Friday, July 29, 2005

Tango never stops in Nashville

The Tango Nashville group continues its seemingly non-stop schedule. In addition to last night's "Milonga" Argentine Tango Social Gathering, next week has two events on the schedule:

‘Tango: The Multicultural Effect’
An Interactive Stage Play
Friday, August 5, 2005
8:00 PM to 9:30 PM
Don't miss this fascintaing interactive stage play,that will guide you in a journey thru the birth and evolution of Tango. Explore the contribution of the multiple cultures that impacted the genesis of Tango. Featuring guest performer Clifton Chow from Boston Tango, and more surprise guests that will dazzle you with their dance and music performances.
Location:
Scarritt-Bennett Center
Harambee Auditorium
1008 19th. Ave. South
Nashville, TN 37212
615-340-7500
Tickets:
$12 for Tango Nashville Members
$15 for non-Members
$7 for students and seniors
*** $3 OFF if you purchase your ticket by 5 PM on AUGUST 3, 2005 ***
All tickets cash or check only
To purchase or reserve tickets contact:
Diana Holland: 615-889-3390, connect@tangonashville.com

Argentine Tango Workshops
Saturday, August 6, 2005
Beginner - 4 :00 PM to 5:30 PM
Intermediate - 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM
Location:
Global Education Center
4822 Charlotte Pike - and 49th Ave.
West Nashville, TN 37209
(ENTRANCE AROUND THE CORNER ON 49TH. AVE.)
Cost:
$12 for Tango Nashville Members
$15 for non-Members
*** $3 OFF if you purchase your ticket by 5 PM on AUGUST 3, 2005 ***
All regsitrations cash or check only
***Please wear closed-heel, leather-soled shoes or shoes that slide easily***
To register contact:
Diana Holland: 615-889-3390, connect@tangonashville.com

Thursday, July 28, 2005

Hispanic entrepreneurs thrive in Tennessee

Business Tennessee profiles several immigrant entrepreneurs from across the state:

"First generation Americans always have had to depend more on their wits and scrappiness than have their descendants. So it’s not surprising then that their paths to success make for some remarkably inspirational business stories.
In our first statewide look at some of Tennessee’s most successful immigrants, we tell some of these stories. Hailing from such places as Vietnam, Cuba and Iran - we seem to be blessed with talented folks who fled politically repressed nations - our immigrants have brought with them ample amounts of pluck and knowledge. While several that we profile began their American odysseys washing dishes and pumping gas, many brought with them technical skills that immediately boosted our economy and standard of living."

"Tennessee is lucky that these productive souls chose the Volunteer State as the field on which to play the American game of capitalism. Their successes contribute to the vitality of the state and are wonderful inspirations for those of us whose ancestors had the moxie to leave their home nations and settle in Tennessee."

The profiled entrepreneurs include Erly and Maria Alonso of Cuba, creators of Flight Support Solutions at the Memphis International Airport; Manuel Cuevas of Mexico, Nashville's tailor to the stars who was recently the subject of an exhibition at the Frist Center for the Visual Arts; Susana Navarro-Valenti of Mexico, whose $20 million Oak Ridge business does hazardous waste cleanup for the U.S. government; Hernan Montalvo of Chile, founder of InterSky Inc., a successful Memphis airline parts repair and supply company; and Colombian Fuad Reveiz, former UT football star and NFL pro-bowler who became a forward-thinking Knoxville developer with additional ventures in broadcasting and custom embroidery.

Wednesday, July 27, 2005

Mexican Consulate plans August 6 visit to Nashville

Catholic Charities at Woodbine recently announced an August 6 Nashville visit by the Mexican Consulate in Atlanta:

Mexico has issued the matricula consular since 1870 to its nationals living abroad in case they had need of consular assistance. It’s purpose and use was totally benign and of no concern to any host country, including the United States.

But after 9/11, our tolerance for permitting illegal aliens to reside in the U.S. abated considerably, coupled with a new-found determination to increase the reliability of U.S.-issued identification documents. This environment made it likely that life would become more difficult for millions of Mexican citizens residing here with no identity papers.

