A powerful cultural movement is taking shape as Latino celebrities and influencers step into their power—not just as entertainers, but as advocates for justice and unity. The American Friends Service Committee (AFSC), a century-old Quaker organization dedicated to peace and equality, has launched its first-ever Hispanic celebrity PSA and publicity campaign, “Immigrants Make Our Communities Stronger.”

The bilingual, nonpartisan campaign represents a cultural awakening across the Latino creative community. For the first time, some of the most influential names in film, music, and media are aligning to uplift the dignity of immigrants, celebrate their contributions, and push back against divisive narratives with truth and pride.

A New Era of Latino Leadership

Latino immigrants have long fueled America’s progress—powering industries, enriching culture, and driving innovation. Yet in today’s political climate, fear and misinformation threaten to erase their humanity. AFSC’s campaign responds with compassion and storytelling, led by voices that reflect the very communities under fire.

“Immigrants make our communities stronger—neighbors, coworkers, students, and business owners,” said Brian Minter, AFSC’s Chief Marketing & Communications Officer. “But right now, immigrants are being detained and disappeared, tearing apart families and neighborhoods.”For Mexican-American actor Tonatiuh, the message is deeply personal: “My mother came to this country not knowing the language and without a roadmap. She faced an impossible task and persevered. Our story isn’t unique—it’s the story of countless Americans before us. Immigrants are not a problem to fix; we are the living embodiment of America’s values.”

Cultural Power Meets Social Impact

The campaign’s star lineup reads like a cross-section of Latino excellence: labor legend Dolores Huerta, actors Melissa Barrera, Tonatiuh, and Mishel Prada, Grammy-winning icons Los Tigres Del Norte, Ozomatli’s Wil-Dog Abers, Latin Grammy winner Chiquis, beloved singer Marisela, Univision journalist Daniela Ganoza, and radio personalities Don Cheto and Said Garcia Solis.

“Immigrants aren’t just part of America’s story; they are central to its success,” said Huerta, co-founder of the United Farm Workers. “The people being targeted are not just immigrants; they are the indigenous people of these continents. People are being harassed because of the color of their skin—it’s ethnic cleansing.”

Melissa Barrera, who has built a thriving Hollywood career while staying true to her Mexican roots, echoed the urgency: “As a proud Mexican actress working and living in the U.S., I’ve seen the strength and beauty that immigrants bring. We are not outsiders; we are an integral part of the fabric of the United States.”

Mishel Prada added, “Immigration is the heartbeat of American culture. Nothing great here was built alone. We’re all living proof of someone else’s courage to start again.”

The Numbers Tell the Story

• Entrepreneurship: Latino immigrants represent 52% of all Latino-owned employer businesses, employing 3 million workers nationwide.
  
• Economic Growth: Latino-owned businesses grew by 44% between 2018 and 2023, far outpacing their non-Latino peers.
  
• Tax Impact: Immigrants contributed $579 billion in U.S. taxes in 2022, including $96.7 billion from undocumented immigrants.
  
• Essential Work: Over 500,000 Hispanic immigrants power U.S. agriculture, and Latinos make up one in four workers across the food and service industries.
  

Culture, Courage, and Community

Running through the end of the year, AFSC’s “Immigrants Make Our Communities Stronger” campaign will appear across broadcast, digital, and social media platforms. The storytelling-driven effort highlights resilience, family, and cultural pride—core values that define the Latino experience in America.

By leveraging their platforms, Latino stars are not only raising awareness but reasserting leadership in shaping the national narrative on immigration. What emerges is a shared call to action: to recognize immigrants not as strangers, but as the heart of America’s story.

To learn more about the campaign, visit https://afsc.org/stronger-immigrants.

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Eva Longoria attends Land of Women Red Carpet in New York

Actress/producer extraordinaire and USA Today Women of the Year, Eva Longoria was in New York City last week for the red carpet premiere of her Apple TV+ dramedy, Land of Women looking her usual fabulosa self.  She not only stars in the six episode Spanglish dramedy series, she is also an executive producer. 

Joining her on the red carpet were cast members Victoria Bazúa and Santiago Cabrera who plays the dreamy Amat. 

The series will make its global debut on Apple TV+ with the first two episodes on June 26, followed by a new episode every Wednesday through July 24.

 The cast is internationally stellar, with Carmen Maura (Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown) playing Gala’s (Longoria) mom.  The Venezuelan born Cabrera (Big Little Lies) grew up in London, Romania and Madrid, while Bazúa, born in Mexico, makes her television debut.

