My favorite Cecil family photo. They are truly outlaws!

It is with a heavy heart that I inform the world about the passing of my brother Cecil H. Houston II, also known as “Little Cecil” and “Vato.”

Cecil was a special man.  First and foremost, he was a family man.  He loved his wife, Fantara, and he loved his four boys–Cecil III (10 years), Christian (9 years), Cahron (6 years) and Colin (5 years).  He was also a great teacher who impacted a host of young people.  Cecil was musician, performer and arranger, touching the world through music.  Cecil was also a contributing member and leader of several civic and community organizations.

The family had an absolutely wonderful holiday!  We have been together the entire holiday season.  The entire family was together for Thanksgiving.  We celebrated my birthday at our annual family Christmas breakfast and parade.  Christmas Eve Cecil’s and Rhonda’s children, Terreon and I went Christmas caroling in the community. The range of reactions that we received were hilarious, especially considering that black folk don’t carol!  We  also spent Christmas day together as a family.  The day after Christmas we held our annual family five-course dinner at my house, cooked by Chef Terreon and Soux Chefs Cecil III and Cahron.  We took family pictures following dinner and returned to my house for desert.   Friday, was Terreon’s birthday, so we had the boys’ favorite meal–nachos!  Ice cream and cake, drums, fellowship and looking at our family pictures online topped the evening off.  It was a perfect holiday!

Doing what he loved–playing in the CAU Marching Band!

Sunday morning Cecil attended church with his entire family and played the congas at both services.  I heard he was happy and in good spirits.

Sunday afternoon was the last time I spoke to my brother.  He and his wife Fantara were planning to attend the Presidential Inauguration with me this year.  Since I am the family planner, I called them to discuss our travel plans.  Cecil, Fantara and I had a nice conversation.  I was excited that they were planning to attend with their boys and was looking forward to the event.

Sunday evening the family received a call that Cecil was rushed to the hospital.  I figured, since it was the holidays, Cecil just passed out from exhaustion.  NEVER in my wildest dreams would I have thought that we would receive such a devastating report.  We were told upon our arrival of Cecil’s transition.  The family was shocked as we still are…

All of us have been experiencing a wide range of emotions.  Awe.  Shock.  Anger.  Sadness.  Thankfulness.  Disbelief.  Confusion.  And the list goes on…

We still do not know what happened to Cecil. Cecil went to a friend’s house, collapsed and never woke.  He had no health issues or medical history.  What we do know is that God is still good!

Dr. Juan Andrade, a close family friend, called to talk to the family.  He said we are truly blessed.  He explained that it is such a blessing that the family has such good and recent memories of my brother.  Everyone who experiences death is not as fortunate.

The Houston Siblings – Rhesa, Rhonda, Ramona and Cecil

On behalf of the Houston family, I would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has supported us with such love, support and encouragement.  Your prayers are what have sustained us through this difficult time.

Those who knew Cecil know that he was a happy man.  That is the way the family wants to send him off.  We are celebrating the life of my brother.  It will be a happy occasion full of activities that represent the spirit of Cecil.

The celebration begins today and all are welcome to attend.  The family thanks everyone who is contributing to help us organize and coordinate this effort.  We also want to thank all of our loved ones near and far who are taking time out of their busy schedules to celebrate with us.

Feel free to express your comments below.  The Houston family receives such comfort hearing from each of you.

Thank you so much for everything!

Ramona Houston

Donations

In lieu of flowers the family is requesting donations to a memorial fund for the children.  There are three ways you can contribute.

1) Go to any Wells Fargo banking center across the nation and donate to the Cecil H. Houston Memorial Fund

2) Make an electronic payment via Pay Pal to the Cecil H. Houston Memorial Fund

3) Send a check or money order to:
Cecil H. Houston Memorial Fund
c/o Fantara Houston
P.O. Box 43003
Atlanta, GA 30336

Articles about Cecil Houston

‘He Made Me Proud to be Part of the Marching Jags Family’
Cecil Houston: A legacy remembered.

Cecil Houston: Celebration of Life at Elizabeth Baptist
Cecil Houston, the beloved band leader at Jackson High School, passed away last week. The 36-year-old is survived by his wife and four children.

Schedule of Events January 3 – 9
Download as PDF

Me and Georgia State Senator Gail Davenport

April 21, 2012

On Saturday, April 21, Georgia Democrats held elections throughout the state to determine our district-level candidates to the Democratic National Convention to be held in Charlotte, North Carolina, in September.  Because I believe in being and have always been civically and politically engaged, because I support the guiding principles and platform of the Democratic Party of Georgia (DPG), and because I want to do everything I can to propel the reelection of President Barack Obama, I decided to run for a delegate position to represent the state of Georgia.  I was so excited!