So Mexico decided to try to win widespread acceptance of the matricula consular as a substitute for U.S.-issued identification. To accomplish this it had to convince local, state and federal government agencies and U.S. business entities that the matricula is a secure identity document.

The face of the matricula was redesigned to make it bilingual and to include a local U.S. address, recognizing that America wanted more secure identity documents.

The Mexican Consulate in Atlanta will visit Nashville, Tennessee next August 6th,, 2005 to issue 400 Matriculas Consulares at the Woodbine Community Organization, on 222 Oriel Ave., Nashville, TN 37210, from 8:00 am to 4:00pm.

Catholic Charities at Woodbine, wants to inform you about this event that is sponsored by OrganizaciĆ³n Latina de Nashville (Nashville Latino Organization), Woodbine Community Organization, the “La Ley” 1380 AM radio station and United Way.

Please feel welcome to come and join us meeting our Mexican Consul in Atlanta.

Thank you for your attention.
Catholic Charities at Woodbine
Latino Services

For more information please feel free to call:
Catholic Charities at WCO - Leticia Alvarez or Leticia Gonzalez at (615) 850-3449

Tuesday, July 26, 2005

Suspense novel probes tensions in Nashville's immigrant revival; signing tonight at Borders

Blood of AngelsThe Nashville City Paper reports that Blood of Angels, by Reed Arvin, explores a disturbing side of Nashville's relationship with its blossoming immigrant community.

"He's been at various times a cattle rancher and a professional musician, but Reed Arvin is now a highly successful mystery and suspense author. His current book Blood of Angels (HarperCollins) spotlights his latest character Thomas Dennehy, a senior prosecutor in Davidson County, and it profiles an explosive case that incorporates both rising racial/immigrant tensions, intra-office politics and an odd romance."

"The book provides readers with a look at a changing Nashville, something Arvin, who signs copies of his new novel Tuesday night at Borders, said he really wanted to chronicle."

The book signing is at 7 p.m. Tuesday at Borders Book Store at 2501 West Ave. Cost is free; more information at 327-9656.

The International Herald Tribune reviewed the book earlier this month:

"Did he send an innocent man to the death chamber years earlier? New DNA evidence suggests he did. And will he do it again with a Sudanese immigrant named Moses Bol? Bol is accused of murdering a white woman and Arvin describes a racially polarized melting pot that bears no relation to country-music Nashville. As someone in Blood of Angels puts it, 'Welcome to the new South, pal.'"

"Dennehy's narrative is refreshingly sardonic: 'a handful of tourists are wandering around, probably wondering why Toby Keith or somebody isn't standing on a street corner playing guitar.' And Arvin works hard to articulate the city's racial tensions. He risks letting Dennehy sneer, and he surrounds his main character with cynics."

"'Maybe in Sudan, he's a genius,' one says of Bol, who is given very short shrift here because he speaks no English. 'He's probably the greatest cow herder in the history of the African continent.' Now Bol rounds up shopping carts at a Wal-Mart."

From the publisher's comments:

"Thomas Dennehy, senior prosecutor in Davidson County, Tennessee, doesn't recognize Nashville anymore: a decade of relentless immigration means cops are learning Spanish, and the DA's office is looking for Vietnamese translators."

Monday, July 25, 2005

Twenty-seven foreign language scholarships awarded

The Tennessee Foreign Language Institute announced that 27 individuals were awarded scholarships toward language and professional development courses offered by TFLI for the 2005 summer term:


Through the generosity of the Wallace N. Rasmussen and the scholarship program that bears his name, these students will pursue courses in Arabic, Chinese, English as a Second Language (ESL), French, German, Portuguese, Spanish – for both children and adults, and courses for Teachers of ESL (TESL).

Mr. Wallace N. Rasmussen, a businessman and philanthropist who has made a lifetime commitment to helping others achieve the formal education he never had, contributes annually to support and raise awareness of cultural and foreign language learning opportunities in Tennessee.

