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27 de Septiembre, 2007
The Latino Challenge to Black America
Categorized under Literatura , Raza | Tags: Authors, Blacks, Earl Ofari Hutchinson, Hope, Latino, Race, The Haunted Land
EARL OFARI HUTCHINSON is a widely-read author and political analyst, perhaps if nowhere else, you've seen him on Huffington Post. While I can't say I always agree with his take, what I do respect is that he employs a reflex in his writing that seeks to find the truth apart from what the common and widely held views are on any given topic. That is, he seeks and uses original thought. Which is far more important than my always agreeing with him. Who do you always agree with, aside from yourself?
Anyway, I also appreciate that in the promotion of his new book, The Latino Challenge to Black America: Towards a Conversation Between African-Americans and Hispanics, Mr. Hutchinson has reached out to a number of Latino blogs (this is one) to spark up conversation. The idea is for me to read the book (I did), for me to write up some questions as spurred by that reading (I did), and to send them to him (through his asst, which I did, through MY assistant :), which he would then answer (he did).
On October 4th of this year, (aprx 1 week from today) I will post both these questions, and his answers, and I am hoping you, my readers, will be interested in absorbing the back and forth, and perhaps contributing to the conversation, as Mr. Hutchinson will be around for a short time to comment and answer comments. Given the intelligence and energy of my readership, this promises to be enlightening and engaging, and I mean that completely sincerely.
I will say, with a bit of a wry smile, that while I was quite conversational in my email to Mr. Hutchinson, as well as very polite and respectful, he did not converse with me or answer my greeting, only answered the questions. So one note for you, Mister Hutchinson, is that in working "toward a conversation between African-Americans and Hispanics," one might want to try and actually converse. I don't mean to be a smartass, but hey. I am one!
Anyway, my final note on that is to underline that in his response to my questions he was quite respectful, and thoughtful, and I do appreciate the chance to engage this issue with him.
The book is easy to read, and tackles a lot of touchy issues, gives forth some historical context, and is a fine beginning for a conversation that is desperately needed, especially when so many in the media make it their business to draw a divide between Latinos/Hispanics and African-Americans.
I hope you all make it a point to come around on the fourth!
His bio material and book summary follows:
| Book Summary -
The Census Bureau made it official in 2002! Latinos are now the top minority in the U.S. The news hit black America like a thunderbolt. Many blacks complained that they would be shoved even further to the economic and political margin among minorities in the country. The Census report also showed Latinos were widening their population growth gap on blacks.
But, it's not just the numbers. Latinos demand political and social issues no longer be framed solely in black and white. That presents another challenge to black America. At times that challenge has been intensified and conflicted by the wildly divergent agendas of African-Americans and Latinos on immigration, political empowerment, bilingual education, and jobs. These are complex and engaging issues. The Latino Challenge to Black America: Towards a Conversation Between African-Americans and Hispanics examines the hot button issues and problems that conflict and unite blacks and Latinos. It looks at how both groups interpret and see those issues and problems through the prism of their experiences. It’s highly readable, fast paced, cutting edge book that blends the personal and analytical, and ultimately can serve as a guide to navigate race and ethnic relations through 21st Century America. The book will be published jointly in Spanish and English. Author Bio - Earl Ofari Hutchinson is an author, syndicated columnist, political analyst and commentator. He has been a frequent guest on Hannity and Colmes, The O’Reilly Factor, The Big Story, EXTRA, and numerous CNN News and Talk Shows. He was a regular commentator on CNBC’s The Dennis Miller Show. He has been a guest on the Today Show, Dateline, The Lehrer Hour, and BET News, America’s Black Forum. He is a frequent commentator for the American Urban Broadcast Network and Ed Gordon’s News and Notes on NPR. He is a featured columnist for BlackNews.com, BlackAmericaWeb.com, and Alternet.org. He is associate editor of New America Media. His op-ed columns appear in the Baltimore Sun, L.A. Times, Los Angeles Daily News, Washington Post, Chicago Tribune, Newsday, the Philadelphia Inquirer, the San Francisco Chronicle, and the Christian Science Monitor, and other major newspapers. |
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Comentarios (10)
RC dijo:
A great topic and I hope he gets into some real conversation with you in the near future. I will be anticipating the reading on the fourth. My own family incorporates these elements and the caucasian one too. So we are constantly engaged with this topic but not amongst ourselves, just the rest of the world. We are just who we are, family, and the rest of the world is the politics. I'll be forwarding the post to my kids.
