Audio clip
Dora Price
Mexico's quebradita, together with Colombia's cumbia and Puerto Rico's salsa, will be some of the traditional dances showcased at the Rhythms of Latin America gala.
"We want to show the diversity of our culture and what every country brings to the table," said Dr. Pablo Perez, a member of the Latin American Community Alliance, the organization hosting the annual event.
But the gala goes beyond cultural performances. The idea began five years ago with the recognition of a non-Hispanic resident who has helped the Hispanic community.
The first gala was held at the NorthWest Georgia Trade and Convention Center, said Dr. Perez, where Erwin Mitchel, former U.S. congressman and founder of the Georgia Project, was given the first Amigo award.
IF YOU GO
* What: Rhythms of Latin America Great Gala 2010
* When: 6 p.m. Saturday
* Where: Creative Arts Guild, 520 W. Waugh St., Dalton, Ga.
* Cost: $25
* Information: Call Angel Silva at 706-529-2009
"One of ACLA's goals is to bridge both communities so there will be greater tolerance and a better relationship," he said.
The event will start with a 30-minute video portraying the cultural richness of the 21 Latin American countries, said Dora Price, who with her husband, Jorge Araya, coordinated the artistic program.
"We are going to have dishes representing six countries, including Mexico, El Salvador and Guatemala," she said.
Money raised from sponsors and the sale of tickets also will go toward scholarships for immigrant students who must pay out-of-state tuition.
"We want to support those students who want to further their education but can't afford to do so," Dr. Perez said.
Perla Trevizo joined the Chattanooga Times Free Press in 2007 and covers immigration/diversity issues and higher education. She holds a master’s degree in newswire journalism from Universidad Rey Juan Carlos in Madrid, Spain, and a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Texas. In 2011 she participated in the Bringing Home the World international reporting fellowship program sponsored by the International Center for Journalists, producing a series on Guatemalan immigrants for which she ...
"Money raised from sponsors and the sale of tickets also will go toward scholarships for immigrant students who MUST PAY OUT-OF-STATE TUITION."
Immigrant students who must pay out-of-state tuition are ILLEGAL ALIENS.
According to Georgia state law, OCGA 50-36-1, passed as part of SB 529 - Georgia Security and Immigration Compliance Act (GSICA) in 2006, Dalton State College and the Board of Regents are in violation of federal and state laws by admitting illegal aliens, no matter what tuition rate they pay.
Post secondary education is a public benefit and is reserved for eligible applicants only, and ILLEGAL ALIENS AREN'T ELIGIBLE.
These people laugh at our laws and apparently no one gives a rip.
It appears that part of the 1st amendment pertaining to infringing on the freedom of the press doesn't mean a whole lot these days - there is no press.
"Laugh at our laws"...how interesting. I was there, and I didn't see anyone laughing. What I did see was about 300 people from many different cultures and countries of origin who stood with pride as a young Hispanic girl gave a beautiful rendition of the National Anthem. I reiterate...stood with pride. Not defiance, not belligerence, but sincere pride.
The four young adults who received these scholarships were well-deserving. They are polite, bright, and proudly identify themselves as both Americans and Hispanics, and they are what this country desperately needs if we are to remain economically competitive.
The writer of the previous comment...Wilder...doesn't know it yet, but he (or she) is now a minority. Not in race or place of origin, but of mindset. The number of people have grown to a majority that realize that the treatment Hispanics have been receiving--raids, deportation, and more--is unconscionable, as was the enslavement of blacks and the forced removal of Native Americans.
It is because we are strong enough to admit our mistakes and then work to repair the damage that I am proud to be an American.
Or login with:
New Account