For more information on the scholarship program and the courses and services available at TFLI, please visit our website: www.foreignlanguages.org

Friday, July 22, 2005

Scene contest gets record number of "xenophobic redneck" entries

The Nashville Scene reports that its Annual "You Are So Nashville If..." issue brought in a record number of entries this year implying a hatred of immigrants:

"This year's entries also included a record number of slights to our growing diversity. While no one actually said, 'You are so Nashville if you hate immigrants,' we know you were headed there. Memo to xenophobic rednecks: unless your Paleolithic great-great-granddaddy was fighting a saber-tooth tiger in the basement of the AmSouth building, you're an immigrant too. So, to all y'all who bitched about having to learn how to say 'all y'all' in Spanish, we created a special category of anti-awards: 'Get-Over-It.'"

The Scene published only two of the offending entries, which were tamer and fewer than a single days' worth of immigration-related comments in the online Nashville City Paper (see this series of comments in response to today's editorial favoring the McCain-Kennedy immigration reform bill to the Kyl-Cornyn proposal).

A USA Today editorial speculated from recent headlines that the mood in the South is souring against expatriates. A 2002 MTSU poll showed Middle Tennesseans harboring increasingly negative opinions about Hispanics and expatriates.

Thursday, July 21, 2005

Mexican NASCAR driver will race at Music City Motorplex

WhoWon.com reports that Oscar Ruiz, a Mexican NASCAR driver, will race July 29 at the Music City Motorplex.

"Oscar Ruiz, one of the top young drivers in the new NASCAR Mexico Desafio Corona series, will race on July 29 at the Music City Motorplex in Nashville. The 'Vampire' as Ruiz is known in Mexico, will drive the GM powered NASCAR Late Model stock car that took NASCAR Busch Series champ Randy LaJoie to third place on June 10 at the Motorplex."

"Music City Motorplex President Joe Mattioli has long been a supporter of NASCAR Mexico and has been actively pursuing the Hispanic community in Nashville. Hispanic programs at the Motorplex include bilingual signage, bilingual personnel and announcers, a Spanish page on its web site, Latino menu choices at concession stands and now a Mexican driver for the first time."

Eva Melo’s Latin Market Communications from Nashville handles the track's Hispanic marketing. Nashville's Spanish-language broadcast television station Telefutura will also support the marketing effort. In Mexico, promotions include flying over fifty prize-winning fans to Nashville.

Gates open at 6pm. The first race starts at 8:05pm. Tickets are $10 for adults and free for children 11 and under.

Wednesday, July 20, 2005

ICONS 2: Comedy of Jade Esteban Estrada returns to Nashville Thursday night

Vicarious PR sent out this press release of ICONS, starring Jade Esteban Estrada and directed by David Miguel Estrada.


Who: Jade Esteban Estrada, Winner of the 2004 Audience Favorite Award in Solo Performance

What: ICONS: The Lesbian and Gay History of the World, Vol. 2

When: Thursday, July 21, 2005

Time: 7:00 PM and 10:00 PM

Where: Historic Blu Night Club

Location: 1713 Church Street, Nashville, Tennessee

More info: 615-399-6760 or IconsinNashville@aol.com. Tickets $10

ORDER YOUR TICKETS TODAY!

Synopsis for ICONS 2: ICONS: The Lesbian and Gay History of the World, Vol. 2 continues the journey of the historical tour using the voices of Alexander the Great, Queen Christina of Sweden, Susan B. Anthony, Billie Jean King, Harvey Milk and 9/11 hero Mark Bingham. Written and starring Jade Esteban Estrada (Comedy Central, HBO Latino). Directed by David Miguel Estrada. Additional musical arrangements by Tracy Stark. Running time: 75 minutes.

"Brilliantly funny."
LET'S GO AUSTIN

Nashville Hispanic Chamber mixer this Thursday

The Nashville Area Hispanic Chamber of Commerce* will be holding its monthly mixer this Thursday night:


NAHCC BUSINESS AFTER HOURS

THURSDAY, JULY 21, 2005, 5:30 to 8:30 PM, LAS CAZUELAS RESTAURANT
4114 NOLENSVILLE ROAD

Please join us at the newly opened restaurant Las Cazuelas for our montly member Business After Hours.

We will be officially launching our "Perfect 10" promotion. By offering a 10% discount to our members your business name will appear in our webpage, in Spanish print media display ads, flyiers, posters and in special mailings to members and friends of the NAHCC.


