In Partnership with The William C. Velasquez Institute, PBS Broadcaster Tavis Smiley and Univision America’s Fernando Espuelas to Moderate a National Conversation with Latino Leaders about Critical Issues like the Economy, Healthcare, Education and Immigration.
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“Whether of Mexican, Cuban, South American or Caribbean heritage, America’s destiny is forever linked to its recognition and understanding of its diverse Latino citizens,” said Smiley. “Gone forever are the days of painting Latinos as a monolithic or insignificant community. In many respects, as the Latino community goes, so goes America.”
During the nationally televised symposium, panelists will examine the full range of Latino social, political, economic and cultural influence on American life. According to the Pew Research Hispanic Center, Latinos are the largest minority group now on America’s college campuses, including 44 percent of those attending college in Chicago. More than 46 percent of Latinos are homeowners in this country, and 67 percent of those live in the Windy City. Also, “LATINO NATION” panelists will challenge stereotypes that plague the 14 million Latino voters, whose ranks grow by approximately 20 percent every four years.
Confirmed and invited panelists include: Antonio Gonzalez, president of The William C. Velasquez Institute (WCVI); Luis Gutierrez, U.S. Representative (D-IL); Eva Longoria, actress and activist; Thomas A. Saenz, president and general counsel of MALDEF; Adriana Quintero, senior attorney and director, La Onda Verde de NRDC; Aracely Panameno, director of Latino Affairs at the Center for Responsible Lending (CRL); Oscar Chacon, executive director of the National Alliance of Latin American & Caribbean Communities (NALACC); Hector Barreto, chairman of the Latino Coalition and former administrator of the Small Business Administration; Ana Navarro, Republican political strategist; Jesus Garcia, commissioner, District 7, Cook County, Illinois; Stephanie Sanchez, student trustee board member of Chicago State University; David Montejano, professor of Ethnic Studies at the University of California, Berkeley; Mary Rose Wilcox, supervisor, District 5, Maricopa County, Arizona; Xavier Gutierrez, president and chief investment officer of Meruelo Capital Partners; Bettina Inclan, director of Hispanic Outreach for the Republican National Committee; Domingo Garcia, Law Offices of Domingo Garcia; Maria Elena Durazo, executive secretary-treasurer of the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO; and others.
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