Executive Produced By: Ramón Campos, Gema R. Neira, Carlos Sedes, Teresa Fernández-Valdés, Eva Longoria, Ben Spector and Sandra Condito.

Patricia Cardoso Joins the Prestigious AMPAS Board of Governors

 On June 1 the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced its newly elected 2024-2025 Board of Governors. Among the newly elected members was director Patricia Cardoso (Real Women Have Curves).  The Academy has 19 branches, each represented by three governors, Cardosa will be serving on the director branch.  The 55-person Board of Governors is responsible for the governance, corporate oversight, and strategic direction of the Academy. 

With these new additions, the 55-member Board now comprises 53% women and 27% belonging to an underrepresented racial or ethnic group.  

There are only two other Latinos on the Board of Governors, incumbents, director/producer Rodrigo Garcia, and costume designer Eduardo Castro.  Felicidades a todos!!

NHMC’s Impact Awards Among the Celebrated

A couple of weeks ago June 14th at the National Hispanic Media Coalition Impact Awards Gala celebrated NHMC and this year’s amazing honorees who are making a positive impact for the Latine community. Co-hosted by actress/producer and artivista Annie Gonzalez (Jenni, Flamin’ Hot) and actress, writer, and producer Mayan Lopez (Lopez vs. Lopez).

President and CEO, Brenda Victoria Castillo is pictured here with the 2024 Impact Awards Gala Honorees.

_{From left to right: Fede Alvarez, Samuel Harowitz, Harvey Guillén, Brenda Castillo, Larry Freedman, Emmy Raver-Lampman, David Castañeda, Issa López, Tatyana Ali, and Alonso Carrillo  (Photo Alberto Rodriguez, Getty Images)}

Artivist Representing at the International Labour Organization

This past week she invited Latina Artivists Annie Gonzalez (Flamin’ Hot), Maria Diana Riva (Dead to Me) (Grey’s Anatomy, The Baker & The Beauty) and Lisa Vidal  joined Monica Ramirez, Founder & President of Justice for Migrant Women at the 5-year anniversary of the International Labour Organization adopting the first ever international treaty to address gender-based violence and harassment in the world of work (C190).Monica Ramirez is a force. She is also co-founder of Alianza Nacional de Campesinas, The Latinx House and Poderistas. She is dedicated to ending gender based violence in the workplace and achieving gender equity.

Gaytino! Made in America Screening at La Plaza de Cultura Y Artes in Los Angeles

Dan Guerrero’s documentary Gaytino! Made in America screened this past Saturday, we enjoyed a wonderful evening at the screening.

Dignitaries like labor activist Dolores Huerta, renowned artist Barbara Carrasco were in attendance, to celebrate the cultural history Guerrero shared through his very important and entertaining documentary.

Guerrero shared never-before-heard stories about his journey as a producer, screenwriter, theatrical agent and his path to self-acceptance as a gay Chicano.  Dan is a LatinoWood community treasure.

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Despite the rain, the Marathon and street closures, Latinas came together to support the over 100 small businesses who participated in this year’s event.  

In addition to Dolores Huerta, other powerful Latinas at the festival included L.A. County Supervisor, Hilda Solis, Silvana Montenegro, Global Head of Advancing Hispanics & Latinos at JP Morgan Chase, entrepreneur Sonia Smith Kang, of Mixed Up Clothing, Leticia Buckley, Executive Director of La Plaza de Cultura Y Artes,  Maria Garcia, Chase Regional Director of Banking for the North Los Angeles Region, Flor Martinez, Activist and CEO of Celebration Nation.

LATINAFest® once again partnered with Chase to present the Hero Women Rising Grant. Lina Muñoz, Los Angeles Central Market Manager for Business Banking, presented the $5,000 check to this year’s grant recipient Maggie Solozano Muneton of Semillitas Learning Community from Long Beach.

Diana Diaz, CEO of the monthly pop-up event titled the Goddess Mercado, displayed a variety of apparel designs during the Super Latina Fashion Show which was cheered on by attendees. A highlight of LATINAFest® was a conversation on Latina empowerment that was held between Telemundo 52 Acceso Total Host Elva Saray, civil rights pioneer Dolores Huerta and farmworker activist Flor Martinez. 

Other highlights included a “We Can Be Anything” Barbie photo booth and Barbie doll giveaway and The Tree Yoga Cooperative, morning yoga session sponsored by AARP. 

