Wednesday, September 23, 2009

"Day of the Dead" Art Exhibit
Día de Los Muertos



October 2 - November 20, 2009

Opening Reception
First Friday, October 2nd
6 – 10 p.m.

Second Reception
First Friday, November 6th
6 – 9 p.m.

Mattie Rhodes Art Gallery is celebrating their annual Día de Los Muertos Exhibit. The grand opening event will celebrate the color & culture of the Mexican holiday Día De Los Muertos (Day of the Dead). There will be music, food and art. This event allows for an intimate viewing of ofrendas (altars) which are created by local families & artists as well as a display of Day of the Dead inspired works of art.

"Experience the memory, love & creativity this holiday inspires and be part of this colorful tradition!"

Here's the link: http://mattierhodes.org

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month





President Barack Obama has proclaimed today Hispanic Heritage Month to be celebrated from September 15th to October 15th. We celebrate the culture, the contributions and the success of our Hispanic brothers and sisters in the United States.

NATIONAL HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH, 2009
- - - - - - -
BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

A PROCLAMATION

The story of Hispanics in America is the story of America itself. The Hispanic community's values -- love of family, a deep and abiding faith, and a strong work ethic -- are America's values. Hispanics bring together the rich traditions of communities with centuries-old roots in America and the energy and drive of recent immigrants. Many have taken great risks to begin a new life in the hopes of achieving a better future for themselves and their families.

Hispanics have played a vital role in the moments and movements that have shaped our country. They have enriched our culture and brought creativity and innovation to everything from sports to the sciences and from the arts to our economy.

Hispanics have served with honor and distinction in every conflict since the Revolutionary War, and they have made invaluable contributions through their service to our country. They lead corporations and not-for-profits, and social movements and places of learning. They serve in government at every level from school boards to statehouses, and from city councils to Congress. And for the first time in our Nation's history, a Latina is seated among the nine Justices of the Supreme Court of the United States.

As Hispanics continue to enrich our Nation's character and shape our common future, they strengthen America's promise and affirm the narrative of American unity and progress.

To honor the achievements of Hispanics in America, the Congress, by Public Law 100-402, as amended, has authorized and requested the President to issue annually a proclamation designating September 15 through October 15 as "National Hispanic Heritage Month."

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim September 15 through October 15, 2009, as National Hispanic Heritage Month. I call upon public officials, educators, librarians, and all the people of the United States to observe this month with appropriate ceremonies, activities, and programs.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this fifteenth day of September, in the year of our Lord two thousand nine, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-fourth.

BARACK OBAMA

Every year, thousands of Hispanics move to our country looking for better opportunities and a more safe and healthy future for their families. The U.S. Census Bureau estimated by July of 2007 that the Hispanic population had reached 45 million people representing 15% of the total population and becoming the largest minority group. Census estimates that by 2050, Hispanics will represent 24% of the total population.

Many Hispanics have succeeded in the entertainment and arts, business, health, education and laws fields, and within the Government, etc. Recently we had the chance to celebrate the confirmation of Judge Sonia Sotomayor as one of the members of the Supreme Court and celebrate Hilda L. Solis as the new U.S. Secretary of Labor.

According to a recent report from ComScore, Inc., Hispanics also represents 11% of the total U.S. Online audience, becoming a very important market not only for companies but for the Government as well.

Check out some of the websites where you can find official Government information in Spanish.