From time to time I will step away from the normal subject matter of this Blog to talk about something that is on my mind. I believe that one of the greatest Americans of all time was Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Dr King believed that the way to settle racial issues was for people from different races to sit down at a table and have an honest discussion. I invite you to listen to the words of his, “I Have a Dream Speech.” I guess maybe you have figured out what brings this to my mind. Just in case you haven’t; it’s immigration.
For the past few months I have listened to both sides of the issue very carefully. My normal way of thinking, is that there has to be a happy medium. In this issue, however, there is clearly a wrong and a right. It is my opinion, the way it is being handled in Arizona is the wrong way. Furthermore, it is utterly and totally racist. It is nothing more than racial profiling. I’m sure His Majesty Sheriff Joe Arpaio loves every minute of it. He now has the right to round up anyone that looks Hispanic.
Sadly, there are people that are proposing the same kind of legislation here in Ohio. I had the opportunity to ask the Attorney General of Ohio about this very issue. You can watch the interview in an earlier Blog about the Hispanic Leadership Conference.
The reason I love this country and Lorain County specifically, is its racial diversity. I love being surrounded by different cultures. I have always looked at it as an opportunity to learn. I understand very clearly that there are differences in our cultures, but rather than fight against these difference we need to embrace them. I have never understood why people complain about different languages being spoken. It should be our right as an American to speak whatever language we want. That is what makes us a “Melting Pot.” Why do people get so uncomfortable around a different language?
Immigration has been an issue since the foundation of this country. Benjamin Franklin complained about the Germans. We have always had racial tensions of some sort. In the 60’s it was African Americans who had to stand up for their rights, and nearly 50 years later we are still not equal. In 2010 Latinos/Hispanics are the color of choice, and it’s time for them to stand up for their rights. I can’t believe in this day and age we still have people with an ‘Archie Bunker,’ mentality.
The other argument I hear constantly is; “They are taking our jobs.” That is a load of you know what. The Mexicans are doing the jobs Americans refuse to do. We as a nation are very spoiled. We complain about unemployment but the jobs that are available, no one wants to work. Mexicans are just trying to make a better life for themselves and their family. I truly believe if we loaded up all the undocumented residents in this country, our economy would collapse.
You are probably asking, “OK Mr. Smart Guy what is the solution.” Well I’m glad you asked. Of course, I don’t have all the answers, but I do believe that we should legalize everyone that is here now. Then we need to work on a comprehensive humane immigration plan for reform. We need a plan that will make it a little easier to acquire citizenship. I assure you that the citizenship test, most Americans couldn’t pass. Let these folks contribute to society. By the way, the belief that they don’t pay taxes is ridiculous. When they go into a store and buy something they pay the same sales tax we pay; so quit saying that.
It saddens me to say it but in 2010 racism still abounds.
That is my take on the subject of immigration. I would love to hear yours. You can comment below or email me at ksalisbury@hotmail.com or Friend me on Facebook by searching my email in the search engine.
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
I Want You!!! A Call to Action
I have spent several months studying the internet and several other sources about successful downtown revitalization projects. There is an unlimited amount of resources out there to read and study. I dedicated myself to researching downtown revitalization projects because when I came to Lorain I was affected by what I saw. I have lived all over the country and have seen many downtown areas that certainly needed help, but I never felt what I felt when I saw downtown Lorain. The buildings seem to speak to me, and no, I’m not hearing voices. There is a certain something in the downtown area that just screams for help.
What exactly was it that has caused me to fall in love with this city? Is it its close proximity to both Lake Erie and the Black River? What about its racial diversity? Could it be its history? There are so many other attractive attributes about Lorain and I think it is a combination of all of those things.
When I started my research I wanted to find out what the common denominator was for all the successful revitalization's. I looked at all the different plans and studied the similarities. After I read until I thought my eye balls were going to fall out, I came to one conclusion. I learned that I couldn’t do it myself. All of the successful revitalization projects started with a group of people. It was not always a large group of people. In fact it was usually a small group of like minded people getting together every week to make a difference. These groups were always made up of people from all walks of life. They all came from many different economic backgrounds.
I am telling you about this because I want to start just such a group. I need 10 people to start. If you are interested you must be in love with Lorain. You must see the potential and you want to work toward making it better. You can be a business owner or factory worker. You can wealthy or below the poverty line. This group of people will meet once a week and plan to make Lorain better. This group is about action. You must be interested in the group growing. You must want to mobilize a force that will help to rebuild downtown Lorain.