LATINAFest® is grateful to all sponsors for their commitment to championing Latina entrepreneurs and the community, beginning with Chase, title sponsor for the third consecutive year, Kids Zone Sponsor Barbie, the office of L.A. County Supervisor Hilda Solis; Telemundo 52;  Kia, Dream Team Hierarchy, AARP, Estrella Jalisco, and Hispanic Coalition of Small Businesses, Red Bull, MVA Academy, The Thirsty Horse, BoHo Paradise Events, Mexican American Vintners Association and Gouda Charcuterie Boards.

LATINAFest® Community Partners: Tree Yoga Cooperative, School on Wheels, Celebration Nation, KLVE Morning show host Fernanda Kelly, Tamarindo podcast host Brenda Gonzalez, LATV’s PINKafe host Carolina Trejos, producer Darlene Rodriguez; And LATINAFest® Ambassadors: Actress Julie Carmen, entrepreneurs Patricia Perez of VPE and Oralia Michel of Omagen PR.

The 6th annual LATINAFest date is set for National History Month 2024. For more information about LATINAFest® and 2024 event updates email latinafestevents@gmail.com or visit: www.latinafest.net

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The GuadaLAjara Film Festival in Los Angeles (GLAFF), aims to showcases the best of Latinx/e, Latin America and BIPOC cinema as well as serve as a bridge that unifies and connects diverse stories and experiences with the goal of creating a borderless film industry, will return for their 12th Edition in Downtown Los Angeles from September 29th through October 1st, 2022. 

This year, as usual, the programming will include films by Latin American filmmakers that were showcased at their sister festival, the 37th Guadalajara International Film Festival held this past June in Guadalajara, Mexico and a special curated selection of films from Latinx/e and BIPOC filmmakers in the United States. 

“GLAFF’s commitment to support Latino/x/e organizations that are making a difference in our community through activism and organizing is one of our most important achievements. We could not be more honored to have the opportunity to recognize trans civil rights activist Bamby Salcedo with the Arbol de la Vida Lifetime Humanitarian Award”, states Ximena Urrutia, Executive Director of GLAFF. 

Salcedo, who was born and raised in Guadalajara, Mexico, is one of the most visible Latina Transgender Civil Rights Activists in both the United States and Mexico, giving a voice and fighting for the rights and justice of trans Latina and non-binary communities in both countries. Bamby co-founded the national TransLatin@ Coalition in 2009 alongside a group of Transgender, Gender nonconforming and Intersex (TGI) immigrant women in Los Angeles, CA as a grassroots response to address the specific needs of TGI Latin@ immigrants who live in the United States. GLAFF is also thrilled to share that our most recognized and respected Latina activist, legendary civil rights leader Dolores Huerta will be honoring GLAFF with her presence to present Bamby with her award on Closing Night, Saturday, October 1st. 

Some of this year’s highlights include the Mexican-American animation documentary Home is Somewhere Else, as the festival’s Centerpiece Film. Co-directed by Carlos Hagerman and Jorge Villalobos, the feature documentary provides a window into the hearts and minds of young Dreamers and undocumented immigrants in the United States. The story told in the voice of their own protagonists comes to life with stunning imagery, each animated in its unique style.

GLAFF’s Closing Night film will be Omara, a documentary directed by Hugo Pérez, produced by Dana Kuznetzkoff and Frida Torresblanco. The film is a beautiful and intimate portrait of one of Cuba’s most adored national treasures and global musical icon Omara Portuondo.

GLAFF will continue with its Work In Progress (WIP) LATINO program through which the festival has been supporting Latin American Filmmakers for over 7 years. Within the framework of GLAFF’s 12th edition, WIP LATINO 7 will focus on supporting projects that focus on the topics of border, migration, human rights, social and political themes centered around the Latino and Latinx community. This important initiative, which has supported projects that have gone on to have successful festival runs, is made possible by the University of Guadalajara Foundation USA and the festival’s sponsors.

The festival will also be hosting several curated industry masterclasses and a networking industry brunch.

This year the film festival will take place throughout several venues in Downtown Los Angeles, including The Theatre at Ace Hotel, Grand Park, Alamo Drafthouse and The Secret Movie Club. Tickets are available. For a full list of GLAFF’s programming, schedule and to purchase tickets please visit: www.glaff.org.

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By Bel Hernandez Castillo

David Damian Figueroa is an artist, storyteller, and activist at heart.  He is also a producer and an author whose second book “El Oz”, a new children’s book loosely based on “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz” is top on the Fiction Bestseller list at publisher Lulu.com.

Four years ago David Damian moved from Los Angeles to La Quinta in the Coachella Valley, a two-hour drive East of L.A.  Since then he has written two books, produced a TV talk show pilot, three independent films, poetry, and digital art exhibited in museums. He is currently also working on developing two reality television shows.  The move definitely suited him.

