Latinos Doing Their Thing: Rob Ruiz

by Libby Juliá Vázquez

In October 2009 I received an invitation to participate in a march to protest the gun violence in Chicago. The march, organized by Rob Ruiz, was a reaction to the shooting of a teenager in a night club and the night club’s decision to open its doors for a popular concert, just one day following the shooting.  A decision that sparked outrage, as well as debate

The morning of the march, while checking Facebook, I saw Rob’s status and learned that no one had shown up to march with him.  A lot of people, probably most, would let that stop them, but it didn’t deter Rob; on he marched, alone.  That determination,that drive to change the world is what makes Rob a perfect example of a Latino Doing Their Thing.

Latinos Breaking Barriers: Jimmy Smits

by Eileen Rivera-de la Hoz

Brooklyn born Jimmy Smits first hit the scene in 1986 portraying Victor Sifeuntes on L.A. Law. We haven’t been able to take our eyes off him since then. His professional life began in Off-Broadway and traveling companies, prior to making a name for himself on television. As with many television entertainers, Jimmy went on to make movies and made a return to the theater in 2003’s Anna In The Tropics.

This weekend at a theater near you…

Opening Friday, October 1, 2010

The Social Network

United Latino Authors

by Rolando Ortiz

As I was standing inside the Pan American Bank getting ready for the Latino Family & Book Festival press release conference. The creator of the festival, Mr. Edward James Olmos and a handful of volunteers were going to speak about the festival. As Mr. Olmos walked in he was shaking hands and taking pictures. I greeted him, introduced myself, and we spoke briefly about the festival. Afterwards I was lucky enough to have posed for pictures with him.