News (Noticias) for Community

Viva la Familia! Event will Launch Unprecedented National Coalition of Catholic and Evangelical Leaders
National Catholic and Evangelical leaders from Colorado, California, and Arizona will stand together to honor marriage and family in Denver this weekend.
The Alliance for Marriage Foundation (AFM), the national group who drafted the Marriage Protection Amendment in Congress, is organizing the non-partisan celebration called Viva la Familia!, which will feature prominent Latino leaders and entertainers in celebration of marriage and family.
“Marriage and family are central to Hispanic Americans,” said Rev. Sam Rodriguez, Jr., an AFM Advisory Board Member and President of the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference, who will be speaking at the event. “It is the driving engine of our growth and success as a community.”
The celebration, being held at the Ninth Street Park at the University of Colorado Denver on Sunday afternoon will break new ground by launching an unprecedented national coalition of Catholic and Evangelical Latino leaders in support of marriage and family.
Featured speakers include Rev. Samuel Rodriguez, Jr., President of the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference, Alejandro Bermudez, Director of the Catholic News Agency and the Catholic Information Agency ACI-Prensa, the most read Spanish Catholic web site in the world, Rev. Eve Nunez, President of the Arizona Latino Commission, and Luis Soto, Executive Director of the Denver-based Centro San Juan Diego, Archdiocese of Denver.
“Viva la Familia! Event, wants to remind us all that the most important social institution is the family,” said Luis Soto, Executive Director of Centro San Juan Diego, Archdiocese of Denver. “The family formed when a man and woman marry for their common good and for the procreation and education of their children. It is this spirit of celebrating and growing as Hispanic families that we will gather.”
Mexican actor, Eduardo Verastegui will also deliver an important message on marriage and family to attendees at the Viva la Familia! Event via remote from Mexico City.
Entertainment will be provided by the renowned Mexican clown Cepillin, who was for many years a great TV star in more than 18 countries. The event will also feature the Catholic recording artist Ge’La.
The emerging importance of the Latino community to America’s political landscape has long been documented by demographic experts. In fact, the population of Latinos in America “will triple in size” in the next four decades, according to the Pew Research Center.
In light of this, political operatives in both parties are working harder than ever to cultivate Latino voters. But while Latinos do have the political power to determine elections, many in American politics have ignored the deep attachment to marriage and family that is woven into the very fabric of the Latino community nationwide.
The Alliance for Marriage is a multicultural coalition whose Board of Advisors includes Rev. Walter Fauntroy — the D.C. Coordinator of the March on Washington for Martin Luther King Jr. — as well as other civil rights and religious leaders, and national legal experts. www.afmusa.org“

WTTW11, Chicago’s leading public television station, is proud to present the world premiere of the locally-produced documentary Chicago’s Puerto Rican Story on Tuesday, September 9th at 7:30 p.m. The program, several years in the making, paints an inspiring portrait of the Puerto Rican experience in Chicago, looking at the early years of migration, settlement, struggles and contributions of this vital community as it recollects the events and influences that shaped its political awareness and activism.

Through the use of personal and archival photos and footage, and interviews with early migrants, community leaders and historians, Chicago’s Puerto Rican Story touches on the themes of family, work, housing, education, and organizing successes: the creation of community organizations, health centers and clinics; the implementation of educational reforms; the hiring of Puerto Rican police officers; elected officials at every level of government; and the creation of a cultural and commercial business district known as “Paseo Boricua.” Interview subjects include U.S. Congressman Luis Gutierrez, Chicago City Clerk Miguel Del Valle, Illinois State Senator Iris Martinez, Chicago Aldermen Billy Ocasio and Rey Colon, and many other prominent members of the community. The film is narrated by independent filmmaker and educator Gloricelly Franceschi, who also wrote the script.

The film comes to WTTW11 from New Film Productions, and was produced, directed and written by Antonio and Gloricelly Franceschi. “We are excited and honored that WTTW11 has given us the opportunity to share this compelling story with their viewers,” said Antonio Franceschi. “It’s important that people understand how the Puerto Ricans’ history has shaped who they are as a community today,” he added. Daniel Soles, WTTW’s Senior Vice President and Chief Television Content Officer, agrees. “We feel this program will shine a well-deserved spotlight on this rich and diverse group,” he said. “It is very much in line with WTTW’s long-standing commitment to informing and enlightening our audience about all aspects of our city’s cultural heritage,” he added.

WTTW11 and Chicago’s Puerto Rican Story will have a presence at the 15th annual Fiesta Boricua on August 31, and for information on a special Humboldt Park preview screening, please contact Alejandro Molina or Raul Echevarria at the Puerto Rican Cultural Center at (773) 342-8023.

Chicago’s Puerto Rican Story was produced and directed by Antonio Franceschi, and written, produced and hosted by Gloricelly Franceschi. Photography is by Felix Mendez, with original music by Tino “Archie” Ojeda, Jr.

About New Film Productions
An award-winning Latino-owned motion picture and television production company, New Film Productions was founded by Antonio Franceschi in the summer of 1989. New Film Productions’ mission is to be a leader in the creation and promotion of quality educational and entertaining programs for the television, cable and theatrical markets.

About WTTW11
For more than 50 years, audiences have turned to WTTW11 for distinctive programming that informs, inspires, educates and entertains. It reaches two million weekly viewers over a four-state area, making it the most-watched public television station in America. Recognized for its award-winning local and national productions, WTTW11 is committed to presenting the very best in cultural, nature, science, public affairs and children’s programming across its four distinct television channels: WTTW11, WTTWD, its Spanish-language channel V-me, and WTTW Create.

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There is excitement growing among Atlanta Latinas… and in the broader sense Hispanics. If you want to know the difference between the terms, be at Loca Luna on August 26th from 6:00-8:00 PM and ask anyone with the National Latina Business Women Association. These ladies are meeting with a purpose; to encourage membership in the organization formed for the support, mentoring, and education of Latinas.

There is a natural, perhaps cultural, camaraderie between these women that is inspiring. And that enthusiasm extends beyond their ranks. The Board of Directors for the NLBWA is comprised of some of the most active community-minded professionals you are likely to meet; a diverse international group of businesswomen that govern the organization with a commitment to take action; action to support the rich and underrepresented potential of Latinas in Atlanta’s workforce. The goals define the programs, and programs are focused on empowerment and education.

When asked about the upcoming gathering, NLBWA Board President, Lily Winsaft, said, “For aspiring Latina entrepreneurs or Latinas interested in advancing their current careers, this event is not to be missed! NLBWA is dedicated to enriching the professional and business lives of Latinas. Our chapter - launched recently in Atlanta - is all about helping Latinas break through the barriers to success in business, whether it is climbing the corporate ladder or succeeding as business owners. The choices available in today’s world can be daunting and we all need help navigating the myriad of resources out there. NLBWA is a membership organization that benefits Latinas in business through networking, connections, mentoring and educational workshops. All are welcome!”

Sponsored entirely by Loca Luna, voted one of the top 10 Latin Clubs in America by USA Today, the evening will include: free parking, cash bar, hors d’oeurvres, door prizes, networking opportunities, and a unique international brand of Girl Power! You will find Loca Luna… and the NLBWA, at 550 Amsterdam Avenue, NE Atlanta, Georgia 30306. Be there. “