If you feel you meet these qualifications then I want to talk to you. Contact me either at 440-465-4630 or at ksalisbury42@hotmail.com
What exactly was it that has caused me to fall in love with this city? Is it its close proximity to both Lake Erie and the Black River? What about its racial diversity? Could it be its history? There are so many other attractive attributes about Lorain and I think it is a combination of all of those things.
When I started my research I wanted to find out what the common denominator was for all the successful revitalization's. I looked at all the different plans and studied the similarities. After I read until I thought my eye balls were going to fall out, I came to one conclusion. I learned that I couldn’t do it myself. All of the successful revitalization projects started with a group of people. It was not always a large group of people. In fact it was usually a small group of like minded people getting together every week to make a difference. These groups were always made up of people from all walks of life. They all came from many different economic backgrounds.
I am telling you about this because I want to start just such a group. I need 10 people to start. If you are interested you must be in love with Lorain. You must see the potential and you want to work toward making it better. You can be a business owner or factory worker. You can wealthy or below the poverty line. This group of people will meet once a week and plan to make Lorain better. This group is about action. You must be interested in the group growing. You must want to mobilize a force that will help to rebuild downtown Lorain.
If you feel you meet these qualifications then I want to talk to you. Contact me either at 440-465-4630 or at ksalisbury42@hotmail.com
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Skeletons In The Closet
When I read the story in the Morning Journal about Richard Lucente being chosen to replace Greg Holcomb for the Ward 6 Council seat, it got me to thinking about ‘skeletons in the closet.’ We all have them and Mr Lucente is no exception. Most of the time these skeletons make no difference in how a person performs their job. We have seen politician after politician fall from grace when those secrets are revealed.
Most recently a man that would be President, John Edwards, lost any chance at the job he was seeking, when what he was doing was exposed. What he was caught doing was something that was inexcusable, but when you think about it, would that have affected how he performed his job. I am in no way trying to justify what he did. I am just trying to point out that he probably still would have been a good President.
I think that if a person decides to run for office they would be much further ahead if they exposed their skeletons before they made the decision to run. People seem to respect that in a politician. One example would be former Washington DC mayor Marion Barry. He was arrested on drug charges in 1990, he served 6 months in jail and ran for city council in 1992 and won. He again became Mayor in 1995 and served until 1999. He still serves as councilman in Washington’s 8 Ward.
We all know the story of James Traficant from Youngstown. Traficant spent 9 terms as a congressman in the 17th district until 2002 when he went to prison for obstruction of justice and tax evasion. He spent 7 years until he was released last year. He recently went to work for WTAM radio where he hosts a weekly talk show. He just announced he will be running for his old job as an independent candidate. A recent poll suggested that if the election were held today he would win by a significant margin.
The moral of the story is that we are all flawed, and we have things in our past that we are not proud of. Most of the time we learn from our mistakes and we become stronger because of the trials we have been through. People seem to respect when a person is honest and exposes the mistakes they have made in the past. Most of you know that I have received a lot of press coverage over the last several months and as far as I know all my skeletons are out. So if I decide to run for office I have nothing to hide. If you are wondering what I’m talking about here is a link that will explain it all. Click Here
I would love to hear what you think. It only takes a couple of minutes to sign up as a follower or you can email me at ksalisbury42@hotmail.com or Friend me on Facebook.
Most recently a man that would be President, John Edwards, lost any chance at the job he was seeking, when what he was doing was exposed. What he was caught doing was something that was inexcusable, but when you think about it, would that have affected how he performed his job. I am in no way trying to justify what he did. I am just trying to point out that he probably still would have been a good President.
I think that if a person decides to run for office they would be much further ahead if they exposed their skeletons before they made the decision to run. People seem to respect that in a politician. One example would be former Washington DC mayor Marion Barry. He was arrested on drug charges in 1990, he served 6 months in jail and ran for city council in 1992 and won. He again became Mayor in 1995 and served until 1999. He still serves as councilman in Washington’s 8 Ward.
We all know the story of James Traficant from Youngstown. Traficant spent 9 terms as a congressman in the 17th district until 2002 when he went to prison for obstruction of justice and tax evasion. He spent 7 years until he was released last year. He recently went to work for WTAM radio where he hosts a weekly talk show. He just announced he will be running for his old job as an independent candidate. A recent poll suggested that if the election were held today he would win by a significant margin.