*There are two Hispanic chambers of commerce in Nashville: the Nashville Area Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and the Tennessee Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

Tuesday, July 19, 2005

Dismal turnout for Mexican soccer in Nashville and Charlotte

The Tennessean reports that last Friday's soccer match at the Coliseum drew only a few thousand fans, much less than the hoped-for 15,000, and also less than the turnout of 11,000 for a similar event last year that was held on a weekday. The featured Mexican rivals, Atlas and Tecos, also drew a tiny crowd of 1,000 in Charlotte on Sunday, according to News 14 Carolina.

"Mexican premier soccer league teams Atlas and Tecos played to a 2-2 exhibition game tie in front of a few thousand fans at the Coliseum."

"There was no official crowd estimate given, but attendance was far lower than the 15,000 for which promoters had hoped."

In Charlotte, "[m]any sa[id] ticket prices were just too high – costing anywhere from $35 to $80."

Fans in Nashville also recalled free parking at last year's event. Parking at the Coliseum cost $10 this year.

Monday, July 18, 2005

Nashville group contemplates day laborer center

The Thompson Lane Murfreesboro Road Action Group has scheduled a meeting to discuss the possibility of a day laborer hiring hall in that neighborhood. The meeting will be in the first floor conference room of the Executive South Office building, 1161 Murfreesboro Road, at 11:30 a.m, Tuesday, July 26. Nashville currently has no day laborer centers, and there is no public debate here on the issue. The Wall Street Journal reports today in this free story on the contrasting activist movements in communities across the country that build (or think about building) centers for expatriate day laborers. It may be a picture of what is to come in Music City.

"The number of immigrant day laborers is rising fast on the heels of the construction boom. Immigrants who lack permanent employment, relying instead on jobs that may change from one day to the next, are a fixture of the U.S. economy, numbering as many as one million nationwide, according to advocacy groups. A substantial number of these workers -- no one knows how many -- are in the U.S. illegally."

"It falls chiefly to individual communities to manage this labor pool and related issues of public safety and quality of life. Some municipalities have responded by opening hiring halls for day laborers; others have banned curbside soliciting. Now, the issue is becoming a magnet for activist groups on both sides of the broader political debate over immigration."

For a primer on day laborers and the groups that fight for and against them, look for the award-winning documentary Farmingville. The film was shown in the 2004 Nashville Film Festival.

New workshops will arm Hispanics against consumer fraud

The Tennessean reports that the Tennessee Division of Consumer Affairs and the Nashville Area Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (NAHCC)* are teaming up to steer Hispanic consumers away from consumer fraud and to help victims find relief.

"The joint effort will include workshops for Hispanic consumers to help them be on guard against misleading business deals. The division is working on translating related educational materials into the Spanish language by this fall. Workshops could begin as early as next month, officials said."

"Some immigrants are not aware of their consumer protection rights or who to call for help, said Mary Clement, director of the state's division of consumer affairs, part of the State Department of Commerce and Insurance."

"After a consumer files a complaint, the division tries to mediate the dispute. If a business is uncooperative, it can be listed on the division's buyer beware list, Clement said."

NAHCC President Yuri Cunza said that "his group intends to make that list available online at the chamber's Web site — nashvillehispanicchamber.com — and distribute it to the Spanish-language newspaper La Noticia and radio station WHEW 1380-AM 'La Ley.'"

"The most common complaints Cunza hears deal with predatory lenders and questionable car or home purchase contracts, he said."

NewsChannel5 also published this report.

*There are two Hispanic chambers of commerce in Nashville: the Nashville Area Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and the Tennessee Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

Friday, July 15, 2005

TONIGHT: Professional Mexican soccer at the Coliseum

The Tennessean reports on tonight's professional soccer match between two Mexican rivals: last year's nationally ranked No. 2 team Tecos and their long-time rival, Atlas. The story notes that Atlas hired away Tecos' head coach less than a month ago, and sponsors estimate a crowd of 15,000 at the Coliseum in Nashville, where the Tennessee Titans play.

"[T]he competitive fires were stoked that much higher less than a month ago when Daniel Guzman — the coach who'd led Tecos from a ranking of 16 to 2 and guided the team into the national championship last season — left the organization to become coach at Atlas."

