Wieslaw Mysliwski’s novel Stone Upon Stone, translated from the Polish by Bill Johnston and published by Archipelago Books, won the fiction prize. In poetry, the prize went to Kiwao Nomura’s Spectacle & Pigsty, translated from the Japanese by Kyoko Yoshida and Forrest Gander and published by Omnidawn.

Congratulations to Bill, Kyoko, and Forrest!

Visit ALTA (American Literary Translators Association) to learn more about “bridging cultural communication among countries and languages through the art and craft of literary translation.”

The Politics & Policy Convention of the Latino Community

Dear Community Leaders,

We reiterate our invitation for you to participate in the 2012 National Latino Congreso that will take place May 17 though19 at the Arturo Velazquez Institute located at 2800 South Western Avenue Chicago, IL 60608. The objective of the National Latino Congreso (NLC) is to create an open and inclusive space to explore the policy and political agenda of Latino communities in the USA, including the international/Latin American perspective.

The upcoming National Latino Congreso in Chicago represents the first time the National Latino Congreso will take place outside of the U.S. Southwest region. This year, we will focus on three over-arching themes: Economic Justice, Immigration/Migrant Rights, and Latino Vote/Civic Engagement.  Sessions will also discuss a range of related topics such as: Youth, Education, Art, Culture, Environmental Justice, Transnationalism, Gender Equity, and Community Health and Well-being.  The national convening organizations will prepare concept papers about the central themes with the purpose of promoting dialogue and developing a set of resolutions for consideration by the Congreso participants.  Resolutions may also be presented and discussed in any of the simultaneous workshops/panel sessions.

ORGANIZE A CONCURRENT SESSION (PANEL, WORKSHOP, etc)

DURING THE CONGRESO

We ask for organizations and leaders to take part in the dynamic decision making process by organizing an activity during one or more of spaces that have been designated for concurrent (simultaneous) sessions.  This activity could be a panel, workshop/discussion space, book presentation, or other activity related to the overarching themes, and cross-cutting issues of the Congreso. By hosting a concurrent session, your organization will have the opportunity to lead conversations based on the issue of your organization’s choice, take leadership, and promote activities. Concurrent sessions may last up to 90 minutes, and they will take place both in the morning and the afternoon of Friday, May 18. A panel of convening organizations and local host groups will select up to eight sessions for each of the two time slots from all the proposals that are received by the deadline.  The deadline for any submissions is April 5, 2012. For more information on organizing a concurrent session please send us an email at nlc-info@nalacc.org or call us at (877) 683-2908 ext. 7

BE AN ACTIVE PART OF THE NLC

Please support this important event by inviting your networks to participate in this engaging decision making process that will help define coordinated strategies for policies that affect the Latino Community in the United States.  Below are various ways to be part of the National Latino Congreso. Please advise us on your decision to participate by May 1, 2012.

• Co-convener, $1000.00- Co-convening entities will receive four (4) voting delegate passes and 15 observer passes; also a 1/4 page space for use as you choose in the program (ad book).
• Organizational Endorser, $250.00. -Endorsing entities will receive one (1) voting delegate pass and 10 observer passes. Their names/logos will be displayed in the program book.  (non-profit organizations, businesses, unions, religious institutions, government offices, and networks are cordially invited to be an organizational endorser of the 2012 National Latino Congreso.)
• Individual Observer $50, An individual with observer status will have full access to the Strategy and Plenary Sessions.  Please note, under this pass you will not receive voting privileges.
• Student  $20, An individual with a student pass will have full access to the Strategy and Plenary Sessions.  Please note, under this pass you will not receive voting privileges.
• Program/Ad Book Inclusion, Your organization can be included in the NLC Program book given to all participants. Full page- $400, ½ page- $250, ¼ page- $150.

Exhibit table

• $100

 Please make checks payable to: National Alliance of Latin-American and Caribbean Communities (NALACC) 1638 S. Blue Island Chicago IL, 60608 

VOLUNTEER FOR THE NLC

We need your help in making the NLC a success. If you wish to volunteer, please e-mail us at nlc-info@nalacc.org.

We are very excited about the opportunity that the NLC represents, and know that with everyone’s contribution we will advance in uniting the Latin American immigrant community and help build a better United States for everyone.