The moral of the story is that we are all flawed, and we have things in our past that we are not proud of. Most of the time we learn from our mistakes and we become stronger because of the trials we have been through. People seem to respect when a person is honest and exposes the mistakes they have made in the past. Most of you know that I have received a lot of press coverage over the last several months and as far as I know all my skeletons are out. So if I decide to run for office I have nothing to hide. If you are wondering what I’m talking about here is a link that will explain it all. Click Here
I would love to hear what you think. It only takes a couple of minutes to sign up as a follower or you can email me at ksalisbury42@hotmail.com or Friend me on Facebook.
Saturday, May 8, 2010
Killing Two Birds With One Stone
I have heard the expression; “Killing two birds with one stone.” my whole life. That expression has never been truer than it is right now, as the school board decides on a new location for the new high school. Locating the school at Black River Landing will do more to boost the economy of downtown Lorain than any other single decision.
Over the past several months I have had countless people come through the doors of my store at 737 Broadway and tell me their story of the ‘glory days’ of downtown Lorain. I have enjoyed them recalling the days when people would walk five abreast as they went shopping or went out for a show. I realize those days are gone and will never be back, but it is time for us to start making the new, ‘good ole’ days.’
The board of education is standing at the cross roads of a decision that will truly change the future of Lorain. Many times I have walked down Broadway and looked into the windows of the empty storefronts. In my mind’s eye I try to image what it was like when all the buildings were full, and people were going in and out spending money. The first time I heard that one of the possible locations for the high school was Black River Landing; I thought that what I had imagined could become reality.
One of the biggest reasons why business owners are attracted to any area is traffic. Once the decision is made to locate the school at Black River Landing, the traffic will begin immediately. It will begin with the construction crews. Now would be a good time for a hardware store to locate them self close by. Those construction workers are going to need a good place to eat. There are several good locations in downtown for that. There are even some that are already equipped. Many members of the crew will come from out of town, and they will need some place to stay. Maybe it’s a good time to build a hotel close by. I worked in the hotel industry and I know that a hotel can be built extremely fast. The school will take at least 2 years to build and all the while these businesses will open.
When the school is opened there will be a need for more places of business; like sporting goods stores, clothing stores, convenient stores, and shoe stores. I remember when I attended Elyria High School in the early 80’s I would hang out at Mr. Hero’s right across the street from the school. Subway would probably be the place of choice for this generation, or maybe a pizza place. The possibilities are endless.
I truly believe that there is only one choice for the new Lorain High School; Black River Landing. Not only would the facility provide our children and grandchildren with an education, but our economy in Lorain will get a much needed boost. I knew when I began to write this that same old naysayers would rear there ugly heads. My suggestion would be; IGNORE THEM! I have said before and I will say it again; we need to be positive about re-building our downtown because negativity never fixed anything.
Thursday, May 6, 2010
I Have the Answer To Our School Funding Issues
The moment I heard that the Lorain’s school levy was defeated I ran to my laptop and began to write. Most of what I had to say wouldn’t have passed the censors. I was livid and my writing reflected that, but you will never read those words, because I deleted them. I was fuming and I wrote what amounted to a rant. I was going to give the voters of Lorain a piece of my mind. When I reviewed what I had written I realized that what I had to say would accomplish nothing. I just couldn’t understand how anyone could say no to a child’s future. The main reason I chose not to share with you my words of anger was, I offered no solutions.
For the past several years I have studied the state of education in the public schools. Over all, the public school systems from coast to coast are in disrepair. However there are some states that seem to do better. I spent a lot of time googling school rankings by state. I was going to cite some of the stats I found, via the internet, but they really just confuse the issue. Most of the rankings do seem to agree that states like Connecticut, Vermont and Texas seem to always rate toward the top of the list. The one thing they all seem to have in common is wealth. The sad story is, the schools that seem to do the best consistently are in areas that have more money. I realize that money is not always the answer, but the statistics show that it certainly helps.
Ohio is certainly not a state that is wealthy, and most of the statistics rank Ohio toward the bottom in education. So we need to figure out a way to save money by not raising taxes and not cutting teachers. The answer seems so simple to me. We have too many school boards. I know, I know; no kidding! In the state of West Virginia, where I come from the school districts are broken up by counties. I know Ohioans don’t want to admit it but in some of the stats West Virginia ranks higher in education.
A very good example of too many school districts is Knox County Ohio. The Population hovers around 60,000, and there are no less than 4 separate school districts. I wonder how many total members are on all of those school boards. Why can’t we consolidate those boards into one? In Ohio we should have 88 total school boards. Just think of how much money we could save, just by eliminating the politicians.
