Category Archives: Latin America
Double-Latte Project November 2011: Witney’s Lights
So in the United States, October is known as Domestic Violence Awareness Month but internationally November is a time to acknowledge the issues around domestic violence specifically on 25 November, International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.
In conjunction with this day, this month’s Double Latte Selection features an organization working against Domestic Violence:
Why Witney’s Lights
There are a few reasons why I have chosen Witney’s Lights for this month’s selection and I will discuss two of them here.
The first reason is how I came to know of Winey’s Lights and the work of its founder, Quincy A. Lucas. During the 2008 Democratic Convention, on my way to the convention as a volunteer I learned that Barack Obama selected Joe Biden to be his running mate. As a Delawarean, well I was raised one I now live in another state, I was ECSTATIC because well Joe Biden is from Delaware and also because Joe Biden was my first choice for President in 2008. Later, I heard about the selection of Lucas to be the official nominator at the convention and how her selection was connected to the work that Biden put in towards the passing of the Violence Against Women Act.
So after hearing Lucas’ nomination speech I heard more and more about her sister who died as a victim of domestic violence and later heard through an event our sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., chapters had honoring the work Lucas has done through the non-profit she created in her sister’s memory to assist other women from falling into a situation of domestic violence.
The second reason why I am selecting Witney’s Lights this month is connected to how I came to know about Las Hermanas Mirabal or The Butterflies. While studying abroad in the Dominican Republic, we learned about Dominican history and a big event in modern Dominican history is the dictatorship of Rafael Trujillo. An important extension of this event is Las Hermanas Mirabal who I call the catalysts to the fall of the Trujillo regime. Now, one of the great things about studying abroad is that not only can you read about history you can experience it so one day my study abroad group when to the Mirabal Sisters’ museum where we got to see what life was like for the sisters in that time. We also got to meet the surviving Mirabal sister, Dede.
Reading and learning and seeing about the Mirabal sisters made domestic violence real for me in a way that it was not real for me before. I grew up in a suburban middle class environment so domestic violence was something that was far away for me. Of course I knew it was a bad and terrible thing but learning this history and visiting their graves and seeing the remains of the car that they were riding in before they were taken to their deaths…its hard to put into words but the best way I can put it is that it made me see how easily that could have been me (I hope people don’t misread that statement). Or maybe the combination of reading and seeing made the issue of domestic violence more tangible so that I was more aware and affected by its existence.
About Witney’s Lights
Witney’s Lights is named after the late Dr. Witney Holland Rose a University of Maryland Psychiatrist
who was murdered in 2003 by her ex-boyfriend. Witney’s Lights is a grassroots non-profit organization
committed to eliminating domestic violence through awareness, education, prevention, advocacy, and a
commitment to advancing the initiatives laid out in the landmark, Violence Against Women Act of 1994.*
About the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women
Previously, 25 November was observed in Latin America and a growing number of other countries around the world as “International Day Against Violence Against Women”. With no standard title, it was also referred to as “No Violence Against Women Day” and the “Day to End Violence Against Women”. It was first declared by the first Feminist Encuentro for Latin America and the Caribbean held in Bogota, Colombia (18 to 21 July 1981). At that Encuentro women systematically denounced gender violence from domestic battery, to rape and sexual harassment, to state violence including torture and abuses of women political prisoners. The date was chosen to commemorate the lives of the Mirabal sisters. It originally marked the day that the three Mirabal sisters from the Dominican Republic were violently assassinated in 1960 during the Trujillo dictatorship (Rafael Trujillo 1930-1961). The day was used to pay tribute to the Mirabal sisters, as well as global recognition of gender violence.#
The reasons shared above combined with a few others is why I am taking time in the month of the International Day Against Violence Against Women to select Witney’s Lights as this month’s Double-Latte selection. So please take time to visit the Witney’s Lights website, follow them on Twitter or even take time to find out if there is something you can do to prevent the prevalence of Domestic Violence or to assist victims in rebuilding their lives. For example, Witney’s Lights holds a 5K Run/Walk each year to promote Domestic Violence awareness and to raise funds for its programs to prevent domestic violence from happening and to assist victims of this abusive crime.
