Every Day is Magic: Ada Limón
In her 2015 collection, Bright Dead Things, a National Book Award finalist for poetry, Ada Limón writes of moving to Kentucky: “Confession: I did not want to live here.” It’s perhaps not a surprising sentiment coming from a coastally oriented person who was raised in Northern California, attended college in Seattle, and then spent over a decade in New York City.
But Limón and her husband, Lucas, have been in Lexington for seven years now and the effects of settling into this place are noticeable in her new book, The Carrying (Milkweed, Aug.). It’s a phenomenally lively and attentive collection replete with the trappings of living a little closer to nature. While Bright Dead Things is marked by a preponderance of light, such as images of fireflies and neon signs, The Carrying features numerous appearances by various trees, birds, and beetles. Limón also demonstrates a greater willingness to be explicit in naming colors, particularly green. “It’s crazy green, the whole book,” she says. “Lexington is the greenest place I’ve ever lived.” Similarly, where in Bright Dead Things, Limón tells a lot of stories and anecdotes, in The Carrying she is very present in her thoughts and experiences.
As it turns out, these shifts in focus have another, altogether unexpected source. While putting Bright Dead Things together, Limón was diagnosed with chronic vestibular neuronitis, which can cause bouts of vertigo. “If I’m really having vertigo, it’s pretty intense and I really have to focus,”
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Graduate School Realities and College Evolution of Latinas in the U.S. by Gustavo A. Mellander
“…Percentage of latinas with a master’s degree
Latinas have the lowest percentage of graduate degrees compared to all women of other non-Hispanic racial groups combined. In 2013, just 4 percent of Latinas had completed a Master’s degree or higher by age 29 compared to nearly 5 percent of black, 11 percent of white, and 22 percent of Asian women.27 A decade earlier less than 2 percent of Latinas held a graduate degree, so this represents more than a doubling of graduate degree holders. However, as with bachelor’s degrees, this progress has not been sufficient to close the significant gaps between Latinas and other women…
https://www.hispanicoutlook.com/articles/graduate-school-realities
College Enrollment & Student Demographic Statistics
“…As a percentage of the entire student population, the White or Caucasian demographic has decreased by 34.5% since 1976.
- 19.5% of the college student population is Hispanic or Latino, a 441.7% increase since 1976.
- 65.4% of students in this demographic attend public institutions; 34.6% enroll in 2-year colleges.
- 4.3 million college students are Hispanic or Latin….”
- https://educationdata.org/college-enrollment-statistics
Report discusses representation, issues faced by Latinx students in California
“Latinx students are graduating high school and enrolling in higher education at historically high rates, but they continue to experience barriers enrolling in and graduating from four-year colleges, according to a recent report about California’s Latinx student population…”
Latin Grammy Awards 2021: Complete Winners List
“The 22nd annual Latin Grammy Awards were held in Las Vegas at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on Thursday night. The ceremony honored Latin music released between June 1, 2020 and May 31, 2021.
Roselyn Sánchez, Ana Brenda Contreras and Carlos Rivera hosted; Gloria Estefan, Christina Aguilera, Bad Bunny, Ozuna, Rubén Blades and C. Tangana were among the many performers…”
https://www.nytimes.com/2021/11/18/arts/music/latin-grammys-winners-list.html
About the National Museum of the American Latino
“…On December 27, 2020, legislation passed calling for the Smithsonian to establish the National Museum of the American Latino. The new museum will be the cornerstone for visitors to learn how Latinos have contributed and continue to contribute to U.S. art, history, culture, and science. Additionally, it will serve as a gateway to exhibitions, collections, and programming at other Smithsonian museums, research centers, and traveling exhibition services…”
UCLA student takes dance moves to national level in commercial
“Alejandra Rodríguez has found her rhythm.
The third-year dance and political science student performed in a commercial for Fox Deportes, a division of Fox Sports broadcast in Spanish, that aired Oct. 26. The commercial celebrates the 25th anniversary of the network with newscasters and dancers moving to the song “Fuego” by Bomba Estéreo. This was her first appearance on a large national network and one of her first dance jobs since the COVID-19 pandemic, she said.
“There was a time where we couldn’t do what we love the most,” Rodríguez said. “To get work off of something that you love and is your passion – it’s a complete blessing.”…”https://dailybruin.com/2021/11/10/ucla-student-takes-dance-moves-to-national-level-in-commercial
How to make Veterans Day more meaningful for Vietnam Vets
“…More than nine million Americans served from Nov. 1, 1955, to May 15, 1975. Six million are still living, but commemorative partners can do more.