Could someone please explain to me why my plan would not work? Is simplification of our school administrations to easy? What am I missing? I don’t have all the answers but I truly believe this plan would work. Albert Einstein said that the definition of insanity is, “doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.” My fellow Lorain Countians we have been doing the same thing over and over again. It’s time to do something different.
I want to hear what you think. Just respond below. You can also email me at ksalisbury42@hotmail.com or friend me on Facebook.
For the past several years I have studied the state of education in the public schools. Over all, the public school systems from coast to coast are in disrepair. However there are some states that seem to do better. I spent a lot of time googling school rankings by state. I was going to cite some of the stats I found, via the internet, but they really just confuse the issue. Most of the rankings do seem to agree that states like Connecticut, Vermont and Texas seem to always rate toward the top of the list. The one thing they all seem to have in common is wealth. The sad story is, the schools that seem to do the best consistently are in areas that have more money. I realize that money is not always the answer, but the statistics show that it certainly helps.
Ohio is certainly not a state that is wealthy, and most of the statistics rank Ohio toward the bottom in education. So we need to figure out a way to save money by not raising taxes and not cutting teachers. The answer seems so simple to me. We have too many school boards. I know, I know; no kidding! In the state of West Virginia, where I come from the school districts are broken up by counties. I know Ohioans don’t want to admit it but in some of the stats West Virginia ranks higher in education.
A very good example of too many school districts is Knox County Ohio. The Population hovers around 60,000, and there are no less than 4 separate school districts. I wonder how many total members are on all of those school boards. Why can’t we consolidate those boards into one? In Ohio we should have 88 total school boards. Just think of how much money we could save, just by eliminating the politicians.
Could someone please explain to me why my plan would not work? Is simplification of our school administrations to easy? What am I missing? I don’t have all the answers but I truly believe this plan would work. Albert Einstein said that the definition of insanity is, “doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.” My fellow Lorain Countians we have been doing the same thing over and over again. It’s time to do something different.
I want to hear what you think. Just respond below. You can also email me at ksalisbury42@hotmail.com or friend me on Facebook.
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Firefighter Lay Off a Horrible Mistake
It is a rare thing for me to agree with the Union, but in the case of the Firefighters being laid off; I am in complete agreement. City Council has made a huge mistake in voting down a plan that would allow 4 Firefighters to stay on the job. I understand that we need to tighten our belts. Most everyone has experienced it in our personal lives. However, there are certain things you can’t cut; utilities, for instance. In today’s day and age we have to have water, gas, and electric. We also have to have food to survive. The Fire Department is the food and utilities of Lorain.
The Lorain Fire Department was stretched thin to begin with. Councilman Drwal said last night he thought this meant more stations will have to shut down. What will happen if more stations are shut down? Fires that may have been easily extinguished by a neighborhood fire station will now turn into a major fire, because of the length of time it will take to respond. How many more lives will be lost now because there are not enough Fire Fighters to rescue a victim?
Union President Jonathan George said he thinks negotiations between the Union and City Council are done. In this case, that is a very bad thing. From everything I have read the Union has bent over backwards to accommodate City Council’s requests. This situation is much too critical for the parties involved to stop talking. This is not the time to play politics.
I have contacted some members of City Council to give them an opportunity to tell their side of the story, and just before I was about to publish this post, Ward 2 Councilman Andy Drywal called me to respond to last night's vote. He mostly reiterated what he said after the vote last night. He does believe that it will mean the closing of more stations. When I asked him; Do you think this was some sort of political move by council? He said, "I'm new to politics, but this does not benefit the citizens of Lorain." He also said, "this was not an issue of money, the same thing was done last year" I will leave it to the investigative reporters to prove or disprove that statement.
It is this Blogger's opinion that if this was a political move-----It backfired! If you look at the responses to the the article about the vote in The Morning Journal, you will understand what I mean.
I want to formerly invite all parties involved, (i.e. any City Council member, Union President, The Mayor) to call me, or better yet, sit down with me in front of a camera and talk about why you voted the way you did. I would love to hear what you have to say, and I’m sure the citizens of Lorain would also. You can contact me at 440-465-4630 or ksalisbury42@hotmail.com
The Lorain Fire Department was stretched thin to begin with. Councilman Drwal said last night he thought this meant more stations will have to shut down. What will happen if more stations are shut down? Fires that may have been easily extinguished by a neighborhood fire station will now turn into a major fire, because of the length of time it will take to respond. How many more lives will be lost now because there are not enough Fire Fighters to rescue a victim?