Left to right: Me, Montezuma Esparza and Nick Valencia

Celebrating 40 Years of the LAA

Georgia Aquarium

April 19, 2012

Last week I attended the Latin American Association 23rd Annual Compañeros Awards Luncheon.  Held at the Georgia Aquarium on April 29, 2012, this year’s event was especially festive with the LAA celebrating 40 years! Nick Valencia, Journalist at CNN and President of the Atlanta Chapter of National Association of Latino Journalists, served as the Master of Ceremony for the event.  One of my favorite people, filmmaker and community icon Moctesuma Esparza was the keynote speaker.  I was quite looking forward to the Compañeros Luncheon, especially because it always attracts Atlanta’s most influential Latino leadership, who are making a significant impact on Georgia and the nation.

This year the LAA had quite an impressive group of honorees.  Awardees included Philip Alequín, Jr., Turner Broadcasting System for Outstanding Community Leadership, Service and Commitment; House Minority Leader Stacey Abrams for Outstanding Public Service; Wells Fargo for Exemplary Corporate Leadership; Lino Domínguez, Founder, MundoHispánico for Media Excellence; and María Vargas, Perseverance Award.  Congratulations to all of the awardees!

Thank you to my friend LAA Board Member Ricki Fairley-Brown of Dove-Marketing, who invited me to be her guest at the event.  I love Ricki and always enjoy spending time with her.  Ricki is such a delight and I am sure she is an invaluable asset to the Latin American Association.

Georgia's youth learn all they can about college from the LAA

Kennesaw State University

April 14, 2012

 

The Latin American Association (LAA) in Atlanta, Georgia, is doing incredible work with our youth!  On April 14, 2012, I attended the LAA’s 3rd Annual Spring College Access Conference at Kennesaw State University.  The goal of the conference is to increase the educational attainment of Latino students so that they can and will pursue higher education.  This year college students led many of the conference workshops.  How impressive!  As the LAA inspires youth to embrace their college aspirations, it simultaneously inspires college students to develop their leadership skills.  As you can see, the LAA is making a big impact on our young people at all levels!  Congratulations to the LAA leadership Jeffrey Tapia, Executive Director; Eliezer Vélez, Director of Youth Programs; and Isabel Pérez, Managing Director of Academic Achievement for a successful conference.  I would also like to acknowledge other staff, interns and volunteers at the LAA for their commitment and hard work.  You are undeniably making an impact on our youth!

Light Forces youth and my mother Loretta Houston

This year Light Forces took several of our youth to the conference.  Based in South Fulton, Light Forces is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the educational and leadership development of youth and young adults.  Our motto is “Be the Light:  Excellence, Leadership and Service.”  Through our programs and activities we seek to develop conscientious young people who will use their gifts and talents to be leaders and contributors to their communities, nation and world.  Currently, I serve as the Chair of the Board of Directors for Light Forces.  For almost ten years, Light Forces has taken youth to participate in LAA youth activities.  We truly value and appreciate LAA for embracing the youth of Light Forces.

Light Forces also works to prepare students for college.  We are providing a college tour  this summer.  During our tour June 11-15, 2012, we will visit over a dozen colleges in Georgia and Alabama.  For more information about the 2012 Light Forces College Tour, please email contact@lightforces.org for more information.

LAA leadership Isabel Pérez and Eliezer Vélez

It is so important for educational institutions, youth service providers, professionals and community servants to work together to nurture and develop our youth.  We must continually expose young people to educational, professional and leadership development opportunities so that they can see and visualize the infinite possibilities for their own lives.  Expectations are key.  No one can outperform his/her expectations.  It is vital, therefore, that we raise the expectations for our youth, but more importantly, that they raise the expectations for themselves!  Thank you to the Latin American Association for cultivating expectations for and within our young people!

Georgia's Student Leaders and Me (far right)

Georgia State University 4th Annual

Latino College Leadership Summit

March 23-24, 2012

 

The United States Hispanic Leadership Institute held its Southeast Regional Conference in partnership with Georgia State University’s 4th Annual Latino College Leadership Summit in Atlanta last month.  Hosted on the campus of GSU, March 23-24, the conference seeks to develop the skills of Georgia-area students in order to foster leadership development within the community.  Over seventy-five students from seven colleges throughout Georgia participated in the event.  Carlos Ojeda, Jr. and Ernesto Mejía of Cool Speak were the featured speakers of the conference, and I served as one of workshop presenters.  As always, I support USHLI whenever and wherever they need me.

My workshop

Based in Chicago, USHLI is led by Dr. Juan Andrade, who serves as its President and CEO.  According to Henry Cisneros at the USHLI National Conference in February, “Of all the tremendous leadership of national Latino organizations, no one has more stamina, continuity, vision, effectiveness and results than Dr. Juan Andrade.”  What a complement!  Amy Lucina Molina serves as the Coordinator of the Office of Latino Student Services and Outreach at Georgia State University.  Her hard work is reflected in the exemplary outcomes of the leadership conference.