Links of the Week 17 September 2010
Dream Act Special Feature
So I recently heard via a Political Science listserv I am on (Thank you Race & Ethnicity APSA Section) that Senator Reid is working on moving the Dream Act out of committee and on the floor for a vote. Below are some links that were shared via the listserv about the recent movement in the movement (:D). Without going into too much details, there are a lot of links this week, I support this Act because I think it is wrong to harm children who had no say in the matter of their parents decision to come to the United States illegally. If they can show that they can be “good” citizens then I think they should get an opportunity to become citizens. To learn more about the Dream Act and what you can do to help visit: www.dreamactivist.org.
For the sake of the DREAM Act students, Latinos must come together
Students Spared Amid an Increase in Deportations
Sen. Reid comments on the issue [Dream Act] at the Netroots Nation Conference in Las Vegas
Top Five
For First time, more women than men earn PhD
Tim Wise: Imagine if the Tea Party Was Black
Briefing: Melissa Harris-Lacewell on Covering Progressive Causes
Library of Congress – Hispanic [Latino] Heritage Month
The 9/11 media legacy I will never forget: “buy Snow White on DVD”
Quote of the Week
“Impacts from agriculture are expected to increase substantially due to population growth increasing consumption of animal products. Unlike fossil fuels, it is difficult to look for alternatives: people have to eat. A substantial reduction of impacts would only be possible with a substantial worldwide diet change, away from animal products.” from More evidence for going vegan from the UN Environment Programme & UN urges global move to meat and dairy-free diet.
Photo of the Week
You write the caption for this photo
This week’s photo is from Christine O’Donnell upsets Mike Castle in Delaware Senate primary [Author note: the photo now at this link has changed & is somewhat better...but not by much] and I have to say when I looked at this photo the first thing I thought was they (the media) would have never taken a picture of a male politician like this. Then I thought some more and realized maybe a few men…the media did help kill the Howard Dean campaign by looping that yelp he had in that primary win. But the photo did remind me of the countless photos of women politicians and businesswomen that depict them in unfavorable or questionable manners and what that all means. I don’t say these comments in a way that is endorsing or not endorsing O’Donnell’s candidacy (I was raised in DE but I now hold my state residency somewhere else so I’ll leave the matter in the hands of Delawarians to decide what they want) but I say this comment to make you all [whoever is reading this] to think about the role media plays in perpetuating stereotypes of all kinds. How would you caption this photo? What do you think the photo says?
Women and Politics
WUFPAC Fall Fundraiser – Thursday 30 September 2010 in Washington, D.C.
I’ve said this before but its worth saying again: WUFPAC was one of my best discoveries while doing a school assignment. If you are in the D.C. area I highly recommend that you attend this event. Not in D.C. visit www.wufpac.org to donate today!
Ticket photo of the week: Michele Obama takes to the gridiron
Dilma defende Lula e afirma que disputa por hegemonia política é saudável
Politics
How Adrian Fenty lost his reelection bid for D.C. mayor
DE-Sen: Help me keep Delaware’s seat blue
U.S. Intervention Sought for Newark Police Abuses
Mike Castle won’t endorse Christine O’Donnell for Senate, citing ‘smears’
Vincent Gray beats Adrian Fenty: What does it mean for school reform?
Lessons for Obama in Adrian Fenty’s Defeat
Other
AFL-CIO takes stand against NFL owners
Report Reveals Salaries of Megachurch Pastors
Gabourey Sidibe in Elle: Light, Bright and Almost White
Afroreggae forma 150 jovens que participaram de oficinas
La Presencia Africana en Mexico y América Latina African Legacy in Mexico and Latin America
Unfortunately, this event is in Atlanta but if you are in Atlanta I HIGHLY recommend that you go. From the event website, “In collaboration with Spelman College, and in recognition of Latino Heritage Month, the Auburn Avenue Research Library will present, La Presencia Africana en Mexico y América Latina: African Legacy in Mexico and Latin America, an exhibition which explores Africana culture in Latin America. This exhibit features the photography of Tony Gleaton from the Spelman College Archives.”