Union President Jonathan George said he thinks negotiations between the Union and City Council are done. In this case, that is a very bad thing. From everything I have read the Union has bent over backwards to accommodate City Council’s requests. This situation is much too critical for the parties involved to stop talking. This is not the time to play politics.
I have contacted some members of City Council to give them an opportunity to tell their side of the story, and just before I was about to publish this post, Ward 2 Councilman Andy Drywal called me to respond to last night's vote. He mostly reiterated what he said after the vote last night. He does believe that it will mean the closing of more stations. When I asked him; Do you think this was some sort of political move by council? He said, "I'm new to politics, but this does not benefit the citizens of Lorain." He also said, "this was not an issue of money, the same thing was done last year" I will leave it to the investigative reporters to prove or disprove that statement.
It is this Blogger's opinion that if this was a political move-----It backfired! If you look at the responses to the the article about the vote in The Morning Journal, you will understand what I mean.
I want to formerly invite all parties involved, (i.e. any City Council member, Union President, The Mayor) to call me, or better yet, sit down with me in front of a camera and talk about why you voted the way you did. I would love to hear what you have to say, and I’m sure the citizens of Lorain would also. You can contact me at 440-465-4630 or ksalisbury42@hotmail.com
Saturday, May 1, 2010
The 15th Annual Hispanic Leadership Conference
I was fortunate enough to be invited to the 15th Annual Hispanic Leadership Conference. In the last two days I’ve been reading the media coverage about the conference. The Morning Journal’s website allows people to respond to the stories they publish. I am glad we live in a country where we are allowed to express our concerns about anything and everything. I wouldn’t change that for anything in the world. The great thing is I get to respond to all of the statements made. What I have to say is; I am appalled at most of the responses.
It is amazing to me that people have made comments about something that they have no clue about. The conference is about empowerment. Yes it is true that things were discussed that are affecting the Hispanic community; Things like, legalized racial profiling in Arizona, and human trafficking. Below is a description of all the workshops discussed read them and tell me what is wrong with any of them.
Identity Theft, Scams and Vulnerable Populations:
This workshop will identify and offer strategies to prevent identity theft or “true name fraud”, which happens when a criminal obtains and uses a consumer’s personal information such as credit cards, bank account numbers, insurance information and social security numbers to purchase goods or services fraudulently. The presenter will also provide information on scams that are being perpetrated on vulnerable populations, how to protect yourself, and who to contact if scam artists and other criminals approach.
Presenter: Susan Choe, Chief, Consumer Protection Section, Office of the Attorney General of Ohio
Danger Online - Cyber Predators and Sexual Exploitation on the Internet:
This workshop will teach participants safeguards and necessary strategies which should be implemented to protect their children from cyber-predators. It will also examine the issue of sexual exploitation of children on the internet and help parents identify protective measures to keep their children safe. Participants in this workshop will learn to recognize techniques which predators use to deceive children, how to respond assertively and teach their children how to respond assertively in uncomfortable and potentially compromising online situations. Information will also be provided on common sense techniques and resources to keep youth, adults and families safe online.
Presenter: Kathleen Nichols, LSW. MA, Youth and Juvenile Program Coordinator, Crime Victims Assistance and Prevention Section, Office of the Attorney General of Ohio
Do You know Who You Are? Latino Pride & The 2010 Census Response:
This workshop will present some of the Latino issues that surfaced during the 2010 Census to include the question of who we are and what “Ethnicity” we identified with. The presenters will explain the government’s emphasis on respecting the privacy and information of anyone completing the Census form and the dire legal penalties involved for anyone violating the confidentiality of the Census form. The presenters will also demonstrate how Latino non-profits and individuals can utilize Census data to secure additional resources for their communities.
Presenters: Guadalupe Lara, LMSW, Regional Migrant Partnership Specialist for Michigan and Ohio and Richard Romero, Ohio Latino Team, U.S. Census Bureau.
New Puerto Rico Birth Certificates & the Undermining of Puerto Rico’s Economy: This workshop will examine the realities, myths and intent of the new law requiring some individuals born in Puerto Rico to secure new birth certificates. The presenter will discuss government justification for the new law, the role identity theft targeting Puerto Ricans on the Island and Mainland played in the enactment of the new birth certificate legislation, how the law has been misinterpreted by some agencies in Ohio and whether or not the U.S. Virgin Islands uprooting of Captain Morgan from Puerto Rico, and undermining Puerto Rico’s economy, played a role in the new birth certificate legislation.