Georgia's student leaders developing strategies

This year I presented two workshops:  “Sin Fronteras:  Building Mulit-Cultural Alliances and Partnerships” and “We Have the Power, so Let’s Use It!:  Advancing Civic and Political Engagement within the African American and Latino Communities.”  During the sessions the student participants developed some impressive solutions on coalition building and civic engagement.  In fact, during the civic engagement workshop the students created strategies to prevent the passing of Georgia Senate Bill 458, which attempts to deny undocumented immigrants the opportunity to attend college.  I was extremely impressed by the students, their passion and commitment to leadership, and their willingness to make a difference in their communities and nation.  I know that through their dedication and hard work, we will solve some of America’s most challenging issues.

USHLI needs your support to continue their critical and much needed work in the area of  Latino leadership development.  Consider doing this by participating in a raffle to win a car.    The Buick Division of General Motors has donated a 2012 Verano to USHLI to raise funds for scholarships and internships.  For the raffle ticket price of $100, you can contribute to the fundraiser as well as potentially win a new car!  USHLI seeks to sell 1000 tickets by the end of July with the expectation of raising $100,000.  The winner will be announced at USHLI’s Annual Dinner on August 16th, 2012.  To contribute to this noteworthy effort by purchasing your raffle ticket(s), contact USHLI at (312) 427-8683.

Family with Michael Blake, Deputy Director of Obama for America 2012 (left to right): my sister Dr. Genine Irving, Me, Michael Blake, my mother Loretta Houston and my sister Dr. Rhesa Houston

The Atlanta community was absolutely elated that President Barack Obama was coming to Atlanta!  He was visiting the city to raise money for his 2012 Presidential bid.  In addition to a host of fundraising activities on March, 16, 2012, the Obama for America campaign held its national meeting of the African American Leadership Council.  During the conference leaders from across the country met to develop and implement strategies for the reelection of President Obama.  The day proceeded with a number of small private fundraisers, ranging in price from $10,000 per person to a private dinner at the home of Tyler Perry for $35,800 per person.  The President attended each of these events.  The largest fundraiser, however, was held at Tyler Perry Studios during the evening.  With tickets ranging in price from $500 to $10,000, the sold-out event attracted over 1000 ATLiens.

Southwest Atlanta lines the street to catch a glimpse of the Presidential Motorcade

My family and I attended the fundraiser at Tyler Perry Studios.  Excitement filled the air,  as many looked forward to hearing President speak.  People were especially excited due to the fact that President Obama rarely visits Atlanta.  What a moment to experience the first African American President coming to a fundraising event in Southwest Atlanta, a primarily African American community.  As we slowly approached the studios while cars proceeded bumper to bumper, my family and I were amazing to see the number of people young and old who lined the streets just to get a glimpse of the President!  It was like a highly anticipated parade!

92-year-old woman patiently waits to see President Obama

One particular sight especially touched me.  A elderly woman sat patiently waiting to see her President.  I asked to take a picture of her and found out that she was 92 years old!  Can you imagine what that moment met to her?  I almost broke down crying!  (I had to catch myself saying, “Ramona, don’t mess up your make-up…Don’t mess up your make-up…”  That is the only thing that helped me to keep my composure!)

Although it was exhilarating to see how many African Americans were excited about seeing the President, it was also disconcerting to witness the class divide within the African American community.  It was quite evident as we proceeded to the event.  Riding in our cars to the event were the black bourgeoisie and upper classes.  Lining the streets near the event were the black working and underclasses.  How I wish that all of us despite our economic means could have the opportunity to attend the event and be in the presence of our first African American President.  We still have a lot of work to do…

Fellowship, food and fun at Tyler Perry Studios!

The event was fantastic, full of fellowship, food and fun!  It was my family’s first visit to the Tyler Perry Studios.  We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves connecting with old friends and meeting new ones.  As we waited for the President to appear, the audience was both stimulated and entertained.  The campaign showed “The Road We’ve Traveled”, a 17-minute documentary film about the challenging decisions and outstanding accomplishments of the President’s first term.  Atlanta’s own pop star Cee Lo Green performed several of his hits.  Mayor of Atlanta Kasim Reed hyped the crowd and solicited continued support of our President, and then Tyler Perry introduced the President.