We wonder how he finds the time to do all this when he is also working full-time as the Director of Development with the non-profit organization Farmworker Justice whose work helps to improve farmworker’s living and working conditions.

His mother’s untimely early death left a void in his heart, a need to live more fully.  “When she passed away it left this longing in me,” Figueroa explained.  “Life is to be enjoyed, life is to be experienced. Whatever amount of time we have we need to say, ‘I can do this. I can be that…why can’t I have that?’”

Loosely based on “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz” by L. Frank Baum, “El Oz” tells the story of a young girl from El Pueblito de Los Milagros, Dolores, and her Chihuahua, Pepito.  They live on a ranchito with Tia Tonia and Tios Ozvaldo, Wilfredo, Pablo, and Leonardo. Dolores’ simple life is filled with dancing, chores of feeding the farm animals, laundry, and cooking meals for the family. Her Tia and Tios struggle to make ends meet and pay the rent to Señora Vicenta the landlady.  When a sudden rainstorm hits Dolores and Pepito take cover falling asleep under a large tree. When they awake, they find themselves in a strange land. A place where flowers with faces sing and her dog, Pepito, can now speak. 

El Oz is Figueroa’s personal tribute to one of his heroes, civil rights activist and co-founder of the United Farm Workers, Dolores Huerta, as well as his farmworker family back in Yuma, Arizona.  “They have taught me the value of hard work and never giving up on one’s dreams.”

In the book, a hummingbird guides Dolores (named after his hero Huerta) to the guardian Necaxa, who gives her a red heart-shaped necklace for protection and instructs Dolores to follow her own heart, down a Talavera-tiled path to Ozlandia to meet El Oz. Only he can help her to return home. Along the way, Dolores and Pepito meet Necaxa, Los Chiquitos, El Empresario, and befriend Welo, Hierro, and El Leon. They help protect Dolores from the evil and wicked La Chaquetza and Los Malalas.

David Damian is executive producer of  “Pepe Serna Life is Art,” a documentary about the amazing life and career of veteran actor Pepe Serna. The film was an official selection of The Palm Springs Film Festival. David Damian also produced Abuelo, a short film starring Serna which was accepted into the 2022 Cannes Film Festival’s Market Section. He is also an executive producer on Food Chains, a documentary about the plight of U.S. farmworkers that premiered at Berlinale – The Berlin International Film Festival.

David was recently interviewed on Latin Heat’s Hollywood Talks by Bel Hernandez.

El Oz is available at all retailers including lulu.com, Barnes & Noble, Walmart, Amazon, Google Books and Apple Books

Product Details:
ISBN-13: 9781678011451
Publisher: Lulu.com
Publication Date: 02/22/2022
Pages: 118
Dimensions: 6 X 9

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The Farmworker Justice Awards – Los Angeles is celebrating 40 years of serving the needs of U.S. farmworkers as they kick off Hispanic Heritage Month. Hollywood celebrities and Latino community leaders will attend as the organization recognizes turn out to recognizing leaders of the Latino community for their social impact. The honorees include Eva Longoria, award-winning actress, producer, director, entrepreneur, activist, and advocate for the rights of farmworkers; John Echeveste, CEO of LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes; Thomas A. Saenz, President and General Counsel of the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund (MALDEF); and Bel Hernandez, CEO of Latin Heat Media and Chair of the Farmworker Justice Advisory Council, Tuesday, September 14 at LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes in downtown Los Angeles.

This event, presented by Pepsico, is becoming one of the most important charity events in Los Angeles this year. The Farmworker Justice awards hosted by  Jordi Vilasuso (The Young and the Restless) provide an opportunity to bring together supporters and contributors from the business, legal, government, and nonprofit communities to report and highlight Farmworker Justice’s important work. It also serves to recognize individuals, businesses and other organizations that have demonstrated leadership, commitment, dedication, and sacrifice to address the ongoing plight that farmworkers face each and every day in America.

Confirmed celebrities and VIPs include several members of the cast of Eva Longoria’s directorial feature film debut Flamin’ Hot, the rags to riches story of Richard Montañez who is credited with having helped invented the Flaimin’ Hot Cheetos snack. The two leads of the film, Annie Gonzalez plays the lead role of Judy Montañez and Jesse Garcia who plays the lead character of Richard Montañez will be in attendance. Additional Flamin’ Hot cast members include Pepe Serna (With Love, Scarface), Eric Marq (Flamin’ Hot) and Fabian Alomar (Mayans M.C.). 