15th Cine Las Americas International Film Festival

Now is your chance to get involved in an international event that unites amazing films, talented filmmakers and passionate audiences in Austin, Texas.

Cine Las Americas offers a range of volunteer opportunities for qualified individuals. From helping at the box office, to assisting with production, operations and much more, volunteers are a major part of the festival.

Get Involved, become a volunteer in 3 easy steps!

1) Browse our list of Volunteer Opportunities to find out how your talents could become a valuable asset to one of our volunteer crews.

2) To apply, fill out the Volunteer Form. Some positions may require that you submit an additional cover letter, resume or portfolio link for the position.

3) Attend the mandatory volunteer sign-up meeting on Thursday March 29 at 5:30 p.m. at the George Washington Carver Library (1161 Angelina  Austin, TX 78702) and the volunteer training meeting on April 19th at 5:30 p.m. at the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center (MACC, 600 River Street, Austin TX 78701).

Volunteer Sign-Up Meeting

When: Thursday, March 29 from 5:30 – 7:30pm
Where: George Washington Carver Library (1161 Angelina  Austin, TX 78702).
This meeting is mandatory for all volunteers and will include a brief orientation introducing the various volunteer roles and will allow volunteers to sign-up for volunteer shifts. Volunteers will be able to choose their shifts on a first-come, first-served basis. Walk-ins welcome.

Volunteer Training Meeting

When: Thursday, April 19 from 5:30 – 7:30pm
Where: Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center (MACC, 600 River Street, Austin TX 78701).
A volunteer training meeting is scheduled for Saturday, April 16 at the Mexican American Cultural Center. This meeting will include an introduction to the festival, your volunteer crew leaders, and training for the various volunteer positions. This is a great opportunity to ask questions and get to know the people you will be working with during the festival.

Volunteer Benefits

- Twelve (12) total hours of work = 1 all access film pass
- Twenty (20) total hours of work = 1 all access film pass + *1 additional all access pass to share with a friend or family member

RULLE 1: Read bilingual books routinely, just as in reading travel guides in preparation for a vacation trip. This rule refers to culturally relevant titles written by ethnic authors. The exposure to the foreign language, tradition, and folklore combined will allow you to experience the community. Reading Harry Potter in español will not provide a Latin American cultural experience.

Suggestion: Organizing a cultural book club or joining one is a great way of starting this habit. May I suggest joining the Dulce Book Club on Goodreads.

Pirates of the Caribbean

In anticipation of the latest chapter to the “Pirates of the Caribbean” saga, it is worthy to note that this chapter, “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides,” features global artists that not only have successfully crossed over into the prominent, yet tricky, Hollywood entertainment industry, but have outperformed a successful, artistic career on an international level. Global actress Penélope Cruz and international guitar duo, Rodrigo & Gabriela will star in the Walt Disney Pictures and Jerry Bruckheimer Films scheduled for an early summer release, May 20, 2011.

Rodrigo y Gabriela

Penélope Cruz was honored on the Hollywood Walk of Fame with the 2,436th star from the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce on Friday, April 1. While Rodrigo & Gabriela celebrate their artistic collaboration with Hans Zimmer, composer, in the launch of Walt Disney Records’ soundtrack of the “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides” due May 17, 2011.

It is fantastic to experience the international contributions that these artists have given to the global community, and an even greater acknowledgement of the gifts these ethnic artists have given the US community, in a time when ethnicity and foreignness is being questioned and shamed.

Enjoy the movie and its international contributions!

Harper Paperbacks

On Stranger Tides

By Tim Powers

Pub: Harper Paperbacks

ISBN: 9780062101075

$13.00 USD | Paperback

This past week Dulce Bread & Book Shop was featured over at the American Booksellers Association’s news site, Bookselling This Week. Dulce is a proud member of ABA, “a national, not for profit trade association, and exists to protect and promote the interests of its members: independently owned bookstores, large and small, with storefront locations in towns and cities nationwide.” Take a look.

Bookstore Owner Breaks Bread With Texas Community

By Elizabeth Knapp on Thursday, Feb 24, 2011

For Teresa Carbajal Ravet, food and language lie at the center of her culture. As the owner of Dulce Bread & Bookshop in Dripping Springs, Texas, she strives to preserve these elements, while making them more accessible to the general public.

