Latino Advocacy: Migente Please Stand up!

The majority of my life has been spent here in Rochester, N.Y. and during all my years I have barely seen or heard a large voice speaking for the Latinos within this community. In my opinion, the focus has always remained predominantly on the needs of the African American community, and the media has contributed to this deficit by continuing to paint the issues in black and white. To the credit of the African American community they have realized the importance of being at the table and have positioned themselves in various political functions, which although not perfect has extremely increased the sponsorship within that community. The same cannot be said of the Latino community.

Whenever an issue is presented in this community whether it’s violence, education, or economic we have no public voice. As a community we have not found ways to advocate for our betterment. As a community we continue to sit back and not realize that we have a role in this community, in fact we have a large voice that is yet to be heard. The issues and concerns of Latinos will continue to remain invisible until we begin to understand the importance of advocacy. The only way we will begin to change this unfortunate circumstance is to come together as one. To create unified partnerships with other Latinos and Latino based organizations. We must begin to work more efficiently, and find ways to ensure that we are always a part of the agenda. We must understand that advocacy must begin within our community. We must be willing to go out and support each other in public forums, to stand up for what is right not only for all of those within our neighborhoods, but especially for Latinos. We must begin to understand the role of education in all we do, and especially in it’s role of advocacy.

Advocacy starts with knowledge, and as Latinos we must remain informed as a community. If we are not, we will remain and continue to be marginalized by society. Education, and in fact literacy has been the tool that has helped so many other ethnicities break through barriers within this country. It is the same tool, which has allowed many activists such as Malcolm X, Frederick Douglass and currently President Barack Obama to unite a group of people and bringing about change within their community. Simply put, through education all is possible. It is being informed and having access to different venues that has allowed myself to navigate the system, and it is the same tool that has allowed me to advocate for others and my family. I grew up in a single-parent household in the North Clinton area of Rochester. I was a Latino, who attended city schools who wasn’t supposed to amount too much, but through the advocacy of my mother and grandparents who had ingrained in me from the very onset of my educational experience, that schooling would open new doors for my Latino community and myself. That even though the road would be arduous what would come as a result would be far greater then any of the difficulties that I have faced, it is with this body of knowledge that I am now able to advocate for my community.

Finally, what we need now is a unified coalition of Latinos within this community, a grassroots type effort of Latinos who will work together to ensure that Latinos do not remain invisible or silent. A group of Latinos who will encourage future generations to maximize on their educational experiences for the advancement of the Latino community and themselves, a distinct group of Latino advocates who will ensure that we have a voice and are present when it comes to issues of poverty, violence, joblessness and most importantly education.

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¡Viviendo el Sueño! (Living the Dream!)
Mr. Anibal Soler, Jr.
http://www.anibalsoler.com
http://anibalsoler.blogspot.com

Latino to Watch

Recently I was selected by a new publication here in Rochester, New York as a "Latino to Watch." The publication focuses on the Latino community and the issues or topics within that community. Check out this month's latest issue here: La Voz download the PDF on the main page.

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¡Viviendo el Sueño! (Living the Dream!)
Mr. Anibal Soler, Jr.
http://www.anibalsoler.com
http://anibalsoler.blogspot.com

A Message From A Former Player

A couple of weeks ago, one of my former basketball players from my coaching days at School of the Arts wrote me. His message, which he posted on my "wall" on the popular social networking site facebook touched me. It reminded me of the work I do, and still must continue doing for others. When your working with youth, you often don't realize how powerful of an impact you have on their lives. His message, again speaks to why I feel so many of our city youth need mentors and advocates and how those individuals can make a lasting impact on their lives. Finally, his success is the biggest reward he can give me. Keep up the good work, and before you know you will reach all of your goals!

Here is what he had to say...