"'A lot of teams might feel like it's OK to tie or lose in an exhibition game, ... but these teams never play like it's an exhibition."

"'Atlas is famous for a style of play where everyone touches the ball, like the Brazilians. Tecos is more aggressive and hard-charging.'"

Tecos is returning to Nashville for the first time since its match last year at the Coliseum against Major League Soccer's Los Angeles Galaxy. Approximately 11,000 fans came to that game.

"Gates open at 5 p.m., Nashville Metros vs. local Hispanic all-stars at 5:15, Tecos vs. Atlas at 7."

"Tickets: $35-$65, with 50 percent discounts for children 12 and under."

Latin dancing weekend heats up tonight through Sunday

Tango Nashville sent out this press release of dance events starting tonight and lasting through Sunday:

Get ready for a hot, HOT weekend of Latin dance and socializing!

Friday, July 15 - 11 PM to 1 AM
Impromptu Performances - Salsa and Tango
by Gaston Vidarte, Miami instructor and performer, and Tango Nashville’s Troupe
Ibiza Night Club
15128 Old Hickory Blvd.
Nashville, TN 37211
615-331-0382
Cover: $10 for men; free for ladies
Contact: April Scott at salsera@salsanashville.com, www.salsanashville.com



Saturday, July 16 - 6 PM to 7:30 PM
BEGINNER Argentine Tango Workshop with MariaPia De Pasquale
Ibiza Night Club
15128 Old Hickory Blvd.
Nashville, TN 37211
615-331-0382
$12 for Tango Nashville Members (cash or check only)
$15 for non-Tango Nashville Members (cash or check only)
* Please wear closed-heel, leather-soled shoes or shoes that slide easily
Contact: Diana Holland, 615-889-3390, connect@tangonashville.com
www.tangonashville.com



Saturday, July 16 - 7:30 PM to 9:00 PM
INTERMEDIATE Argentine Tango Workshop with MariaPia De Pasquale
Ibiza Night Club
15128 Old Hickory Blvd.
Nashville, TN 37211
615-331-0382
$12 for Tango Nashville Members (cash or check only)
$15 for non-Tango Nashville Members (cash or check only)
* Please wear closed-heel, leather-soled shoes or shoes that slide easily
Contact: Diana Holland, 615-889-3390, connect@tangonashville.com
www.tangonashville.com


Saturday, July 16 - 10 PM to 2 AM
Social Dance with Salsa and Tango Performances
by Gaston Vidarte and Tango Nashville’s Troupe
Club Tormenta Nights
207 Printer’s Alley
Nashville, TN 37201
615-593-0901
Cover: $10 for men; free for ladies
Contact: April Scott at salsera@salsanashville.com, www.salsanashville.com
OR Diana Holland at 615-889-3390, connect@tangonashville.com
www.tangonashville.com


Sunday, July 17 - 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Salsa Workshop with Gaston Vidarte: Ladies’ and Men’s Shines/Footwork
Ibiza Night Club
15128 Old Hickory Blvd.
Nashville, TN 37211
615-331-0382
$20 for one Salsa workshop or $35 for two Salsa workshops
(cash or check only)
* Please wear closed-heel, leather-soled shoes or shoes that slide easily
Contact: April Scott at salsera@salsanashville.com, www.salsanashville.com


Sunday, July 17 - 3:00 PM to 4:30 PM
Salsa Workshop with Gaston Vidarte: Combinations
Ibiza Night Club
15128 Old Hickory Blvd.
Nashville, TN 37211
615-331-0382
$20 for one Salsa workshop or $35 for two Salsa workshops
(cash or check only)
* Please wear closed-heel, leather-soled shoes or shoes that slide easily
Contact: April Scott at salsera@salsanashville.com, www.salsanashville.com

Saturday celebration of Colombian Independence Day

The Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition sent out this notice regarding a local celebration of Colombian Independence Day:

Colombia Independence Day Celebration

Saturday July 16
12pm-6pm

St. Edward's Catholic Church
188 Thompson Lane, Nashville
Between Nolensville and I-24

Music, folklore, dance, DJ, Latin Band, traditional food, handicraft, cultural exhibition, youth and kids recreation, raffles, soccer, exhibition game

The Colombians in Tennessee are inviting you to learn more about the REAL Colombia!

