[INDENT]Because there is a wave of immigration of our Hispanic brothers and sisters to the United States, African Americans have noticed that they have been affected by their arrival, "Historically, Blacks' socioeconomic conditions have had a tendency to deteriorate as new waves of immigrants arrived in America -- the immigrants seem to displace Blacks. (Los Angeles Sentinel, 4/19/2007). Therefore, it is important for Blacks to explain our thoughts and present our solutions on some issues that effect us. Consider these points:[/INDENT]
[INDENT]First, why should African Americans and Hispanics in the United States work together as minorities to address political, cultural, communication and community issues?[/INDENT]
[INDENT]Both groups are lower incomes than whites and seem to be in need of help and attention in terms of keeping up with whites in terms of their education, housing and education. However, the circumstances of Blacks and Hispanics are different because the government has classified Latinos as white and it is the whites who want to maintain their advantage. Hispanics might want to be a minority because of the benefits of being a minority in terms of special programs and special considerations. From the 1930s up to the adoption of affirmative action, Latinos had the same privileges as whites. They never experienced the discrimination and segregation that their Black brothers and sisters did.[/INDENT]
[INDENT]Hispanics do not need to work with Blacks on community and other issues because they are not as bad off as it might seem. Latinos have been well educated in their country and a lot of them come with entrepreneurial skills. Unfortunately, what we see of Latinos in Los Angeles, California are the unskilled workers selling flowers and oranges at the freeway ramps and at busy intersection and some people say that this is big Latino business.[/INDENT]
[INDENT]In spite of how poor Latinos might seem, their kids attend private Catholic schools, which seem to do a better job in teaching reading and math than the public schools, live in homes, and they almost always have a little business where they are the owners and the boss. The Latinos are living the American Dream as soon as they get here. And academically, Hispanic students are doing well on the standardized test. Their passing rate on the California High School Exit Exam are higher than Blacks students and their SAT/ACT scores are higher than Blacks. And in terms of scholarships for Hispanic students, even illegal residents have various scholarships that they can apply for college.[/INDENT]
[INDENT]In spite of this, I do believe in Reverend Jesse Jackson's Rainbow PUSH Coalition which believes that "The American Dream is one big tent of many cultures, races, and religions. Under that tent everybody is assured equal protection under the law, equal opportunity and equal access and a fair share. Our struggle demands that we open closed doors, extend the tent and even the playing field." Cesar Chavez is said to have gotten ideas for his movement from Martin Luther King. Chavez believed that in order for any movement (for mostly Latino workers) to be successful, they (Latinos) would have to reach out to others. But, the bottom line is this: Who is gaining by exploiting both Blacks and Hispanics and what are we going to do about it? [/INDENT]
[INDENT]We can work together by pooling our resources so that we can get the most of our resources whether it is money, educational resources, or political leaders who address the issues of non-whites, We combine our efforts to increase employment and obtaining money to buy real estate, increase business ownership and educate people on how to run a business successfully.[/INDENT]
[INDENT]Second, what can be done to strengthen the relationship between the African American and Hispanic communities living within the United States?[/INDENT]
[INDENT]An article in the Los Angeles Sentinel newspaper (April 26, 2007) found that Black "leaders" were quiet on the "implications of immigration's effects on Blacks and that the Black 'leaders' lack of a response on this crucial issue is reprehensible." However, I feel that by not responding, and not criticizing and complaining, that Blacks' relationship with Hispanics would be strengthened.[/INDENT]
[INDENT]And lastly, how and why Historically Black Colleges and Universities continue to support the needs of African American students and possibly the needs of the growing Hispanic population in the United States? Historically Black Colleges and Universities are relevant to Blacks because of our cultural experience, and so Blacks would attend an HBCU because they feel the connection to their roots. HBCUs are supportive of Black students being connected to their history. on the other hand, Latinos don't have this cultural or historical connection so there really is no real reason to be drawn to an HBCU.[/INDENT]
[INDENT]It becomes necessary that the HBCUs make a fit. On college career days and on high school campuses recruit the Latino student as one might recruit the Black student. Offer special scholarships for ethnicity as well for certain courses of study for which the HBCU might be known for. Let the HBCUs be noted for their historical and cultural connection for Black students but for much more than that. Offer internships and course work in major subjectsthat might not be found at other colleges and universities which would fit their career goals. The HBCUs should stand for a little more and be excellent in their special coursework offers for which they can become well known.[/INDENT]
[INDENT]The Rainbow PUSH Coalition wants to level the playing field for everybody in all aspects of American life. This is what Blacks and Hispanics will hopefully work towards together.[/INDENT]
