UN PUEBLO NUEVO: PART TWO, The New Boston – Beyond Black & White
Boston Latino A-Z
September, 2007
Okay. So you get the picture.
Every day our numbers continue to grow yet I find myself still asking…Where are we in the eyes and minds of the status quo? Are we that invisible?
Every year we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month and I know that many of you can readily think of a number of Latinos who are contributing not only to our community but the general community as well. They come from all walks of life. Most are bilingual/bicultural although some feel more comfortable in their native language.
We know of people in our communities who are deeply committed to guiding principles. To our “raices”. La Familia. La Tierra. Los niños. La Cultura. La Educación. La Salud.
We are aware of enlightened Latino leaders who foster collaborative leadership as a model for future leaders – leadership that does not reside exclusively in any one individual. These are leaders who search for opportunities to change the “status quo”. Who believe that they can make a difference and are committed to servant-oriented leadership. Who foster collaboration and build spirited teams. Leaders who establish principles concerning the way people should be treated and recognize the contributions those individuals make.
We have people amongst us with a shared vision of a healthy Latino community whose education, prosperity and leadership contribute to the well being of society. They strive to establish a common ground that respects differences but works towards finding a consensus among the committed stakeholders.
We have a history of collaboration and forming coalitions. Building trusting partnerships with diverse, committed stakeholders who share our goals. Potential stakeholders that include public/private sector leaders in education and health, as well as individual donors, corporations and foundations.
We know of Latino leaders who strive for inclusiveness and achieving diversity in all aspects of our work.
Some of you know that during the beginning of this decade I hosted three trips to Cuba as part of the defunct Citizens of the World Tours for WBUR. I consider the experiences as life changing, because during my first trip to Cuba, despite the hardships, the Cuban’s dignity, hospitality, gentleness, patience, indomitable spirit and unquenchable sense of humor struck me. It reminded me of my fellow Puerto Ricans and energized me to refocus my short and long term plans to participate in creating and developing a society that would recognize and respect Puerto Rican and Latino history, culture, values, and traditions – “Un Pueblo Nuevo”.
It is for this very reason that I now embark on making the publication of UN PUEBLO NUEVO: The New Boston – Beyond Black & White/Boston Latino A-Z, a reality. I will engage cohorts that subscribe to the above. Who believe that we have to assume the responsibility of documenting and highlighting our achievements, our contributions, our history and presence in this city and throughout the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
The leadership at El Planeta newspaper took on a similar challenge in 2005 when they responded to a Boston magazine edition highlighting the 100 most influential people in Boston with nary a mention of anyone Latino. Thus was born the annual Poderómetro (The Powermeter) listing the 100 most influential people in the Latino community.
It is with the same energy and determination that we will initiate our endeavor. I look forward to hearing from you along the way.