“These patriots and their families deserve the nation’s gratitude,” said Phil Waite, chief of strategic engagement for The United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration. “Our partners are the backbone of this national commemoration. We would be privileged to have your organization come alongside us in this noble mission.”…”
https://blogs.va.gov/VAntage/94075/how-to-make-veterans-day-more-meaningful-for-vietnam-vets/
Statewide Gender and Race/Ethnicity Pay Gaps in California Exceed $46 Billion Trusaic Analysis of California SB 973 Pay Data Identifies Large Pay Differences
“…Comparing white (non-Hispanic) and nonwhite (or Hispanic) employees, executives have the largest annual race/ethnicity pay gap per employee of about $12,700, followed by officials & managers (of about $10,400) and professionals (of about $7,800). The smallest race/ethnicity pay gaps per employee were found in service and laborers (both about $800).,,”
UCLA organization brings awareness to HIV/AIDS in Latino community at holiday event
“By Breanna Diaz
Oct. 28, 2021 6:22 p.m.
Art and community wellness are merging together for downtown Los Angeles’ Día de los Muertos celebration.
Marking the holiday observed from Nov. 1 to Nov. 2, Grand Park will host its ninth annual Downtown Día de los Muertos event. As part of the 12-day celebration, park-goers can visit art installations, altars and community workshops at the park. One altar featured in the park, operated by The Music Center in LA, was created by the UCLA organization the Los Angeles Family AIDS Network with the Latino Outreach Understanding Division. Their altar, which highlights the impact of HIV and AIDS on women and Latinos, is meant to create a discussion about HIV and AIDS, alumnus and director of the LAFAN Natalie Sanchez said…”
NPPC voices concerns over swine industry visa decisions
“…Created under the North American Free Trade Agreement, the TN visa allows Canadian and Mexican professionals to temporarily fill specific job openings in the United States. It is used widely in the swine industry as a way to source qualified and competent labor for farm jobs.
NPPC has received reports that eligible applicants have been denied entry into the country for no cause and cannot appeal such decisions. Other evidence suggests applicants have been rejected because of subjective interpretations of having “sufficient ties” to their home country and about their intent to return to it. The NPPC reports that in one case, a veterinarian with a clinic in Mexico was denied a TN visa and told the decision was final…”
https://www.thepigsite.com/news/2021/10/nppc-voices-concerns-over-swine-industry-visa-decisions
Shining a Light on U.S. Latinx Art and Artists
“If you go the website for pretty much any museum and search for art by Latinx artists from the United States—well, good luck finding it. More often than not, if you put in the search terms Latino, Chicano, Latinx, Hispanic, Nuyorican—nothing comes up.
It’s that kind of lack of visibility for Latinx artists in the U.S. that Adriana Zavala is working to overcome. Zavala is a professor in the Department of the History of Art and Architecture, and though her academic work has long focused on Mexican art, she has expanded it to include Latinx art in the U.S…
https://now.tufts.edu/articles/shining-light-us-latinx-art-and-artists
Latino coalition sues Texas government over ‘discriminatory district maps’
“95% of all new growth in the census came from either Latinos or other communities of color,” said Daniel Diaz, the director of organizing, LUPE.
Diaz said Latinos specifically have been packed into smaller districts.
“They’re being packed into one district so they don’t have enough representation in another district,” said Diaz.
Despite the growth in Latino populations, no new congressional districts reflect that, according to the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund (MALDEF)…”
Changing the face of science
“When Faith Bowman was deciding where to attend graduate school, the University of Utah wasn’t exactly at the top of her list. Coming from Wisconsin, she didn’t know much about the school or the state. But during her recruitment visit, an informal gathering with students from the all-inclusive University of Utah SACNAS (Society for Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science) chapter helped her see things differently. After talking with them, she knew that if she came, she would be surrounded by a supportive community. She chose the U, and three years later, that prediction has held true…”
https://attheu.utah.edu/facultystaff/changing-the-face-of-science/
Texas now more demographically diverse, 2020 Census count shows
“A majority of the Texas population is now made up of people identifying as racial and ethnic groups other than white, according to information released Aug. 12 by the U.S. Census Bureau. The information is based on the 2020 Census count and will be used by state legislators to draw up new political districts this fall.
A 15.9 percent increase in population netted Texas two additional members in Congress. The areas they will represent will be determined during a fall special session of the Texas Legislature.