Presenter: Luis Balzac, North East Regional Director for the Puerto Rico Federal Affairs Administration
When Walls Talk – Art as a Catalyst for Change:
For more than twenty-five years, María Domínguez has dedicated a great part of her artistic work to public art, creating more than 21 public art murals, using the process of community mural making to express community identification, articulate Puerto Rican determination “not to be erased from history”, and as a catalyst for social justice and change. This workshop will examine Maria’s visual art and murals, their impact, and their ownership by the communities in which they live. Dr. Raquel Ortiz, who has written on the work of Maria Dominguez, will provide commentary on Maria’s role in strengthening and unifying communities, and introduce the artist who will discuss her intent, the motivation behind her work, and her role as a visual narrator and “documenter”. This workshop will include a question and answer period with the artist.
.Presenters: Dr. Raquel Ortiz, Adjunct Professor & Author, Kent State University and renowned International Visual Artist and Muralist Maria Dominguez.
Border Angels: A tribute to Human Compassion:
Founded by Enrique Morones in 1986, Border Angels is a non-profit organization supporting humanity. The organization consists of extraordinary volunteers who want to stop the unnecessary deaths of individuals traveling through the Imperial Valley desert areas and the mountain areas surrounding San Diego County, as well as the areas located around the United States and Mexican border. The high numbers of unnecessary deaths have been the result of extreme heat and cold weather conditions, although some have sadly been the results of racial-discrimination crimes. This workshop will highlight the work of the Border Angels, examine conditions in the border areas and discuss some of the work required if this country is to one day create an immigration policy that respects human life, understand the plight of immigrants and lives up to the ideals and values that helped to create this country.
Presenter: Enrique Morones, President/Founder, Border Angels
Budgeting in a Recession – Waking Up Your Dreams:
How does one build his/her family’s financial future in a financially insecure time? How does one survive and overcome the struggles of a major recession at a time of record high unemployment? How do you stop from staying up at night worrying about your personal finances? This workshop is built on the premise that just because jobs change and times get hard doesn’t mean that your dreams have to be sacrificed, or discarded. Participants in this workshop will learn the steps necessary to return to the path leading to financial security. The presenter is a financial advisor, who will show participants how to maximize their purchasing power through budgeting, basic research techniques, avoiding pitfalls, and focusing on attainable goals.
Presenter: Allen G. Porter, CRPC, Associate Financial Advisor, Collier, Petras and Associates
.
Latin Dance: The Passion and Art of the Tango:
This workshop will serve as a crash course for participants wanting to learn the passion and artistic rhythms behind the Argentine Tango. This is a hands-on workshop requiring participation by all attendees.
Presenters: Adriana Salgado, Orlando Reyes, Eduardo Goytia and Jennifer Wesnousky principal instructors, dancers and coaches from DanceSport Studio in New York City.
YOUTH LEADERSHIP COMPONENT
2010 Hispanic Leadership Conference
High School students attending this year’s Youth Leadership component will be treated to thought provoking workshops on Cyber-Predators and Sexual Exploitation on the Internet, a dramatic Spoken Word training and performance session with International Spoken Word Artist Gabriela Garcia Medina and also be allowed to attend a workshop of their choice from 2:30pm-3:30om. Those attending the conference will be sponsored to attend the Saturday evening Formal Gala at the Lorain Party Center from 6:00pm until midnight at no cost.
Danger Online - Cyber Predators and Sexual Exploitation on the Internet:
11:00am – 12:30pm - Lecture Hall – Stocker Theater
This workshop will teach participants safeguards and necessary strategies which should be implemented to protect their children from cyber-predators. It will also examine the issue of sexual exploitation of children on the internet and help parents identify protective measures to keep their children safe. Participants in this workshop will learn to recognize techniques which predators use to deceive children, how to respond assertively and teach their children how to respond assertively in uncomfortable and potentially compromising online situations. Information will also be provided on common sense techniques and resources to keep youth, adults and families safe online.
Presenter: Kathleen Nichols, LSW. MA, Youth and Juvenile Program Coordinator, Crime Victims Assistance and Prevention Section, Office of the Attorney General of Ohio
Expressing Yourself through Spoken Word, Slam Poetry and Hip-Hop:
1:30pm – 2:30pm – Lecture Hall – Stocker Theater
This workshop will utilize spoken word and other expressive tools to teach youth how to communicate effectively and grab the attention of those they feel should listen to what our young people have to say. Ms. Gabriela Garcia Medina has performed throughout the United States at colleges, high schools and at festivals and conference all over the world. During this session she will share her talents with her favorite audience – youth who have something to say – and want to make sure that their audience listens. Participants in this workshop who want extra time training with Gabriela can elect to stay in this workshop for the 2:30pm-3:30pm session.