Palabras por RC spat forth on el 28 de Septiembre, 2007 at 07:47 AM
Chris Clarke dijo:
Looking forward to reading, Nez.
Palabras por Chris Clarke spat forth on el 28 de Septiembre, 2007 at 09:14 AM
nezua limón xolagrafik-jonez
dijo:
all right! lookin' forward to seeing ustedes.
Palabras por nezua limón xolagrafik-jonez
spat forth on el 28 de Septiembre, 2007 at 09:51 AM
Rafael dijo:
Doing some research eh? Well I been doing some of my own, digging through the files of the first Puerto Rican governor of the island (elected that is)as well as the nationalist movement and I found a curious intersection (one of many) between San Juan and Oaxaca. I'll update soon enough. I might even write a book...who knows!
Palabras por Rafael spat forth on el 28 de Septiembre, 2007 at 12:17 PM
Michael Mandel dijo:
For those in NY, the New York Immigration Coalition (among many other groups) is sponsoring a one-day conference on a Saturday next month devoted to building bridges between the African American and immigrant communities (that might even be the title of the event). I don't have the details in front of me but I'm guessing they're available on the NYIC's website. The conference is free.
Palabras por Michael Mandel spat forth on el 28 de Septiembre, 2007 at 05:13 PM
Lulu dijo:
Hello, I have been reading you for a while and find your voice refreshing and spot on. It is impressive that on this blog there is none of the name calling and hatefulness that is rampant on others I frequent. I am curious about this dialogue Mr Hutchinson wants to start, and will read when it is posted. My question is, does he discuss at all the situation in the prisons as regards the African Americans and Latinos? Having a brother in state prison, I am aware of and deeply saddened by the segregation there. Looking forward to the platica.
Palabras por Lulu spat forth on el 1 de Octubre, 2007 at 02:31 PM
luisa dijo:
oooo, you know how i frequent this topic! lookin' forward to reading it as well!
Palabras por luisa spat forth on el 1 de Octubre, 2007 at 11:18 PM
Nikki dijo:
I plan to stop by tomorrow to learn more and to see what Mr Hutchinson has to say.
Palabras por Nikki spat forth on el 3 de Octubre, 2007 at 02:47 PM
nezua limón xolagrafik-jonez
dijo:
great to hear it, nikki. apart from whatever else i post by then, i will be putting up the question and answers around 3 pm. then, from about 4 - 4:30, mister hutchinson will be around to exchange comments with readers.
"see" you then. :)
Palabras por nezua limón xolagrafik-jonez
spat forth on el 3 de Octubre, 2007 at 05:07 PM
nezua limón xolagrafik-jonez
dijo:
Lulu, I appreciate your observation. I guess we all do our best here to encourage thoughtful conversation, think about things. We all still rant at those things we agree are horrible...and we do disagree with each other. But el Respeto is our first rule here. Lots of hate and vitriol flying around out there, lot of fear and distrust and anger. I don't pretend my blog is representative of much, but I do like it to be a place where people can feel safe and in good company. And I don't flinch at deleting or banning or blocking those whom I feel are just around to sow negativity or hurt other people.
I am sorry to hear about tu hermano. I hope he is doing okay.
I do believe Mr. Hutchinson talks about the prisons. I think in one of the latter chapters. I wouldn't want to try and summarize, let alone quote, without double checking the book, though. thanks for your words and time.
Palabras por nezua limón xolagrafik-jonez
spat forth on el 3 de Octubre, 2007 at 05:13 PM