Movie: In Whose Honor – American Indian Mascots in Sports
Oldies But Goodies
Friends share in D.C. Mayor Adrian M. Fenty’s good fortune
With the recent loss of Fenty in the Democratic Primary I was linked to this article. I have to say I think way more politicians than not do similar acts and are not discussed like they are here. Finally, I think information like this in combination with Fenty not being able to relate to his constituents contributed to his loss. Best of luck to you in the future Mayor Fenty – I hope you not only reflect on your contributions but reflect on and move forward from your mistakes.
Links of the Week 10 September 2010
Top Five
Where’s the outrage over immigrant slayings in Mexico?
Who Gets to Review and Be Reviewed? Authors, book critics drawn from narrow pool
10 Years of “Feminism is for Everybody”
The Worst Toys Ever Made for Girls–Our Top Picks
I don’t agree with all of the comments the author makes here, like I think she needs to better explain how she is okay with women choosing pole dancing as a career and then have issue with the doll for girls, but this post will make you think and ponder what do you think is appropriate for the young girls in your life. I have to say that in the past year I have been shocked to see how even the youngest girls (age 1) assimilate to society’s gender roles for women. I’ll end with this…if you are going to buy a girl in your life pregnant Barbie I hope you are prepared to have a conversation about sex that explains all options from abstinence to contraception to protection.
Quote of the Week
“Attendance issues aside, folks are more football obsessed than ever. More people watched the last Super Bowl than voted in the 2008 presidential election. Hallmark Cards reports that the Super Bowl has surpassed New Year’s Eve as the biggest at-home party of the year. It has become the second-slowest day for weddings in America and the second-greatest day of food consumption, after only Thanksgiving.”
Michael Wilbon in The NFL rules ingloriously over the sporting landscape (Emphasis is mine).
Photos of the Week
Source: PolicyLink.org and Bureau of Labor Statistics
Source: PolicyLink.org and Bureau of Labor Statistics
These photos come from the blog of PolicyLink.org Equity Blog where they discuss The Jobs Situation in Black and White. These photos and the post makes me wonder which “Main Street” US politicians are really worried about because the “Main Streets” of Black and Latino communities have had many of epic problems they now are using as sound-bites to get re-elected for decades!
Women & Politics
Republicans fear echoes of Alaska in Delaware primary
‘I had no idea who she was’: Meghan McCain breaks her silence on Sarah Palin
Politics
Dominicanos protestaron contra extradición de traficante de personas
APD recomienda eliminar Liga Municipal Dominicana
Cancelan cincuenta dirigentes PLD en Cámara de Diputados
Other
Who Owns the Civil Rights Legacy?
Sour Apples: Strike at Mott’s Plant Underscores Disconnect in Corporate America, Union Says
Finding Inspiration Through Music
Single-Minded: Being Black Abroad
Inauguración de “México 200 Años”
Capital internacional mira mais lucro no Brasil
Oldies but Goodies
America’s 5 Worst Deadbeat States
Women We’ll Be Reading 200 Years From Now
What Do Latinas Really Think About Feminism? / Join the Summer of Feminista
Links of the Week 3 September 2010
Author’s Note
This week’s links are short as I am currently at the American Political Science Association Meeting; therefore I have done a lot more listening this week than I have done reading. So far so good with the conference panels I have attended and I look forward to putting something together in terms of a blog post to reflect on my experience this year.
Is their something that you read this week that I should check out to place in next week’s oldies but goodies section? Please comment and share what you read this week that stood out for you.
Top Five
First-Ever Law Protecting Domestic Workers’ Rights Signed in New York
Why Men Still Get More Promotions Than Women
Does Your Language Shape How You Think?
Amy’s Veggie Burgers added to Denny’s menu, yes they are vegan
Women & Politics
Women’s groups call out political sexism
Politics
Gang Members Accuse Chicago Police Of Unfair Harassment
Hipólito en gira de nueve días por varias ciudades de EE.UU.