Choice of Workshops: 2:30pm – 3:30pm:
For their final session youth will be allowed to attend a workshop of their choice from the conference agenda posted on page 3 of the conference program booklet. For those attending the evening gala, be sure to get your gala ticket at the Cinema Hall (Stocker Theater) during the closing session where you are also eligible to win door prizes donated by sponsors and other organizations.
So can someone please tell me what is wrong with any of thing that was included above? It is the same old story; Ignorance.
I had the opportunity to interview Ohio Attorney General Richard Cordray and Enrique Morones of Border Angels. Check them out and tell me what you think.
It is amazing to me that people have made comments about something that they have no clue about. The conference is about empowerment. Yes it is true that things were discussed that are affecting the Hispanic community; Things like, legalized racial profiling in Arizona, and human trafficking. Below is a description of all the workshops discussed read them and tell me what is wrong with any of them.
Identity Theft, Scams and Vulnerable Populations:
This workshop will identify and offer strategies to prevent identity theft or “true name fraud”, which happens when a criminal obtains and uses a consumer’s personal information such as credit cards, bank account numbers, insurance information and social security numbers to purchase goods or services fraudulently. The presenter will also provide information on scams that are being perpetrated on vulnerable populations, how to protect yourself, and who to contact if scam artists and other criminals approach.
Presenter: Susan Choe, Chief, Consumer Protection Section, Office of the Attorney General of Ohio
Danger Online - Cyber Predators and Sexual Exploitation on the Internet:
This workshop will teach participants safeguards and necessary strategies which should be implemented to protect their children from cyber-predators. It will also examine the issue of sexual exploitation of children on the internet and help parents identify protective measures to keep their children safe. Participants in this workshop will learn to recognize techniques which predators use to deceive children, how to respond assertively and teach their children how to respond assertively in uncomfortable and potentially compromising online situations. Information will also be provided on common sense techniques and resources to keep youth, adults and families safe online.
Presenter: Kathleen Nichols, LSW. MA, Youth and Juvenile Program Coordinator, Crime Victims Assistance and Prevention Section, Office of the Attorney General of Ohio
Do You know Who You Are? Latino Pride & The 2010 Census Response:
This workshop will present some of the Latino issues that surfaced during the 2010 Census to include the question of who we are and what “Ethnicity” we identified with. The presenters will explain the government’s emphasis on respecting the privacy and information of anyone completing the Census form and the dire legal penalties involved for anyone violating the confidentiality of the Census form. The presenters will also demonstrate how Latino non-profits and individuals can utilize Census data to secure additional resources for their communities.
Presenters: Guadalupe Lara, LMSW, Regional Migrant Partnership Specialist for Michigan and Ohio and Richard Romero, Ohio Latino Team, U.S. Census Bureau.
New Puerto Rico Birth Certificates & the Undermining of Puerto Rico’s Economy: This workshop will examine the realities, myths and intent of the new law requiring some individuals born in Puerto Rico to secure new birth certificates. The presenter will discuss government justification for the new law, the role identity theft targeting Puerto Ricans on the Island and Mainland played in the enactment of the new birth certificate legislation, how the law has been misinterpreted by some agencies in Ohio and whether or not the U.S. Virgin Islands uprooting of Captain Morgan from Puerto Rico, and undermining Puerto Rico’s economy, played a role in the new birth certificate legislation.
Presenter: Luis Balzac, North East Regional Director for the Puerto Rico Federal Affairs Administration
When Walls Talk – Art as a Catalyst for Change:
For more than twenty-five years, María Domínguez has dedicated a great part of her artistic work to public art, creating more than 21 public art murals, using the process of community mural making to express community identification, articulate Puerto Rican determination “not to be erased from history”, and as a catalyst for social justice and change. This workshop will examine Maria’s visual art and murals, their impact, and their ownership by the communities in which they live. Dr. Raquel Ortiz, who has written on the work of Maria Dominguez, will provide commentary on Maria’s role in strengthening and unifying communities, and introduce the artist who will discuss her intent, the motivation behind her work, and her role as a visual narrator and “documenter”. This workshop will include a question and answer period with the artist.
