We are very lucky to be standing here united.
In the state that is called a commonwealth with its own state motto of “United we stand, divided we fall.”
It’s our motto as Hispanics and Latinos. After all, in Spanish, one of our most popular chants is: “Unidos—no podemos ser vencidos.” (United—we can not be conquered).
We are very lucky to have politicians like Steven Riggs, Reginald Meeks, Gerald Neal, Crit Luallen, Steve Beshear and John Yarmuth who, all along with others, helped us repeal the bill that mirrored Arizona’s SB 1070—which is now, unfortunately, gaining popularity with similar legislation in other states like Alabama and Georgia.
We are lucky to be living in Louisville with Mayor Greg Fischer who promised us Hispanic and Latinos that there would be no racial profiling within the city—a city that now has an immigrant population of more than 50% and represents over 80 countries.
And now, we are very lucky to be part of the 55,000 Degrees initiative because higher education is the most common denominator for people of all colors: brown, black, red, yellow and white!
Today, we Hispanic Latinos stand united in Jefferson County and surrounding areas including southern Indiana to support our own part of the the 55,000 Degrees initiative we have named “Behold 1500 Latinos!”
Through the Mayor’s Office for Globalization and one of its first International Councils, named “The Magnificent 7” we have called upon all of our local networks of Hispanic Latino organizations and other organizations that support us to help us organize a voluntary collaboration in order for “Behold 1500 Latinos!” will begin to assist Kentucky Hispanic Latinos in overcoming the barriers that hinder postsecondary participation and success and set Kentucky on track for college attainment and completion. The aim is to help 1,500 Latinos in Jefferson County attain college degrees or credentials by 2020 as part of Jefferson County’s 55,000 Degrees Initiative.
In our meeting on May 9, 2012 at the UFCW 227 Union Hall Headquarters, we are presenting this agenda for “Behold 1500 Latinos!”:
- Dr. Antonio Perez will explain the “Behold 1500 Latinos!” plan and how the personal counseling will work eventually through a system of volunteers at various community centers.
- Volunteers will be recruited for future tutoring, mentoring, counseling and training.
- FIVE main collaborative groups will be identified in their respective category:
1). Community Centers (like Wesley House, Churches, etc.) where training classes can be held.
2). Collaborating organizations (such as the Greater Louisville’s 55,000 Degrees Educational Commitment, the Kentucky Latino Educational Alliance, La Camara, Hispanic Latino Coalition, the Hispanic Latino Business Council, etc.) who will use their web sites as portals for the information and ongoing communication about “Behold 1500 Latinos!” progress.
3). Social services organizations (groups such as Adelante Hispanic Achievers, Catholic Health Charities, etc.) who will provide direct services to youth and their families.
4). Educational Institutions (groups such as U of L and the Latin American & Latino Studies Club, JCTCS, Bellarmine University, etc.) that will also have resources for ongoing information/training/counseling.
5). Philanthropic organizations/corporations (organizations with foundations, etc.) that will invite grant proposals by Behold 1500 Latinos.
Our main objective is to create a real collaboration between all these five groups and to recruit a “Behold 1500 Latinos!” representative at each of the groups that can keep the lines of communication open as one or another group makes significant progress. Once the first funding is obtained for communication materials and training programs (these will start in the fall and will take place at centers designated by Adelante Hispanic Achievers, La Camara @ Wesley House) then all collaborating organizations can take an active role in the “Behold 1500 Latinos!” initiative through:
1. Grassroots outreach efforts for families and Hispanic Latino youth;
2. Student support through Hispanic Latino outreach coordinators;
3. Financial aid application support and financial literacy training;
4. Career counseling and employment support;
5. Peer mentoring;
6. Two-year to four-year transfer and articulation support; and
7. "Latino Student Success" training for mentors and facilitators.