Born in Mexico, Carbajal Ravet grew up speaking both Spanish and English and baking and eating pan dulce, Spanish for sweet bread. She came to the states to attend school, with intentions of returning to her home country. Instead, she stayed in Texas doing what she loves – enlightening others about her language and culture by teaching at various universities in the state. As an educator, Carbajal Ravet was frustrated with how difficult it was to find cultural or bilingual books for her classes.

“For where we are as a nation, it shouldn’t be that hard to find cultural literature,” she said. Taking matters into her own hands, Carbajal Ravet opened a bookstore of her own.

Dulce Bread & Bookshop is a cultural bookstore with a mission “to introduce and familiarize the U.S. community with the ethnic community of artists,” the store’s website proclaims. Carbajal Ravet opened the store about a year ago, and it has been well received by the community.

Read More

Vaqueros

Talk about culture! El Arte en la Charrería, The Artisanship of Mexican Equestrian Culture, has come to town, specifically to The Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum. Organized by International Arts & Artists, Washington, DC, in collaboration with Luis González, Marisú González and Gabriel Cabello, this cultural exhibit is NOT one to be missed. As I’m writing I’m listening to Linda Ronstadt’s Canciones de Mi Padre because that is exactly what this exhibit will do for its guests, that is, fully engulf them into the charro experience, the beauty and distinction of the Mexican cowboy and cowgirl.

Thursday, February 17, was one of those days that provided a wealth of experience and culture. I was ready for it and enjoyed the day to the fullest extent, motivated by a non-profit breakfast series, rushing over to an organizational meeting for the National Latino Congreso (more on this later), working on inventory at the bookshop, and culminating in a cultural celebration at the Opening Ceremony of El Arte en la Charrería at the Texas State History Museum. I had been graciously invited by Las Comadres para las Américas to join five lively women in the celebration of the opening exhibit.

That evening, guests were greeted by elegantly-dressed charros outside the front doors to the Texas State History Museum. The men, women, and most impressive, the horses, were amiably mingling with early arrivals and posing for pictures. Upon entering, guests were given the bienvenida by museum representatives and immediately mesmerized by the cultural sounds of the unique Mariachi melody, and at the same time enticed by the delicious aroma of Mexican cuisine. The food and drink hit the spot after a long work day and the ambiance was equally as inspiring. Tequila Ambhar shared a variety of drinks from an Ambhar-tini to an Ambhar Jalapeño Pear Fresca, including a recipe booklet with its drinks. The St. Edwards Mariachi Ensemble performed for the diners followed by a cultural performance by Roy Lozano’s Ballet Folklorico. Lastly, guests were invited to stroll through the Albert and Ethel Herzstein Hall of Special Exhibitions by museum officials and exhibit collaborators, representatives of the González and Cabello, as well as Cónsul General de México en Austin, Rosalba Ojeda.

Apart from being a diverse and magnificently colorful collection of Mexican artesania, carefully and proudly displayed, it was pure joy being among generations of Texans, young and old, white and brown, sharing culture, sharing history!

About the Exhibit from the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum

Long before cowboys in the Lone Star State gained iconic status in America lore, the charro – or Mexican cowboy – established a culture in Texas with a nearly 500-year-old heritage dating back to the introduction of houses and cattle to the Americas.

Arte en la Charrería: The Artisanship of Mexican Equestrian Culture contains more than 120 examples of the excellent craftsmanship and design distinctive to the Mexican cowboy. With leather work, costumes, textiles, silver and iron work as well as works on paper that illustrate the life of the charro, this exhibition showcases intricately hand-crafted objects that embody the very identity of the Mexican nation. The exhibition introduces Museum visitors to the work of unique Mexican artisans who manufacture the articles and costumes that embellish and distinguish the charro tradition.