.Presenters: Dr. Raquel Ortiz, Adjunct Professor & Author, Kent State University and renowned International Visual Artist and Muralist Maria Dominguez.
Border Angels: A tribute to Human Compassion:
Founded by Enrique Morones in 1986, Border Angels is a non-profit organization supporting humanity. The organization consists of extraordinary volunteers who want to stop the unnecessary deaths of individuals traveling through the Imperial Valley desert areas and the mountain areas surrounding San Diego County, as well as the areas located around the United States and Mexican border. The high numbers of unnecessary deaths have been the result of extreme heat and cold weather conditions, although some have sadly been the results of racial-discrimination crimes. This workshop will highlight the work of the Border Angels, examine conditions in the border areas and discuss some of the work required if this country is to one day create an immigration policy that respects human life, understand the plight of immigrants and lives up to the ideals and values that helped to create this country.
Presenter: Enrique Morones, President/Founder, Border Angels
Budgeting in a Recession – Waking Up Your Dreams:
How does one build his/her family’s financial future in a financially insecure time? How does one survive and overcome the struggles of a major recession at a time of record high unemployment? How do you stop from staying up at night worrying about your personal finances? This workshop is built on the premise that just because jobs change and times get hard doesn’t mean that your dreams have to be sacrificed, or discarded. Participants in this workshop will learn the steps necessary to return to the path leading to financial security. The presenter is a financial advisor, who will show participants how to maximize their purchasing power through budgeting, basic research techniques, avoiding pitfalls, and focusing on attainable goals.
Presenter: Allen G. Porter, CRPC, Associate Financial Advisor, Collier, Petras and Associates
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Latin Dance: The Passion and Art of the Tango:
This workshop will serve as a crash course for participants wanting to learn the passion and artistic rhythms behind the Argentine Tango. This is a hands-on workshop requiring participation by all attendees.
Presenters: Adriana Salgado, Orlando Reyes, Eduardo Goytia and Jennifer Wesnousky principal instructors, dancers and coaches from DanceSport Studio in New York City.
YOUTH LEADERSHIP COMPONENT
2010 Hispanic Leadership Conference
High School students attending this year’s Youth Leadership component will be treated to thought provoking workshops on Cyber-Predators and Sexual Exploitation on the Internet, a dramatic Spoken Word training and performance session with International Spoken Word Artist Gabriela Garcia Medina and also be allowed to attend a workshop of their choice from 2:30pm-3:30om. Those attending the conference will be sponsored to attend the Saturday evening Formal Gala at the Lorain Party Center from 6:00pm until midnight at no cost.
Danger Online - Cyber Predators and Sexual Exploitation on the Internet:
11:00am – 12:30pm - Lecture Hall – Stocker Theater
This workshop will teach participants safeguards and necessary strategies which should be implemented to protect their children from cyber-predators. It will also examine the issue of sexual exploitation of children on the internet and help parents identify protective measures to keep their children safe. Participants in this workshop will learn to recognize techniques which predators use to deceive children, how to respond assertively and teach their children how to respond assertively in uncomfortable and potentially compromising online situations. Information will also be provided on common sense techniques and resources to keep youth, adults and families safe online.
Presenter: Kathleen Nichols, LSW. MA, Youth and Juvenile Program Coordinator, Crime Victims Assistance and Prevention Section, Office of the Attorney General of Ohio
Expressing Yourself through Spoken Word, Slam Poetry and Hip-Hop:
1:30pm – 2:30pm – Lecture Hall – Stocker Theater
This workshop will utilize spoken word and other expressive tools to teach youth how to communicate effectively and grab the attention of those they feel should listen to what our young people have to say. Ms. Gabriela Garcia Medina has performed throughout the United States at colleges, high schools and at festivals and conference all over the world. During this session she will share her talents with her favorite audience – youth who have something to say – and want to make sure that their audience listens. Participants in this workshop who want extra time training with Gabriela can elect to stay in this workshop for the 2:30pm-3:30pm session.
Choice of Workshops: 2:30pm – 3:30pm:
For their final session youth will be allowed to attend a workshop of their choice from the conference agenda posted on page 3 of the conference program booklet. For those attending the evening gala, be sure to get your gala ticket at the Cinema Hall (Stocker Theater) during the closing session where you are also eligible to win door prizes donated by sponsors and other organizations.
So can someone please tell me what is wrong with any of thing that was included above? It is the same old story; Ignorance.
I had the opportunity to interview Ohio Attorney General Richard Cordray and Enrique Morones of Border Angels. Check them out and tell me what you think.
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