"I c y u and P r best friends. Yall some deep brothers. Yall probably battle each otha 2 c who is the most deep. lol Well I am def living the dream. Living my life 2 achieve my dream of being a sports broadcaster/anchor man 4 ESPN and trying 2 live a righteous life 2 inspire someone else 2 show that dreams can come true by hard work and surrounding ur self wit good ppl, like u amade my life turn out so different bc (well as P tells it) me and someone else was the last person 2 b cut from JV (i was bad) but u didnt cut me. u gave me a chance & 4 that I am 4eva greatful. By me playing basketball u gave me not only an opportunity 2 do something I loved but a chance 2 meet ppl I probably wouldnt have met and gave me the confidence in school 2 step out of my little shy phase, (that as u can tell never went away lol) I had coming into high school that i had, but i wasnt shy bc pl knew me bc I played on the team & by u giving me the confidence 2 shoot the ball out there in the game changed me and 4 that I am 4ever thankful 4 u Coach Red! u the best coach eva. U wanted us 2 win basketball games but most importantly u cared about each and everyone of us personally as young men and wanted us 2 b good men. U wanted us 2 care 4 one another and play hard and those r values that go with u the rest of ur life, way way way past the basketball court. Ur a great teacher and heck of a shooter (until I get on u. I hope P told u but my new nickname besides Julo is the Red Stopper:-), ur just an awesome guy and everyone that has ever been in contact wit u feels lucky, like I do."

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¡Viviendo el Sueño! (Living the Dream!)
Mr. Anibal Soler, Jr.
http://www.anibalsoler.com
http://anibalsoler.blogspot.com

Happy 2009!

I want to wish everyone a Happy 2009 New Year! 2008 was a good year, but I foresee 2009 only getting better despite America's financial crisis. Good luck to all my readers! May all your wishes come true!

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¡Viviendo el Sueño! (Living the Dream!)
Mr. Anibal Soler, Jr.
http://www.anibalsoler.com
http://anibalsoler.blogspot.com

Happy Birthday Avery!

Today was one of the most important days of my life. It was the 1st birthday of my son, Avery. It's still hard to believe that a year has gone by. Watching him grow up everyday is a constant reminder that life is a beautiful thing.

During moments of his birthday I found myself reflecting back to the night we received the phone call that he was born. Since that day, memories of excitement and pure joy have filled the life of my wife and I. Again, we are truly blessed!!

As you would expect, he was rightfully spoiled by our families. He has everything and more that a 1 year old could need and most importantly we have him.

Happy Birthday Little man!

We love you!

Papi

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¡Viviendo el Sueño! (Living the Dream!)
Mr. Anibal Soler, Jr.
http://www.anibalsoler.com
http://anibalsoler.blogspot.com

The Next President & Education

When our next President takes office in a couple of months he will have a multitude of critical items that will require his immediate attention. One item that I know that is on his short list is the state of education in America. He plans on making some necessary changes to NCLB and implementing a variety of other educational initiatives that will affect P-16 as a whole. If you would like to read more specifically about his plans check out his education agenda on his website, Change.Gov.

Again, I am eager to see what transpires in education under his new administration. I hope he puts the right people in place that would allow for our antiquated educational system to change and meet the needs of the 21st Century student. I hope he looks at focusing and reducing the racial educational achievement gap. The necessary changes will require some tough conversations and difficult decisions by all parties; both of which he is capable of doing. Lastly, education is the essential foundation to changing this country and improving our lives.

Once again good luck and if you need any help I am only an email away!

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¡Viviendo el Sueño! (Living the Dream!)
Mr. Anibal Soler, Jr.
http://www.anibalsoler.com
http://anibalsoler.blogspot.com

Hope Won!

I wanted to acknowledge all of those individuals who went out and voted this year. Many of my friends including my wife were first time voters. It is great to see that the person many of us wanted won, in fact many believe hope won. The hope and faith that has been missing from this country for quite sometime has now been reignited. Obama is our choice, but as he said in his acceptance speech he will need the commitment and involvement of all of us to help America during these tough times. I want to take this moment to wish our President Elect good luck!! You have my unwavering support along with millions of others.

On a historical note; My son will always know that even he could become president. Congratulations Mr. Barack Obama!

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¡Viviendo el Sueño! (Living the Dream!)
Mr. Anibal Soler, Jr.
http://www.anibalsoler.com
http://anibalsoler.blogspot.com