Latino Week

This past week was filled with craziness - It was a busy week indeed. My office life hasn't been this hectic in quite a while. That however would not keep me from honoring my Latino activism. I was fortunate enough to be part of a few social and potlitical events. Tuesday night I had a great time meeting many members of the Chicago Latino Network Club. It was sponsored by Heineken and filled with delicious food, beer and great music. I have attended a few events but this time I think my friend 'L' and I found new friends to go out dancing with.

Friday was a wonderful sight to see. Thousands of pro-immigrant rights activists filled the streets of Chicago to protest the bill HR4437, which offended many. Nearly 100,000 protesters marched and rallied in the loop. People from all over, even from out of state, gathered in a west side park and marched their way into the loop. HR4437 is a bill designed to "shut down illegal immigration." It calls for the construction of a two layered fence along 700 miles of the US Mexico border and makes it a felony to be an undocumented person in the US. The U.S. House of Representatives has already passed the bill but the demonstration was a cry for the bill not to pass the Senate. Never had I seen a political march of that magnitude. I've been part of a couple but the size of this one filled my heart with pride.

Saturday I volunteered for the annual USHLI conference. I enjoy volunteering for this event. This year was my third time officially helping out over the course of seven years. I have attended five times, two other times as an attendee the others as a volunteer. I am always motivated by the guest speakers and various workshops offered throughout the week. Yesterday I was seated next to judges, local politicians and fellow volunteers of different professions, while listening to highly esteemed political figures such Congressman Luis Gutierrez and Senator Robert Menendez. After helping out and listening to these great leaders we also enjoyed a wonderful dinner where we also heard from State Representative Susana Mendoza and the Director if the U.S. Peace Corps - Gaddi Vasquez. I would have taken pictures but I forgot to put a memory card in my camera! I can't wait until next year, hats off to all involved. Thanks to my friends who this year came out to volunteer with me - Thank you ladies!