Dolores Huerta, civil rights icon co-founder of the United Farm Workers and President of the Dolores Huerta Foundation will set the stage with her keynote remarks. Actress/psychotherapist Julie Carmen will do the introduction.

Joining in the celebration will be guitar virtuoso and pop culture icon, Charo; actress Alma Martinez (Gentefied);  Edy Ganem (Devious Maids); actor/director Enrique Castillo (Weeds, Blood In, Blood Out); Laura Patalano (Gentefied); Yareli Arizmendi (A Day Without a Mexican); Karina Noelle Castillo (The Good Doctor);  Joseph Raymond Lucero (Mayans M.C.); Dan Guerrero (¡Gaytino!);  director/musician Sergio Arau (A Day Without a Mexican); Yvette Gonzalez-Nacer (Hadestown); Alfonso Illan (The Forever Purge); Angel Garet (The First Wives Club). Josefina Lopez (Real Women Have Curves); actor/director Mauricio Mendoza (True Form Films); JM Longoria (Miracles from Heaven, Bibi); Carlos Carrasco (Blood In, Blood Out); Hector Atreyu Ruiz (Las Carpas); singer Catie Waters, rapper Melo Menace; recording artist Leyo Mendez; former NFL Placekicker Tony Zendejas;  José Luis Valenzuela (Director, LATC); former NFL kicker Frank Corral; Evelina Fernandez (Actress, Screenwriter); Marabina Jaimes (Emmy Award-winning host/actress); and Naibe Reynoso, Co-Founder Latinafest, LA CO. Channel news anchor, founder Con Todo Press.

Expected to attend: Jacob Vargas (Mr. Iglesias), Emilio Rivera (Mayans M.C.); and many more.

NOTE:  COVID-19 Guidelines will be in effect. All attendees, volunteers and staff will be required to show proof of vaccination before entering the event. A negative COVID-19 test taken within the last 72 hours before the event will also be accepted.

Bruce Goldstein, Farmworker Justice President, of the national advocacy organization for farmworkers will give the opening remarks. The organization, which was founded in 1981 collaborates with organizations throughout the country to empower farmworkers to improve their wages, working conditions, occupational safety, health immigration status and access to justice.

Paintings by Master Chicano Artist Yolanda Gonzalez on sale to benefit Farmworker Justice.

There will be an auction that will be conducted by the inimitable Charo joins Farmworker Justice Director of Development, David Damian Figueroa.

The event is designed by Ricardo Soltero, scenery director and stage set designer for the annual Hollywood Forever Día de los Muertos celebration.

SOCIALS: Instagram: @Farmworkerjustice; FB: @Farmworkerjustice;

TW: @FarmwrkrJustice.

Hashtags: #handsthatfeedus; #fairwages; #farmworkerjustice #farmworkerjusticeawards #40thanniversary

For more information visit the Farmworker Justice website at www.farmworkerjustice.org and follow #HandsThatFeedUs.

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The event of the summer not to miss is the upcoming Farmworker Justice Awards’ 40^th Anniversary — Los Angeles, which will celebrate 40 years of working to improve their health and well-being of farmworkers and their families. It will be held on September 14, 2021 at the prestigious venue LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes, located in downtown Los Angeles. This year’s Farmworker Justice Awards are being presented by Pepsico.

The gala awards will recognize individuals, businesses, and other organizations that have demonstrated leadership, commitment, dedication, and sacrifice to address the ongoing plight that farmworkers face each day in America. They also provide an opportunity for supporters and contributors from the business, legal, and nonprofit communities to help bring attention to the important work being done by FJ on behalf of the people who labor on farms and ranches to feed America. 

Honorees for the evening include Thomas A. Saenz, President and General Counsel of Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund; Bel Hernandez, Founder/CEO of Latin Heat Media and Chair of the Farmworker Justice Advisory Council; Richard Montañez, Author, Motivational Speaker, Corporate Executive, and former farmworker, and John Echeveste, CEO of LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes.

The eclectic list of supporter includes Hollywood celebrities, social justice community advocates, and corporate America leaders. The evening will be hosted by Jordi Vilasuso (The Young and the Restless) with Farmworker Justice President Bruce Goldstein and UFW Co-founder and Dolores Huerta, Foundation President Dolores Huerta delivering the keynote remarks. 

A live auction will conducted by the incomparable Charo and David Damian Figueroa, Farmworker Justice Awards’ Director of Development. Multimedia artist Yolanda Gonzalez‘ exclusive paintings and sculptures will available for sale, which will benefit the organization. 