Exhibit Opening

Saturday, February 19, 2011

Running through June 5, 2011

High Noon Talks

First Wednesdays of every month from noon to 1 PM, FREE admission

March 2: Vaquero Culture discussion by Norma Cantú, English Professor at UT San Antonio

April 6: The Search for a Chili Queen discussion by Marian Martinello, author of The Search for a Chili Queen

May 4: Charrería Today presentation by Rodrigo Gaona of the San Antonio Charro Association

Explore the Story

One Saturday each month from 1 to 3 PM, FREE admission

March 26: Charro Art, a live demonstration of leatherworking and weaving

April 23: Vaqueros vs. Cowboys, exploring the differences and similarities between the Mexican vaquero and the American cowboy traditions

May 28: Music of the Charrería, listening to corridos, a popular form of ballad or song

All Other Days & Time

Admission to the Museum’s exhibits, including Arte en la Charrería: $9 for adults; $8 for college students (with valid ID); $7 for seniors/military (with valid ID); $6 for youth ages 4-17, free for ages 3 and under.

 The Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum is located at 1800 N. Congress Avenue at the corner of Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. For more information, call (512) 936-4649.

I was hooked! As a young girl yearning for my Mexican home, my culture, my language, I was hooked on the Spanish channel’s soap operas. Las telenovelas, as popular as the US soap operas and perhaps more so, were my childhood vice. My memories take me back to an 8 year old girl sitting in front of the television after a long day in public school. At a place where I would have to speak English, learn English grammar, read English books, and do everything English, coming home to mi telenovela en español was the ultimate reward for the exhausting drudgery called school. I would unpack my school gear, fix myself a snack, and sit inches away from the black and white, 24” television set. I never cared to greet our nana as I was always attempting to circumvent her detection of my arrival. You see, she was anti-telenovelas. Even though she also came from Mexico and missed her home and family just as much as I, she disliked my childhood vice. So much so that she did everything possible to drag me away from the TV and hinder my wide-eyed viewing. Why was I hooked? I cannot remember a single storyline, or a particular character, or any of the usual recurring actors, I am certain though, that the only possible attraction was that of the telenovela’s cultural familiarity and escape from my present reality.

So when I received a review copy of Victor Cass’ novel, Telenovela, those youthful and immature memories came rushing back, as fleeting as these dramatic, love stories. Two dramatic storylines mischievously intertwined and foreshadowing each other. Two telenovelas in one, filled with love, lust, convenient relations and true friendships, as well as the usual key ingredients of infidelity, betrayal, and family unity. This soap opera is divided in eight parts, episodes that introduce the reader to the key characters, Miriya Fronzini, known to her family as Junior, and Lorena Sandoval of the primary telenovela, while the secondary telenovela is playfully woven into each of these episodes to introduce Arturo, Sofia, and Carmen. An appealing writing technique in an attempt to reproduce the spectator’s feeling of sitting at the edge of his/her seat, anxiously waiting to see what comes next, making it difficult to put down the book.

Certainly the top attribute of this novel is the characters themselves, at least in the primary telenovela. Not for the lives they lead or the story they tell, but for who they are. Victor Cass gives his readers the enlightening opportunity to meet a variety of ethnic characters all living amongst each other without grouping them into divided racial gangs. Moreover, the reader has the pleasure of meeting a diverse lineup of Latino characters that come from a variety of South American ancestries and varying generationally that is, some may be first, second, or third generation US born, while others are immigrants. Readers meet an Argentinean immigrant daughter, a best friend Polish Jew, an Armenian elementary teacher, a first generation Mexican-American, as well as an Ethiopian waiter, and so on. Each of them shares her culture, his customs, her language, her dialect, and his prejudices, all the while loving, fighting, lusting, and making peace.

Telenovela is a fun and light read, however if the reader pays attention (s)he will experience a lively, cultural lesson.

Telenovela

By Victor Cass

Outskirts Press

January 2009

ISBN: 9781432736903

Paperback, 282 pages, $17.95

 A lone apprehension, the book’s case cover. The front cover is not inviting and as enticing and attractive as Ancona’s photography and expressions within. A fear that such a genuine tradition would be missed due to its packaging is real. Children do, alas, judge a book by its cover, pending their development into perceptive readers.  The young bailaores, beautifully dressed and poised, are set before a pale yellowish background that dulls their significance. The title’s vibrant color is subdued by this pallor rather than allow the mesmerizing attention that flamenco commands.

By and large, a book worthy of notice and experience for its historical and cultural tradition.

¡Olé! Flamenco

By George Ancona

Lee & Low Books

ISBN 9781600603617

$19.95 | Hardcover

Ages 7 to 11