Invite by the Columbian Independence Day Nashville Organizing Committee

Thursday, July 14, 2005

Police get volunteer interpreters through Cricket donation

The Tennessean reports that the Nashville police department has teamed up with the Cricket cell phone company to use community volunteer interpreters.

"Whether they're writing a traffic ticket or investigating a crime, every day Metro police officers deal with more and more Nashville residents who don't speak English."

"Hoping to bridge the gap between police and the rapidly growing Spanish-speaking population, police have teamed to create the 'Cricket El Protector Communication Program' to put 16 donated cell phones into the hands of volunteer translators."

"The partnership with cell phone provider Cricket Communications will put bilingual interpreters at the disposal of Metro police 24 hours a day."

"The volunteers receiving the new phones are all bilingual and have passed a translation test, Cricket officials said. They will be on call on a rotating basis. Officers can utilize their skills when dealing with non-felony incidents, such as making traffic stops, investigating accidents or responding to complaints from Hispanic households and businesses."

"Spanish-speaking officers still will be called on to do on-scene translation and handle major crimes, police officials said."

"Cricket officials decided to donate the mobile phones and service after an article in The Tennessean described some of the difficulties officers were having communicating with the local Hispanic and Latino community, said Alan Leser, the area general manager for Cricket Communications."

The Nashville City Paper also published this report.

Wednesday, July 13, 2005

Argentine brothers play for Nashville Metros soccer team

The Nashville City Paper reports on two brothers from Argentina who joined the team this season and are becoming key players.

"The Nashville Metros have a couple of Argentine aces up their sleeve."

"In Guillermo Ara and younger brother Ignacio Ara, the Metros have two young soccer players who have added a lot of hustle, determination and a little South American charisma to the team."

"Guillermo’s nickname is Mito, and Ignacio’s nickname is Nacho, both normal derivatives for their real names from their native country."

"Born in Mendoza, Argentina, the Aras worked their way to North America on college scholarship, both starting at Mid-Continent University in Mayfield, Ky. Mito’s team reached the conference finals in 2003."

"Nacho transferred to Trevecca for his final two years, graduating this past May. While with the Trojans, he made the NAIA All-Trans South academic team."

"Last week, Mito was named to the Premier Developmental League team of the week after his all-around game in a recent 3-0 win over New Orleans."

"[Metros Coach Obed] Compean has been disappointed that players like the Aras haven’t drawn the expected numbers from Hispanic fans in the Nashville area to the games in significant numbers."

Tuesday, July 12, 2005

Two percent of Franklin Fire Department is Hispanic; mayor and chief look to hire more

The Tennessean reports that the Chief of the Franklin Fire Department and the Mayor of Franklin are looking for more Hispanic applicants to jobs in the Deparment. Of all uniformed personnel in the Franklin Fire Department, only 2%, or three out of 135, are Hispanic.

"...Franklin Fire Chief Rocky Garzarek said he sees the need for more diversity in his department. Garzarek said he'd like to hire more women and more Hispanics to better reflect the diversity of Franklin."

"'We reflect very well the diversity of our African-American community demographically in the Fire Department. Where we're really losing ground is on the Hispanics and numbers of females...' Garzarek said."

"Of the 135 uniformed personnel in the Franklin Fire Department, 12 are black men, three are Hispanic men and one is a white woman. The rest are white men."

"Franklin Mayor Tom Miller has urged the recruitment of more minority candidates by advertising in African-American communities and colleges. Garzarek said he believes the city should form a workplace-diversity committee to recruit more minorities and women."

"A group of African-American firefighters in Franklin say there aren't enough minorities and the minorities the department has don't get promoted."

Monday, July 11, 2005

Hispanic Catholics given partial credit for growth in Tennessee schools

The Tennessean reports that Hispanics in Tennessee are part of the reason that Catholic schools are doing so well here.

"Catholic schools in Middle Tennessee are bucking a national trend: They're growing."