“It’s been an incredible honor to see Farmworker Justice reach this milestone of 40 years,” said Goldstein. “This past year has been challenging for us all, but especially for our farmworkers, who, despite being deemed essential workers, have had their rights challenged and their lives put at risk because of lack of protections. When considering the 40th anniversary of Farmworker Justice, it’s important to acknowledge the strides we’ve made, while being aware of the work that is yet to be done.”

Presenters will include actress/educator Dr. Alma Martinez, actresses Julie Carmen (Windows on the World, Milagro Beanfield War), and Pepe Serna (Flamin’ Hot, Scarface) and Antonia Hernandez the CEO of the California community foundation and the Honorable Gloria Molina, first woman and Latina elected to the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors will also be presenting.

In attendance will be actors Annie Gonzalez and Pepe Serna, both who recently finished filming the Flamin’ Hot movie which was directed by Eva Longoria. Also in attendance are actors Enrique Castillo (Weeds, Blood In Blood Out),  Emilio Rivera (Mayans MC), Karina Noelle Castillo (NCIS, The Good Doctor), Naomi Gonzalez (Selena: The Series), Laura Patalano (Gentefied), JM Longoria (Miracles From Heaven), and Dyana Ortelli (Coco). Singer/performer Catie Waters, and Yvette Gonzalez Nacer (Vivo, In The Heights) will also join.

“I am very proud and honored to stand in solidarity with my friends at Farmworkers Justice, who work so tirelessly and heroically to assure fair and decent working and living conditions for our farmworkers who provide the food that feeds our families,“ said honoree John Echeveste.

The beautiful outdoor campus of La Plaza de Cultura Y Artes will come alive with the decorations of Ricardo Soltero. “We have retained the services of a renowned scenic designer, Ricardo Soltero, who will be designing the stage and entire campus of LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes for our celebration. Soltero is scenery director and stage-set designer for the annual Hollywood Forever Dia de Los Muertos celebration,” said Figueroa, who is also producing the event.

Farmworker Justice will be held Tuesday, September 14th at LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes, 501 N. Main Street, Downtown, L.A. Reception and Arts Program will commence at 6 PM to 9:30 PM (PST). Organizers will be observing both California and City of Los Angeles latest pandemic guidelines for events. Masks and proof of vaccination will be required. Tickets are still available: CLICK HERE.  

For sponsorship opportunities: ddfigueroa@farmworkerjustice.org 

Facebook Instagram Twitter LinkedIn. #FairWages #HandsThatFeedUs

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Dolores Huerta, Civil Rights and Human Rights Icon and founder of the Dolores Huerta Foundation , and Josefina Lopez award-winning playwright and screenwriter (Real Women Have Curves), will testify on Monday, April 26, 2021 at 3:00 p.m. in Sacramento, CA at Senate Labor Committee Hearing for Senate Bill 805 (SB 805), “Save The Performing Arts Act of 2021,” authored by State Senator Susan Rubio (D-Baldwin Park) representing the 22nd District, and co-authored by State Senator Ben Allen (D-Santa Monica) representing the 26th District.

Dolores Huerta worked closely with Luis Valdez (La Bamba, Zoot Zuit) early on to bring relevant and socially conscious and relavant theater to the fields early with the United Farmworker’s Union. “The history of the performing arts is interwoven with the fight for social justice every step of the way,” she said. “Theater was a significant voice that helped bring about change in public consciousness during slavery, the civil rights movement, women’s suffrage, the organized labor movement, the Chicano movement, and just about every other movement working to bring about equity for those in their group.

Stories like Lopez’ Real Women Have Curves, or Valdez’ Zoot Suit were written and developed in small theaters.

“Save The Performing Arts Act of 2021 or SB 805, is the first bill in the nation that will create a critical funding infrastructure to help assist Small Nonprofit Performing Arts Companies (SNPAC) with average adjusted gross revenues equal to, or less than $1.4 million, to be adjusted every five years based on the California Consumer Price Index.
 
SB 805 will direct the California Arts Council to establish the California Nonprofit Performing Arts Paymaster, which will provide low-cost payroll and paymaster services to SNPACs.  This legislation will establish the Performing Arts Equitable Payroll Fund to ensure that SNPACs can pay all workers minimum wage, particularly workers in marginalized communities.
 
Small nonprofit theaters are incubators for playwrights, actors, designers, directors and other artists.  They have historically provided networking opportunities and mentorship for Black, Indigenous and People of Color artists to facilitate connections necessary for career advancement by providing performance experience that helps to open doors to larger, less accessible companies. Furthermore, SNPACs contribute to the economic growth, social well-being and cultural vitality of the local communities they serve.

