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El Semanario
Maintain the momentum, accountability
As The Weekly Issue/El Semanario commemorates our 19th year in serving the Latino community, we also celebrate our new President Elect of the United States, and the progressive action we all need to make happen. As a country we have witnessed unbelievable acts by those who have been elected to rule this country. We did so without requiring accountability from them or ourselves. This needs to change. Over the past 19 years we have exercised our freedom of the press and have encouraged our community to act, get involved and leave this world a better place than we found it. And with the celebration of the Latin American Research and Service Agency’s annual Bernie Valdez Luncheon Awards this week, we share the story and ideals of Mr. Valdez and his forward thinking in a time when people of color had limited rights. His exemplary accomplishments left a trail of inspiration that the ‘si se puede’ state of mind is a proven method of success in life. Forty-eight years ago, the original visionaries behind the Latin American Research and Service Agency knew they had to develop a format for change within the Latino community; and the twenty-three founders valued each other for their talents and contributions, and their vision has ultimately led the organization through four decades. The same philosophy can be attributed to the numerous organizations within our community and the same heartfelt need for change and serious community action. This past election proved what a powerful force we can be. We were challenged to have the audacity to hope. According to exit polls, over 12 million Latinos voted, and 67% voted for President Elect Obama (in Colorado Obama won by 73%). This is a historical mark for Latinos. This powerful act began with national unity, when Latinos took to the streets on May 1, 2006 to exercise our voice for change – it was heard through our votes in 2008. Although we are enjoying the victory, we cannot stop the momentum of our progress. I have spoken to many in the community who have worked vigorously with the election campaigns and are now having ‘election withdrawal’ and are not certain how to redirect their energy. Visit our website (www.elsemanario.net) and read about the several opportunities to get involved with exceptional organizations and agencies that can benefit from the energy created to bring about positive change within our community and nation. Continue to have the audacity to hope.
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