The total population in Texas is now 29,145,505. According to the 2020 Census, the population is split into the follow percentages among racial and ethnic groups:
- White (non-Hispanic) — 39.8 percent, 11,584,597, up 187,252 from 2010
- Hispanic — 39.3 percent, 11,441,717, which is 1,980,796 more than in 2010
- Black or African American — 11.8 percent, 3,444,712, an increase of 557,887 from 2010
- Asian — 5.4 percent, 1,561,518, an increase of 613,092 from 2010…
- https://www.dailytrib.com/2021/08/13/texas-now-more-demographically-diverse-2020-census-count-shows/
UCLA announces new efforts to be designated as a Hispanic-Serving Institution
“…The university plans to create 15 new faculty lines for faculty whose work has ties to Latinx experiences, the Sept. 24 announcement said. Deans have the option to match these appointments, totaling 30 additional faculty. UCLA will also fund 20 postdoctoral fellowships for work on Latinx issues, the email said.
Over the next five years, the university also plans to allocate $1.25 million in grants for research that focuses on Latino populations, the announcement said. UCLA also plans to fund eight full-time positions and one part-time staff position to support Latinx student life and scholarship on campus over the next five years…”
History professor Omar Valerio-Jiménez uncovers the hidden figures of Texas history
“..
While conducting research for my current book on the use of collective memories of the U.S.-Mexican War as a motivation for civil rights struggles, I ran across an exchange of letters between four scholars/activists: Adina de Zavala, Elena Zamora O’Shea, José T. Canales and Carlos Castañeda.
These letters were fascinating to read because these scholars were discussing the way Texas history was taught in schools and its negative effects on Mexican American children. The 1935 exchange of letters between State Rep. Canales and scholar Castañeda was particularly fascinating because Canales was very optimistic that Texas history textbooks would change within five years. As we know from recent news articles regarding the state legislature’s attempts to dictate what school teachers can include about Texas history, the debate about what is included and excluded from textbooks continues today…”
https://www.utsa.edu/today/2021/10/story/Hidden-Figures-of-Texas-History.html
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Happening Today: Mayor Turner to honor Hispanic Heritage Award Winners
“…Ana Maria Martinez is the 2021 Mayor’s Hispanic Arts in the Community Award winner. The Grammy Award-winning soprano was born in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Martinez has 24 albums and an international career that spans the world’s most prestigious opera houses and concert halls. Ana Maria is also the first ever Artistic Advisor for the Houston Grand Opera and was recently designated Artist in Residence at Rice University’s Shepherd School of Music…”
‘Appreciation for one’s roots’: Latino professionals honor family heritage on social media
“Bismarck Lepe’s earliest memories of spending time with his parents riding in the family’s Ford Granada in the early 1980s as they went from Mexico to Southern California to pick lemons and strawberries, then to the Central Valley to pick apricots, peaches and nectarines, then to northern Washington to pick apples — and then back to Mexico.
In Gridley, California, especially, he remembered how the “brutally cold” mornings would become warm by noon. It became a kind of “Groundhog Day” routine as he followed his parents’ field work, occasionally sharing housing with other migrant workers along the West Coast and knowing just…”
Latinx Writers Couldn’t Get Hollywood’s Attention. So They Came Up With Another Way
“During last year’s Latinx Heritage Month, Nuyorican actor and filmmaker Dominique Nieves launched a mentorship initiative for up-and-coming Latinx television writers having a harder-than-normal time getting their foot in the door. Using the hashtag #ReadLatinxWriters, Nieves issued a call on Twitter for established industry professionals willing to read scripts from Latinx writers and provide feedback. Then, she deployed the hashtag to encourage aspiring writers to sign up for mentorships…”
https://www.refinery29.com/en-us/2021/09/10641181/latinx-authors-writers-representation-in-media
The new Latino landscape The swift growth of U.S. Latinos is reshaping big states and small towns. Meet the faces of a new era.
‘In New Hampshire, a Roman Catholic church where Irish and French Canadian immigrants used to worship now has the state’s largest Latino congregation. In the Deep South, a county in Georgia is one of the nation’s top 10 in diversity. Hispanics accounted for over half of the nation’s population growth in the last decade. This is not just reflected in larger cities, but in mountain towns, Southern neighborhoods and Midwestern prairies. “The Latino population has been dispersing across the United States for years — a reflection of where the nation’s population is moving and where opportunities are located,” said Mark Hugo Lopez, director of race and ethnicity research at the Pew Research Center…”
