Paving the Way for Future Generations

September 15th marks the beginning of Hispanic Heritage month. Festivities will take place throughout the country and in our own great state of New Mexico to celebrate the people who helped pave the way for people like me. September 15th 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 and Chile celebrate their independence days on September 16 and September 18, respectively.

Have we come a long way? Absolutely. Do we still have a lot of work to do to improve the way Latinos live and work in this country? You bet. It is important however to take a moment to reflect on some of the great strides we’ve made. Cesar Chavez single-handedly began an entire movement to improve the plight of Latino workers. U.S. Senator Dennis Chavez of New Mexico was the first United States Senator of Hispanic origin. As for me, I will be thinking of these national leaders who helped shape our heritage and our lives in this country. In addition, I will be thinking of my own heroes in life, who taught me strength in faith and unity in family.


I will be thinking of my Grandma, who cared for us when we were sick by giving us “remedios” instead of the western medicine prescribed to us. I will think of the smell of fresh tortillas in her kitchen, her faith in God, and her ability to connect an entire family with tradition, faith and love. She will not appear in a history book, or in an internet google search, but she taught me how to keep my Mexican heritage and succeed in America. Be sure to take a moment to honor your heroes who helped pave the way for future generations.

Alicia M. Manzano is a member of the Hispanic Statement of Cooperation.  She is an expert in fund development and marketing with special emphasis in Latino marketing.

Music Without Message

As I was reading an article about Rage Against the Machine and what they were doing to protest partisan politics.  I had to rewind back the proverbial 8-track mind to think about the protest music of the late 60's and early 70's.  Edwin Starr was singing; "War, what is it good for?"  Marvin Gaye released his groundbreaking What's Going On album that raised awareness about the environment (Mercy, Mercy Me), poverty (Make Me Wanna Holla) and other important social issues of the day.  Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, James Taylor and even the Godfather of Soul James Brown all used the most powerful media platform--music--to elevate the mind and move the soul towards action.  

Unfortunately, Rage Against the Machine is an anomaly in a music scene entrenched in shallow content and little substance.  I ask friends about this, and the most common answer I get is: "My life is hard as it is.  I don't need to be thinking about anything when I listen to music.  Its my release."  Or, "I like the beat.  I don't really listen to the lyrics."

Hip-hop artist/mogul  Diddy--I think that's what his name is this week--makes matters worse by dumbing down the issues to try to connect with young voters.  Anyone see his YouTube videos?  I respect the effort to mobilize youth to vote.  What I don't respect is the message or lack there of.  I think he should stick to "Shaking his Tailfeather."

My younger friends get on my case by saying that there are artists in hip-hop that do have a message in their music.  They're just "underground."  My question then becomes;  "How can we get this music to see the light of day?"  I'm a child of the 80's and remember the groundbreaking work of Public Enemy.  I contrast their work against what I hear on the airwaves these days and there is no comparison.  But, I also wonder if there would be a market today for their music?  Probably pretty small I would imagine.  

Anyways, you can find me thumbing through old crates of 12" singles and boxes of 8-track tapes until we figure this one out.