"It's slow and steady growth, but the Diocese of Nashville - which has 22 elementary, middle and high schools within its 38-county reach - has added five schools and about 750 students in the past seven years."

"One reason Catholic schools, which have been in this area since the 1800s, have grown in recent years is the steady growth of new Catholics in the Nashville area and the South in general. Some of it comes from the influx of Hispanic families, many of whom are Catholic, and the migration of Northerners to this region."

Hispanic Southern Baptists thank God in Nashville convention

The Baptist Press reports that Hispanic congregations from across the U.S. met and evangelized in Nashville last month:

"Gerald Davidson, first vice president of the SBC and a Missouri pastor, was present on behalf of SBC President Bobby Welch to bring a word of greetings from the SBC. Davidson thanked God 'for what is happening in the Hispanic fellowship and how it is growing in the SBC.'"

"Hispanics, Davidson said, are 'the largest ethnic group in the land and we need to give attention to reaching these people for Jesus Christ.'"

"Carmelo Arias told participants at the annual National Fellowship of Hispanic Southern Baptist Churches' annual reunion June 18-19 he went with several local leaders in an 'expedition of door-to-door witnessing that God richly blessed.'"

"The week prior to the meetings, five local Hispanic churches participated in a special evangelistic crusade, 'Hay Vida en Jesus' (There is Life in Jesus), during Crossover Nashville. More than 250 professions of faith were recorded as a result of door-to-door witnessing and nightly revival meetings."

The Tennessean reported that a church planting celebration attracted Hispanic Southern Baptists from across the country:

"The celebration was at The People's Church in Franklin, where hundreds of Hispanic churchgoers filled up the auditorium inside the worship center. Eighteen states were represented, [program coordinator Bobby] Sena said."

"He said a lot of people in the Hispanic community are not involved in any church and that it's important to plant churches because it cultivates the community and allows them to know Jesus Christ."

"After praise and worship and music entertainment, the Lifetime SBC Hispanic Church Planting Award was presented to missionary Mauricio Vargas."

Friday, July 8, 2005

Hispanic professionals among newest Leadership Nashville class

"Forty-four business and community leaders were picked yesterday for Leadership Nashville's 30th class, a nine-month program designed to help community leaders develop as decision makers."

"The course starts in September and asks participants to take part in a study of the community, focusing on issues related to government, media, education, business, labor, diversity, quality of life, human services, health, arts and entertainment and criminal justice. The goal is to expose participants to various viewpoints to encourage decision-making from a 'broadened, enlightened perspective,' [executive director, Jerry B.] Williams said."

Among the hand-picked class are local Hispanic professionals Jose Gonzalez, executive director of Conexion Americas; and Maria Salas, attorney.

Thursday, July 7, 2005

Cries of Minuteman heard in Hamblen County

A Hamblen County resident aims to form a Tennessee-based "Minuteman" group targeting underground expatriates. He's Native American and paints his sentiment as consistent with his people's struggles against Europeans. Hamblen County leaders are hesitant to endorse the idea, but it resonates among those who are uncomfortable with their Hispanic neighbors.

"Carl 'Two Feathers' Whitaker, an American Indian activist and erstwhile Tennessee gubernatorial candidate, tapped into a splinter group called Arizona Border Watch on a trip to Arizona in April and brought the movement back to Tennessee."

"Morristown Area Chamber of Commerce president Thom Robinson, who grew up in Montgomery, Ala., in the '60s and knows the terms and tactics long associated with hate groups like the Ku Klux Klan, said the group is practicing 'the same sort of dogmatism that racists used against blacks in lower Alabama and across the South.'"

"Whitaker seems an unlikely leader for the Minutemen. But he said his American Indian heritage gives him insight into the cause. 'We know better than anybody about being pushed around,' he said."

"Red pins in a map of Tennessee hanging by his desk denote like-minded people interested in the Minutemen. Whitaker claims he's heard from more than 120 potential recruits from Morristown in the Smoky Mountain foothills to Memphis in the southwest corner of the state."

"'There are people who would just as soon pick up a gun and shoot somebody walking down the road because, hey, their family got cut off from TennCare and he knows that Mexican over there is on it. You have that mentality all throughout Tennessee,' said Minuteman supporter Ron Livingston, a computer technician."

