Un Dia Sin Hispanos

Hola!
March 24 is Un Dia Sin Hispanos - part two. This is another effort that is being taken across the country to highlight the contributions of Hispanics and to counteract some of the vicious and meanspirited legislation that is being considered in Washington and across the country. Legislation that is being introduced under the guise of keeping the USA safe from terrorists.

Tomorrow's activities follow a similar effort which took place on March 10th in Washington, D.C., Chicago and Los Angeles as well as other cities across the country. Please note the picture on the bottom of the flyer whose link I am attaching. This flyer has been circulating in our area and lists the rationale for the nonviolent demonstrations. To view this flyer, please haz una click aqui

Locally, this is not an organized effort, although it has been announced in public forums and in the media. However, there are at least two rallys and/or peaceful demonstrations that have been planned.

At 9:30am in the KCK Argentine neighborhood, a march is planned on Strong Ave, and later, at Emerson Park, a gathering (rally) is planned at 11:30 also in the Argentine neighborhood of KCK.

This information is being posted for informational purposes. Hay que dar apoyo a nuestra gente! We express our support of the most recent arrivals to our community.

Comments to KCMO School Board

This evening I spoke before the KCMO School Board and it was a somewhat lonely experience as the hordes of Latinos that I expected to also convey their concerns did not materialize. Granted there were a number of conflicting events today, considering the passing of our local hero, Tony Aguirre and the Community Forum regarding the selection of the next Superintendent held this evening at Primitivo Garcia grade school, in addition to the impressive attendance this afternoon at the Hispanic Caucas luncheon, as well as community appearances before the KCMO Plans & Zoning Committee to get downzoning of the Westside neighborhood.

It is because of all this that there was a dearth of attendance by the Latino community at the one monthly school board meeting where public comments are taken, I am sure. I know that we don't really like to complain, but if we see a need -- we go where we are most needed, and I was there to make the statement so that is all that counts, no?

I am assuming that our community was just too tuckered out to attend one more meeting today and I understand - me vuelvo puras juntas sometimes. So there I stood alone with my prepared statement. I chose not to let it go completely, because I worked very hard on my comments and I was there, so I spoke to the KCMO School Board regarding Latino community perceptions and issues. You can read what I told them, if you want. Si quieres, por favor haz una click aqui to read the text of my comments before the KCMO School Board on 3/22/06.

Thought that it was important to follow through on my committment and to do something, other than just grumble among ourselves. I appreciate your comments and / or encouragement. These are my statements, not a COHO position, although the items I have noted have been said frequently in our community and I did note my position as a member of COHO in my comments. Just wanted to update those who were unable to attend, I know that you would all want to know what I said. I felt and knew that my community was there with me in spirit.

The next COHO meeting will be held on Friday, April 7th at 8am at the Tony Aguirre Community Center, 2050 West Pennway, KCMO. We have a number of presentations -- the agenda and minutes will be posted next week.

Por favor traen recuerdos del Senor Aguirre, si los tienen. Hasta luego!

Update -- Agenda for Friday's meeting; Membership luncheon postponed

Friday, March 10th at 8a.m., the Coalition will convene a meeting of members to discuss a policy that the Board of Directors will develop to address critical issues that occur affecting the local Latino community. Committee reports and presentations will be held until the April meeting. The meeting will be held at Penn Valley Community College, 3201 Southwest Trafficway, KCMO, Campus Center Room 503.

Frequently when issues arise which affect our community, we are called upon for a statement, for our position, as well as a summary of the actions that COHO is planning as a response. Recent concerns have included incidents involving local school systems, as well as employment and immigrant issues. We want to be sensitive to the concerns of our members and are seeking input as we develop this policy. We will give priority to COHO members in attendance and ask that all who wish to speak at this Friday morning's meeting sign up as they arrive. Discussion and comments from members will comprise the majority of the meeting. To view or print the agenda, click aqui.

Also, please be advised that the COHO membership luncheon, scheduled for Friday, March 17th, has been postponed. We will post the new date and send invitations as soon as we receive confirmation of speaker.

Thank you. Mil gracias!