Other
At Bookstore, Even Non-Buyers Regret Its End
The Peace List: 10 Must Haves for Fall
This list includes two of my Favs Toms Shoes and Bento Boxes.
Links of the Week 27 August 2010
Top Five
Mosque Demagoguery Is Bipartisan
Fiske Names Spelman College a 2011 ‘Best Buy’ School
A Different Way of Ranking Colleges
Armstrong Williams Misleads as He Cheers on GOP Women
Women & Politics
Eleitores de Dilma estão mais decididos sobre voto, mostra Datafolha
Small Business Bill Cannot Wait – Voice Your Support, This Bill MUST Pass!
Women & Girls
Breaking the Model Mold: Australia’s Samantha Harris
Trabajadoras domésticas inmigrantes en EU son blanco fácil de los abusos
Politics
One Liberal Voice Dares to Say, Cut the Budget
Putting Voters in the Driver’s Seat in 2010
PIMW (Public & Independent Media Watch)
We Are Sean Bell, Way Down in the Hole, and Sharon Jasper
International
Why is Pakistan Being Left Behind
Other
Links of the Week 20 August 2010
After a long summer I am back to blogging on here consistently :D Now that I also fallo Português, my links will be in English mostly with some in Spanish and Portuguese. If you want to read a link in a language you don’t speak translate.google.com will be a good resource for you (its not perfect but it works).
Top Five
1o Things Men and Boys Can Do to Stop Human Traffing
Girl power: amplyfing the role of women in unions
Fox News Doesn’t Mention News Corp’s $1 Million Donation To Republican Committee
Do you have old luggage that is still in working condition? Consider donating that luggage to Suitcases for Kids which gives old but working condition luggage to children in foster care around the country. Please visit the website for details and instead of trashing items still of good use send it to someone else in need. Pay it forward!!
Bahrain Intensifies Crackdown on Activists and Clerics
Quote of the Week
“All of us do not have equal talent, but all of us should have an equal opportunity to develop our talents” John F. Kennedy via @roandco on Twitter
Women & Politics
‘Good ol’ boys’ in Warren’s way?
I have to say that I feel that the White House is doing more lip-service in its response: We have put more women than any other administration and the first law President Obama signed was about women [paraphrased statements from the administration via the article]. I like President Obama but I feel more and more that these moves were more strategic looking to 2012 than personal desire. It could be true that President Obama wanted to put these women in place personally first but I do not believe for one second that he or someone in his campaign camp was not thinking about 2012 when they decided to make these moves especially in the case of appointing two female Supreme Court justices. I could almost hear the 2012 talking points when I read about the two nominees.
WHCWG
The White House Asked, You Answered: Women You Know That Break Barriers
White House Council for Women & Girls Announces Work Flex Starter Kit
Politics
Brazilian election gag no laughing matter for comics
MoveOn calls for boycott of Target
Women & Girls
I read two articles recently that really have me concerned especially since my oldest niece is now 7 years old. These articles discuss a recent NY Time article about Puberty and Younger girls, see below for all three links. I try to not be preaching to people and just express my opinion but this issue hits home because after living abroad for a year my body badly reacted to many of the hormones and chemicals placed in US food. Furthermore, after removing these chemicals and hormones from my diet I noticed a significant change in my body shape and form so to my readers please read the links below and consider taking hormones and chemicals out of your diet as it does make a difference.
What’s Making 7-Year Old Girls Develop Breasts?
Is the Early Onset of Puberty in Young Girls Linked to Meat?
First Signs of Puberty Seen in Younger Girls
O Homem teme a mulher independente?
Other
Why China Will Change Capitalism?
Dr. Cornell West on the Michael Eric Dyson Show
Clearance Sale: Barnes & Noble Didn’t Evolve Enough
FAA Reportedly Poised to Hit American Airlines with Record Penalty of $25 mil or More
Oldies But Goodies
Google-Verizon Net Neutrality Pact: 5 Red Flags
Study shows testing for Alzheimer’s is accurate
Willie Lynch- The Making of a Slave
In college I went to a play based on this letter and I admit that I did not take the time back then to read the letter. Then one of my Twitter followers posted this and said to take some time to read this and I finally did after all these years. It is really sad to see how a letter so old is still applicable.
