Let's Celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month!

National Hispanic Heritage Month Poster [HP10]

A brief history on National Hispanic Heritage Month:

Hispanic Heritage Month is the period to recognize the contributions of Hispanic Americans to the United States and to celebrate Hispanic heritage and culture. The observation started in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week was approved by President Lyndon Johnson and was expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to cover a 30-day period starting on September 15 and ending on October 15. It was enacted into Law on August 17, 1988 on the approval of Public Law 100-402.

"September 15 was chosen as the starting point for the celebration because it is the anniversary of independence of five Latin American countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. They all declared independence in 1821. In addition, Mexico, Chile and Belize celebrate their independence days on September 16, September 18 and September 21, respectively. "

This year especially it is important for us to celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month by demonstrating the importance of the contributions and culture we of Hispanic heritage have made. Not only in the arts but also as political and social leaders.

Growing up in Los Angeles (the melting pot many cultures) it is amazing to see just how many background of Hispanic/Latino cultures are intermixed with everyday life. There are so many places in Los Angeles that one visits that reminds us of this. From El Pubelo “Olivera Street” downtown, to the berths in San Pedro… so many flavors of Hispanic/Latino life all around.

Food, oh let’s not forget the many flavors this rich culture has brought to America. Tacos, Burritos, Salsas, Moles, the list goes on and on… Mouth watering foods on our plates that make our taste buds happy day in and day out in the city of Angels. From the Salvadorian Pupusa to the Argentine Empanada, we are lucky to have such variety of dishes available to us on a daily basis.

Contributions not only from flavorful food, but from the many talents that have come from these colorful countries. Artists such as the Queen of Salsa “Celica Cruz” and Academy Award winning Penelope Cruz, have given our youth the inspiration to go forward with their creative culture and talents. Political figures such as Congressman Xavier Becerra, and Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis– wonderful role models for a new generation of Hispanic/Latino leaders… our future. Yes Hispanic Heritage Month is a great time to celebrate! A celebration not only of culture and tradition, but the many contributions of Hispanic/Latino Americans.

Sí Se Puede! Yes we can!

To purchase this poster visit Diversity Graphics.

DEAF AWARENESS WEEK

Deaf Awarness Week is celebrated across the country the last week of September. There are many events held during this time to celebrate the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community as well as many educational events.

Locally in Los Angeles here are some events provided by GLAD that you and your family can attend or participate in:

Eyes of Deafness: Photographs by Deaf and Hard of Hearing Adults
September 2-29
fINdings Art Center
470 W. 6th Street
San Pedro, CA 90731

This is part of the Art Walk, so there will be many other galleries open as well as cafes and restaurants within walking distance of fINdings. This is a great opportunity to explore and discover an historical neighborhood that has been revitalized. The gallery is open Thursday-Saturday from 6-9 p.m. or by special appointment.


American Sign Language Courses – Fall 2010
September-November
2222 Laverna Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90041
10-week courses
ASL I: Saturdays, 9 a.m.-noon, Sept. 18-Nov. 20 (required book to purchase: VISTA Signing Naturally Level One)
ASL II: Thursdays, 6-9 p.m., Sept. 16-Nov. 18 (required book to purchase: VISTA Signing Naturally Level One)
ASL III: Tuesdays, 6-9 p.m., Sept. 14-Nov. 16 (required book to purchase: VISTA Signing Naturally Level Two)
(These books can be found on amazon.com)
REGISTRATION CLOSED


Hearing Loss Technology Expo
Wednesday, September 22
6-8:30 p.m.
2222 Laverna Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90041

DEAFestival Los Angeles 2010
Saturday, September 25
Noon-6 p.m.
Woodley Park
6350 Woodley Avenue
Van Nuys, CA 91406

Councilmember Huizar of CD-14 is sponsoring a bus for people who need transportation to DEAFestival in Van Nuys on Saturday, September 25. It is free for riders but there are limited seats! Contact Elizabeth at eluttrell@gladinc.org or 866-939-3149 VP to RSVP on a first come, first serve basis! Reservations end Wednesday, September 22. People who are guaranteed a seat will receive an e-mail or phone call from Elizabeth Luttrell with further details, so please provide your contact information.


Grand Opening of GLAD’s Visual Communications Center
Wednesday, September 29
4-6 p.m.
2222 Laverna Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90041
Reception, opening remarks by GLAD CEO, Dr. Patty Hughes, and special guests, red-ribbon cutting ceremony and demonstrations of videophone technology.

Celebrating International Day of Sign Language Rights: Californians for ASL 2010
Thursday, September 30
State Capitol, North Side
10th Street & L Street
Sacramento, CA 95814

Celebrate American Sign Language and the World Federation of the Deaf’s Proclamation of International Day of Sign Languages, hosted by the California Association of the Deaf.

GLAD is a wonderful organization and if you ever wanted do volunteer work this organization is a friendly and great place to do it.   I am fortunate to work with Dr. Patricia Hughes and Rachel Braver on many of GLAD events.  Hats off to GLAD and their stuff and a happy Deaf Awareness Week!

9/11... My view on this traggic day.

The anniversary of 911… 9 years ago. I remember exactly what I was doing and what was happening that day. I wake up pretty much the same time everyday (between 5:00 – 5:30 am) I always turn on the radio to listen the the mornings new as I get ready to take my shower, but this particular day I would be interrupted by the shocking news. At first the news was sketchy but still interesting enough to make me stop and walk out of the bath room and tell my husband that a plane had crashed into the twin towers…. he thought I was joking (as I often do to get his attention) but I assured him that I was not and we turned on the tele to Channel 5 News. It was at that moment that the reality set in. It was at that time we watched in horror as the second plane crashed straight into the second tower! Needless to say the fear started to set in as I quickly grabbed my phone and called my neighbor Barbara Sandoval to see if she was aware of the happenings.

I learned something important that day from Barbara… Go straight to the store, buy some groceries and take out as much money you can from the ATM! It was the best advice anyone gave me that day as soon after the banks would be closed, the planes wouldn’t be flying and life just changed… changed in seconds (too bad Obama’s change has not come as fast!).

Ronn Savala (my husband) was working for a company and had booked several education classes in Las Vegas that week to educate on hair color. We decided to take the drive regardless not realizing just how much of an impact this disaster would have on America. The drive at first was good but then we began to imagine how creep it was that there were NO airplanes flying in the skies! So quiet so peaceful.

When we arrived in Las Vegas we checked in our hotel. There we soon realized that many people were stranded, stuck, could not get a flight home. It was there I experienced just how kind people can be at a time of crisis. Sams Town (where we were staying) told their guest not to worry, they would be taken care of and would not be charged! It was a very special moment.. a moment where American’s had their chance to shine as this horrible situation began to become a reality. And shine America did. Most people were extending their hands, most people felt as though somehow they were also victims… it turned out we were.

I learned many lessons that week after 9/11. I learned how kind we can be as American’s and one push comes to shove we are all under the same roof, Red, Black, White, Brown, Purple… we are ALL Americans. We are all here in the land of the free. We are lucky to have our freedom. No one can EVER take that away, no one! so in closing I applaud America… a place where we (I) can speak my mind, say my peace and be free! Let’s not forget the most important thing about America… She is the Land of the Free… Don’t let others bully you into believing anything else, your voice (although not always what people want to hear) is important. Your vote is your vote… take advantage of it. In the world of Bob Marley “Get Up Stand Up… Stand Up For Your Rights!”

Peace and let’s not forget this day.