By the year 2010, African Americans will make up about 44% or approximately 22 million people, Hispanics will make up about 48% or approximately 40.5 million people, which will represent a major populace of minority citizens in this country.So what do these numbers mean? They symbolize the potential for African-Americans and Hispanics to gain progress on political issues, to integrate and diversify as well as appreciate the similarity of our two cultures. This will aid in the unification of the two communities. Communication, however, plays a key factor in the acquisition of these advancements.Politically, minorities are gaining a lot of headway. In 2006, Barak Obama became the first Black presidential candidate to begin campaigning for office. Hillary Clinton became the first female presidential candidate to begin a serious campaign. In 2005, Los Angeles mayor, Antonio Villaraigosa became the first mayor of Hispanic descent to represent the city since 1872. This is proof that minorities are in fact gaining ground in U.S. politics and reform. However, there is still much more work to be done, and minority political factions should seriously redefine their directions and begin to develop solutions that benefit the United States of America as a whole.In terms of cultural similarities, Hispanics and Blacks have many things in common. Many Hispanics have African heritage, and vice versa. Cuba, for example, has a rich Afro-Hispanic heritage, prominently displayed within its music and customs. Unfortunately, many inner-city ghettoes are filled with African-American and Hispanic people who share common problems and living conditions. Government involvement is little-to-none when considering these conditions, and this is why our cultural as well as geographical ties can bind us and help us to communicate as one. Someone will have to listen.Communicating is fairly simple once two sides reach common ground. When the Black-Hispanic communities can reach a consensus, the two can then come together to develop solutions to any problems that may exist. Politically, communication is a must. Minority or not, when speaking in terms of politics, Blacks and Hispanics have power in numbers. We have the power to change our situations and create better communities for ourselves and our children.Cited Sources1. U.S. Census Bureau, Population Division andHousing and Household Economic Statistics Division 2.Hispanic Demographics 2004 U.S. Hispanic Baby Boom*