Links of the Week 25 June 2010
Author’s Note: This weeks links are shorter as I was traveling last week. Also links for Summer 2010 will be in Portuguese as I am learning this language this summer and am not allowed to communicate in English. If you have Google Chrome as your browser you can use their translate feature if you wish. If not see you in late August when my Links of the Week will return to their normal muli-lingual mostly English & Spanish format.
Top Five
Spelman College President Gives Opening Address at UNCF ICB Green Building Institute
I saw this threw the research methods camp I am attending & it made me see just how serious this spill is & the long term effects it will have for the animals that live there as well as the people that depend on the water to survive i.e. tourist organizations, farmers & fishermen/women.
Buffett to Ultra-Rich: Meet Me Halfway
This is the article that got General McChrystal fired from his post in charge of the troops in Afghanistan.
General McChrystal and ‘Rolling Stone’: There’s So Much More to the War in Afghanistan
Why everyone was worried about who got fired in Washington, Pundit Mom reflects on what is missing in the inside the beltway talk about Afghanistan
Women & Politics
Un bastión argentino contra las cuotas femeninas
Partidos evaden la cuota de género
U.S. Education Secretary Duncan Commemorates 38th Anniversary of Title IX
Other Politics
UPDATED: EPA Reveals What’s In Gulf Oil Spill Dispersants
Other
Can Conscious Consumerism Really Save the World?
30 things to do before you turn 30
Oldies But Goodies
Links of the Week 5 Feburary 2010
This week is light on politics but I still hope you enjoy!
Happy Reading,
DNMP
Tale from Black History/Photo of the Week
Henrietta Lacks and her husband David in 1945.
Henrietta Lacks’ ‘Immortal’ Cells
Top Five
Even though we are only one month into the new year, I feel like we have lost so many people. Well this feeling hit closer to home with the loss of Howard Zinn. Professor Zinn, a former professor at my Alma Mater Spelman College, spent his life fighting against the status quo. Check out this video link and I encourage you to read his book “A People’s History of the United States.” I now see a need to read this book now more than ever!
Against Discouragement – 2005 Spelman College Commencement Speech by Howard Zinn
Professor Zinn spoke at my commencement speech in 2005 and now that my five year college reunion is quickly approaching and nostalgia increasing these words are more heightened than ever.
This article has great arguments for both sides of the issue. A must read especially for those who have young women in their lives.
Building Haiti’s Economy, One Mango at a Time
Alpha Kappa Alpha Lawsuit Dismissed
Quote of the Week
“My hope is that whatever you do to make a good life for yourself—whether you become a teacher, or social worker, or business person, or lawyer, or poet, or scientist — you will devote part of your life to making this a better world for your children, for all children. My hope is that your generation will demand an end to war, that your generation will do something that has not yet been done in history and wipe out the national boundaries that separate us from other human beings on this earth.” Howard Zinn 1922-2010
Video of the Week
How to Get Our Democracy Back: Lawrence Lessig
The link above is to the full video and the clip above is the shorter YouTube video of the segment.
Politico
N.J. Gov. Christie Vetos Delaware River and Bay Authority Budget
Barack Obama Attends Georgetown-Duke Basketball Game
So this is borderline politics but I thought this was a cute segment. Nice to see the President humanized.
Women & Politics
En Español
Reciben primeros 700 taxis amarillos de tres mil que circularán en Santo Domingo
Other
Learn About Amy’s Organic Kitchen
Oprah did a feature on one of my favorite food companies, Amy’s. Check out the video and check out Amy’s at your local grocer.
Traveling as a Vegan Requires the Proper Frame of Mind
Oldies But Goodies
Johsua Allen Harris’ Inflatable Bag Monsters
Battle of the Bags: Paper vs. Plastic
A great interactive feature that will allow you to assess your impact on the environment if you decrease your use of paper and/or plastic bags.
