Executive Officer, National Council of …

Anton Pictures presents Music Video – Tributo a mi Tierra Camera George Anton Edited by George Anton Directed by George Anton

Pres. Bush message to Hispanic/Latino voters . The video footage was before the November 2004 elections. At a time when this country is divided on the issue of illegal immigration this video serves to highlight the values and contributions Latinos bring to this great nation.

Weddings are costly of fares. Tremendous expenses are generally incurred. In the anglo american culture, the bride’s family pays for most of the wedding. In the Latino culture, immediate and extended families, of the bride and groom contribute their time, talents, and treasures to help the couple with some of the costs, thus making the wedding a community celebration.

Often, several pairs of godparents’ or a godfather or padrino and a godmother or madrina are chosen to provide invitations, the wedding cake, and other wedding necessities, or they give money to the couple for these items. Sometimes godparents’ pay for more than they can afford to avoid appearing less than generous. Because of their generosity of their gifts and the significance roll they play, the sponsors are acknowledged by having their names listed on special inserts and wedding invitations. Even if you’re fortunate to have supportive relatives and padrinos, one should not take advantage of their generosity. The engaged couple to be should take into consideration the responsibility of sticking with a realistic budget. A good idea for the future couple to be married is to work within a budget.

The budget should include rings, stationery, bridal attire, the groom’s attire, parents attire, godparents’ attire, specialty items, flowers, photography or video, music, transportation, accommodation for out of town guests, reception , accessories, decorations, honeymoon, gifts, parties, and any other miscellaneous items. By setting a budget you’ll be able to prepare for any unexpected surprises that may come up at the last minute. Here at the best-wedding-dress.com we hope to share with you helpful tips and ideas for that special day.

Next the couple to be married should check into the marriage License which is a civil contract. The couple to be married are entering a legal contract as well as an emotional and moral commitment. To make your marriage legal, you’ll need a license.

Marriage laws differ from state to state so check with the marriage licensing bureau about health prerequisites, age of consent, time of validity, documents required for presentation, and application fees. The engaged couple must apply for the marriage license in person. You may be required to bring your birth certificates, identification cards, death certificate of a former spouse if widowed, annulment or divorce decree if previously married, and results of any blood tests. Proof of U.S. citizenship may also be necessary. Call the marriage licensing bureau first to save time.

If you’re going to be getting married to someone who is a citizen of another country, be aware of the Immigration laws.. Americans are marrying foreigners at the rate of almost 225,000 year, and more than 2.5 million International couples have married and settled in the U.S. in the last three decades. The immigrant spouse must stay married and reside with a U.S. citizen for three years before the naturalization process can begin. One should be careful about violating immigration laws or else you and your non American spouse can be legally separated by deportation. Contact the INS for more affirmation about these issues and other international marriage laws .