To be part of the conversation with us on Instagram @sb805california, on Twitter @sb805ca and on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/SB805ca   Hashtags include:  #SB805, #THEATERMATTERS, #CALIFORNIA, #TEATRO, #BIPOCAccess, #SOSCA, #TheaterIsSocialJustice

— Latin Heat News Service

— Featured Photo: Dolores Huerta (Heather Hazzan) and Josefina Lopez (Shane Sato)
 

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WATCH Film Here for FREE: www.followmehomethemovie.com Until Nov. 4

Latin Heat News Services

The message of the film Follow Me Home (1996) directed by Peter Bratt, captured the struggle of people in the face of oppression; today its message is more relevant and urgent than ever.

The collective The BIG We partnered with the Follow Me Home Coalition and the nonprofit IllumiNative to present a nationwide online event that will feature dynamic conversations about race and our current political climate over three days Oct. 28 through 30.

Follow Me Home filmmakers partnered with the Follow Me Home Coalition to digitize the 1996 film and re-release it online nationally for free for one week beginning Oct. 22. through Nov. 4 at www.followmehomethemovie.com. Then audiences are invited to participate in a three-night curated live event of frank conversations around the themes of race, class and gender the film explores.

Confirmed event participants include director Peter Bratt and cast members Alfred Woodard, Benjamin Bratt, Jesse Borrego, and special guests Alice Walker, Dolores Huerta and Bakari Sellers.

After George Floyd’s tragic murder and the protests that followed, director Bratt received “impassioned calls from concerned citizens of every creed and color who thought that the film was still relevant today,” according to event organizers. As calls turned into action, Peter and Benjamin Bratt joined a small, passionate group of allies known as the Follow Me Home Coalition to re-share this tale. The Coalition’s hope is to help foster one of the “most pivotal conversations of our collective lives and to provoke change in the way we live in America,” read a press statement

“Stories have the power to change perception, and even policy,” said film director Bratt, who also wrote the screenplay. “They also have the ability to unite us as a people–an interdependent and interrelated community.” 

Drawing upon Native, African and Latino culture, Follow Me Home is a rebellious fable of four Los Angeles street artists who hatch a plan to cover the White House with vibrantly painted murals. Joined by a woman with a haunting secret, they set off on an impetuous joyride across a desert landscape steeped in magic, mystery and danger. A powerful celebration of art, history, music and community, Follow Me Home challenges long-held beliefs about race and identity in America, adding an important voice to today’s racial reckoning. 

Written and directed by Peabody Award-winning filmmaker Peter Bratt, Follow Me Home  stars Academy Award-nominee Alfred Woodard, Benjamin Bratt, Jesse Borrego, Calvin Levels, Steve Reevis, and features a then-unknown Salma Hayek; Executive Produced by Alpita Patel, Adam Zbar and John China. 

The Sundance film has been praised by prominent cultural critics of color including Angela Davis, Alice Walker, June Jordan, and Toni Morrison and is revered for bringing voices and stories from the background to the forefront. The film has sparked lively, impassioned, and often emotional reactions, spotlighting the unsettled issues that yet cripple America as we rapidly approach a crucial election.

“It is an incredible gift for The BIG We to serve the vision of the film and curate talk backs and story circles for folks who are ready to talk about racial equity and justice,” says Anasa Troutman, The BIG We’s CEO. “Our goal is to start an enduring conversation that will magnify these stories and voices to boldly shape narratives that will transform how we think, speak, and move through this very critical time.”

Follow Me Home ‘s crew includes director of photography Garett Griffin, editor Robert Grahamjones, music composers Cyril Neville Speech and Roy Finch, production designer Katerina Keith, executive producers Alpita Patel, Adam Zbar and John China and producers Alan Renshaw, Irene Romero, Peter Bratt and Benjamin Bratt. 

For schedule and additional details on the event and film, please visit www.FollowMeHomeTheMovie.com. 

The post Peter Bratt’s Film ‘Follow Me Home’ Re-Releases With 3 Day Online Event first appeared on .

By Roberto Leal

The 1954 film, Salt of the Earth, written by Hollywood Blacklisted screenwriter, Michael Wilson, starring Juan Chacón, , Rosaura Revueltas, and Will Geer, which tells the inspiring story of Mexican zinc mine workers in New Mexico, who organize a general strike, eerily mirrors the life of Dolores Huerta. It is the Chicana woman; wives, mothers, daughters, in Salt of the Earth, who organize, mobilize, energize, and create the solidarity that is the driving force behind the miner’s ultimate victory.