Update: Reader Response

As a Menominee Indian I would like to make a statement concerning an article posted on your website. In NO shape or form does Carl Whitaker represent me or many, many other American Indian's opinion towards the Latino communities of the South. We are aware that the majority of our Latino brothers and sisters are also Indigenous and we clearly understand that Latino people have always been a part of this land. We know that many of them were forcibly pushed further South across a newly formed imaginary border by the advent of manifest destiny and the illegal taking of their lands.

Indigenous people throughout the world have historically shared a common thread when it comes to being displaced from their homelands and obviously Carl’s lack of knowledge in this area is revealed by his negative stance towards Latino people. For a few years now Indian communities have been encountering people such as Carl whose only goal appears to be self indulging propaganda by claiming Native American heritage without any proof.

Those who promote vigilantism must also shoulder the responsibility of the resulting bias and hatred that could cause many people to be unjustly targeted and profiled because of how they look and/or sound. These same people are actively promoting the very same kind of racist hatred that American Indians have been subjected to from the moment the very first white man stepped upon this continent.

I do not welcome or need Carl Whitaker to represent how I feel!

Kathleen Wesho-Bauer
North Little Rock, Arkansas
501-603-2138

Wednesday, July 6, 2005

International Hispanic Fair headed for Nashville in August

This press release announces an "International Hispanic Fair" scheduled for August 13 and 14 at Nashville's Municipal Auditorium:

Golden Voice Media, LLC announces the coming of the International Hispanic Fair to Nashville. The event is scheduled to be presented on August 13th and 14th, 2005 at the Nashville Municipal Auditorium and is sure to provide an exciting, fun-filled, carnival type atmosphere for the entire family to enjoy. The fair will feature exhibits, carnival games, food, music, live entertainment and much more.

Special attractions for the event will include a Beauty Pageant, wherein the winner will receive a grand prize package including cash and prizes valued at over $5000.00 along with a one year modeling contract. There will also be a Musical Talent Showcase featuring live bands and singers competing for a grand prize package which includes a national recording and management contract valued at over $30,000.00

Fair organizers are excited to bring this illustrious event to Middle Tennessee as a means providing wholesome, family entertainment for the Hispanic community as well as offering an opportunity for native Tennesseans to experience and enjoy the unique culture of the Hispanic people. The event will be fun, exciting, entertaining and educational for everyone. No matter what the ethnic background, everyone is welcome.

All day ticket prices for the fair will be $12.00 for adults and $8.00 for Children under 16. Children 8 and under will be admitted free of charge.

For follow-up information, please contact:
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Friday, July 1, 2005

Beginnings of Salsa En Nashville

The Nashville City Paper previewed a recent Salsa en Nashville performance at the Belle Meade Plantation and highlighted band leader Al DeLory's musical pedigree:

"'Latin music was always my main love,' [Pianist and bandleader Al] DeLory said. 'I was playing that long before getting into the pop and country, and right now I'm devoting complete attention and focus on it. When you're working within the Latin context, you've always got to think about not just the instrumental component, but about dance and vocals as well, because people always want to dance at our shows. The first part of the Sunday set will be instrumental, and the second half we'll present a lot of our vocal things.'"

"While he also had excelled as a session pianist on the West Coast and appeared on recordings produced by Brian Wilson and Phil Spector, DeLory's biggest acclaim resulted from huge hits he produced for Glen Campbell like 'By The Time I Get To Phoenix' and 'Wichita Lineman,' plus 'Gentle On My Mind' for John Hartford. He also collaborated with Nick Venet and Fred Darlan on the score for the film Out of Sight and even had a chart hit with a single of 'Theme From Mash (Suicide Is Painless).'"

"A 1998 trip to Cuba, where he studied with Arturo Sandoval's former musical director, among others, inspired DeLory to create a larger group that would combine the rhythmic energy of Latin and Afro-Cuban styles with the improvisational edges of jazz. The band was initially called Mambo 98-Salsa En Nashville, later evolving into Salsa En Nashville. Besides doing dates throughout the Southeast, Salsa En Nashville has begun making appearances downtown at the new Club Tormenta (formerly Club Caliente)."
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