September 2010 Archives
Ozomatli is a community-based Latin fusion group that formed twelve years ago as part of a local labor protest. As a group, they have won several major music awards, including three Grammy's, a Latin Grammy, a Latin Billboard award, and an Alma Award. Their unique, global sound has garnered them acclaim and fans from all over the world.
Alex Nogales, President and CEO of the National Hispanic Media Coalition (NHMC), was born and raised in the border town of Calexico, California to a family of migrant farm workers. Mr. Nogales spent the majority of his youth traveling the length of California, picking whatever crop was in season, and often experiencing frustration with the mistreatment of the Latino immigrant community. His life experience prepared and emboldened him for a future in civil rights and media advocacy.
Lalo Alcaraz is one of the most prolific Chicano artists in the nation. He has been busy for over two decades, chronicling the political ascendancy of Latinos in America and vigorously pushing the boundaries of Chicano art in the Post-Chicano Art Era. He is the creator of the first nationally syndicated, politically themed Latino daily comic strip, "La Cucaracha," which is distributed along with other such famous comics as "Doonesbury" and "The Boondocks" by the Universal Press Syndicate.
Sal Castro, a life-long educator, is well known for his role in the 1968 "Blowouts," the student protests against unequal conditions at schools throughout the Southern California area. His passionate activism and commitment to improving educational opportunities for Mexican-American students has defined his entire career.
Submitted by Grant Gershon, who is celebrating his 10th Anniversary as Music Director of the Los Angeles Master Chorale, the resident chorus at Walt Disney Concert Hall, and also serves as LA Opera Associate Conductor/Chorus Master.
In our ongoing commitment to reflect the diversity of the communities we serve, KCET has partnered with Union Bank to honor local heroes for their dedication and commitment to enrich the lives of others.