This Friday, July 10, at 9 PM CST, PBS and Independent Lens will air Dolores. Her story begins in 1930 in Dawson, New Mexico, the daughter of coal-mining Mexican immigrants. It was in the crucible of that hard-scrabble, poverty-stricken environment that forged the iron will that is the heart and soul of Dolores Huerta’s remarkable, fiery political activism, labor rights battles, and unwavering support on behalf of feminist causes.

Huerta’s most well-known and notable achievement was being the co-founder, along with Cesar Chavez, of the United Farm Workers Union. What is not so well-known, is it was Huerta who did the lions’ share of the bare-knuckle brawling and nuts  and bolt, hard-nosed negotiating behind the scenes, like the women in Salt of the Earth, to make the union a reality. Huerta proved the adage: “Behind Every great Latino leader is an even greater Latina leader.” We could use bold, strong, Latina leaders, in the mold of Dolores Huerta, on our cultural and political ramparts today.

Barbarians at the Gate

There are many political, economic, and cultural issues facing the greater Latinx community that are crying out for powerful Latina leadership.

ICE, at the behest of Trump, and his Minister of the Border Gulags, Stephen Miller, aka The Ghost of Joseph Goebbels Present, are dragging their feet and delaying, for as long as possible, the court-ordered release of those migrant children currently being held in dog cages that would bring tears to the eyes of an SPCA activist.

Miller and ICE are creating a sinister deterrence-based immigration policy based on scaring the hell out of any Latino immigrant from Mexico and Central America, who has the arrogance and temerity to seek asylum, strive for a better life, in what we increasingly refer to with farcical irony as “The Land of the Free” with the horrifying specter of being interminably caged in the American Gulag.

Where is the national outrage? Why aren’t the ask-kissing, enabling Republicans—who support this inhumane, and illegal policy— why aren’t they having their clammy, dainty, well-pedicured feet held to a blast furnace hot, public fire?

Chicanos, Mexicans, Mexican Americans, and other Latin Americans are being killed by the trumpvirus pendejodemic at higher rates than any other ethnic group. There are many reasons for this tragic statistic: working in essential service industries and dangerously close proximity production jobs, living in high density, crowded housing, and other underlying health conditions.

We need a few latter-day Dolores Huertas, on the ramparts, raging against the injustice and using a bullhorn to roar truth to power. There are some good candidates. The mainstream media, which often ignores, or marginalizes Latino public figures, must shine a brighter and more frequent national spotlight on them.

Women of Color of a Different Hue

All the political pundits insist Joe Biden must choose a woman of color to be his VP running mate. I do not necessarily disagree with that assessment. When this presidential campaign first started, my “dream ticket” was Senator Kamala Harris and Julian Castro. Harris appears to be the odds on favorite to be his VP pick. It makes sense. Black women are the base of the Democratic Party.

However, Latina women are the FUTURE of the Democratic Party and the country. Arizona, Texas, and Florida are teetering on the verge of turning Blue, due to the huge Latino populations there.

When that happens—and it will happen—the only way a Republican can ever get into the Oval Office again, will be by taking the White House Tour, conducted by a kid named, Rogelio, who once resided in a dog cage on the Tex-Mex  border.

So why not consider a woman of color of a different hue for VP? Why not a Latina? In a recent article in The Hill titled Five Latinas Who Could be Biden’s Running Mate,, the following bright, attractive, accomplished and articulate Latina ladies were named:

• Rep. Veronica Escobar (D), Texas
• Rep. Sylvia García (D), Texas
• Gov. Michelle Luján Grisham (D) New Mexico
• Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto (D) Nevada
• Hilda Solis, former Secretary of Labor, Obama Administration

I am adding Judge Lina Hidalgo, Harris County, Texas, as my personal favorite

When we add Puerto Rico as the 51^st state, well, all those Trumpistas can  trade in their AR-15’s, their camouflage fatigues and MAGA caps for salsa dance lessons, start  sprinkling Tajin on their mac ‘n cheese and get addicted to the telenovelas, like the rest of us.

Dolores Huerta is credited with the phrase: Si se puede. That phrase was appropriated by Obama in his run for the president: “Yes, We Can.” When we look back on the inspirational activist career of Dolores Huerta, we can honestly say: ¡ELLA LO HIZO!

Huerta has been honored with Mexican corridos, wall murals and several documentaries. Time to erect a statue of Dolores Huerta, long hair flowing in the wind, bullhorn in hand, roaring truth to power.

Dolores airs Friday, July 10 on PBS Independent Lens, at 9 PM CST.

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