I thoroughly enjoyed Tyler Perry’s introduction.  Although I have paraphrased his remarks, in essence, they are as follows:

Tyler Perry introducing President Barack Obama

“How unbelievable is this?  This is serial to me.  As a child I had a very active imagination.  I dreamed of performing in and producing shows.  I dreamed of making movies.  I dreamed of being an entrepreneur and owning my own business.  I dreamed of having my own studio.  But even with my vivid imagination, I never dreamed that I would see the Presidential Motorcade with the first African American President coming through Southwest Atlanta!  This moment should speak to us about taking the limits off of our our imagination and exploring our infinite possibilities…”

President Barack Obama in the ATL!

President Obama was on point, too.  He talked about the accomplishments of his first term as President:  withdrawing troops from Iraq, stimulating the economy, saving the auto industry, and health care reform.  When talking about health care President Obama declared, “They can call it Obamacare, because I do care!”  He also talked about the many challenges that he has experienced during his first term, but emphasized the need to persevere so that he could finish the work that he is determined to do.  The President concluded stating that he needed Atlanta’s continued support and through our efforts we can make a difference in and for all of America.

My sisters Dr. Rhesa Houston and Dr. Genine Irving proclaiming "Four more years!"

After having only spent a few hours in Atlanta, President Obama raised about $5 million dollars!  That is quite impressive.  I am so glad that my family and I could make our contributions toward the President’s continued success.

Texas Scholars at the TSHA Keynote Address at Texas Southern University featuring Darlene Clark Hine, Left to right: Cary Wintz, Texas Southern University; Bernadette Pruitt, Sam Houston State University; TSHA President Merline Pitre; Darlene Clark Hine, Northwestern University; and Me

Houston, Texas

March 1-3, 2012

I began my graduate career at the University of Houston. This is my U of H family, from left to right: Me, Dwight Watson, Professor, Texas State University; Joseph Pratt, Professor University of Houston; Bernadette Pruitt, Professor, Sam Houston State University; Guadalupe San Miguel, Professor, University of Houston

This year I presented my research on a panel entitled “Beautiful People:  The Range of Community Agency among African-Descent Texans, 1900-1980.”  My presentation focused on African American and Mexican American efforts to desegregate the state of Texas during the early stages of the Civil Rights Movement.  Dr. Bernadette Pruitt of Sam Houston State University also served as a panelists.  Historians Karen Kossie-Chernyshev of Texas Southern University and Linda Reed of the University of Houston served as the panel’s moderator and commentator respectively.

My alma mater, The University of Texas at Austin Department of History, was represented well this year at the Fellows and Awards Luncheon.  Cynthia Orozco, UT alum and historian, was honored as a TSHA Fellow.

Representing our institution well! University of Texas scholars from left to right: Alan Tully, Chair, Department of History; Allison Schottenstein, graduate student; Ava Purkiss, graduate student; Me; and Cynthia Orozco, UT alum and Professor, Eastern New Mexico University

UT graduate students Allison Schottenstein and Ava Purkiss received the John H. Jenkins Research Fellowship in Texas History and the Mary M. Hughes Research Fellowship awards respectively.  The Chair of the History Department Alan Tully also attended the event.  I was so happy to be able to celebrate with these UT honorees.  Congratulations to each of you!

One of the conference highlights for me this year was listening to Darlene Clark Hine, Northwestern University Board of Trustees Professor of African American Studies and Professor of History, who delivered the meeting’s keynote address.  As one of the premier and distinguished American historians of our time, Darlene Clark Hine presented a lecture entitled “Rights of Citizenship:   Black Texans and the White Primary Cases.”  Open to the public and held at Texas Southern University, Dr. Clark Hine recounted the historical development and significance of Smith vs. Allright and the important role that the African American community and leadership of Texas played in its success.  According to Dr. Clark Hine, by defeating the all-white primary, African American Texans significantly impacted and propelled the advancement of the Civil Rights Movement.

Reception honoring TSHA President Merline Pitre

Many conference participants were excited about attending the Presidential Banquet this year, honoring TSHA President Dr. Merline Pitre.  Dean and Professor of History at Texas Southern University, Dr. Pitre is the first African American President of TSHA in its 116-year history.  During her Presidential address Dr. Pitre presented a lecture entitled, “Texas and the Master Civil Rights Narrative:  A Case Study of Black Females in Houston.”  Further advancing Dr. Clark Hine’s keynote address, Dr. Pitre recounted the important role that African American Texans played in the development of the Civil Rights Movement, yet highlighted the role of African American women.  According to Pitre, African American women influenced and shaped  the direction and impact of the Movement.  Emphasizing the minimal amount of research that has been produced on African American Texans and their contributions to the Civil Rights Movement, Dr. Pitre stressed the need for Texas historians to explore this topic.  Only through including Texas can a full historical account of the Civil Rights Movement be told.  According to Pitre, Texas is and should be a part of this story.

Meeting new friends at the TSHA Presidential Banquet

In addition to the keynotes, the TSHA meeting featured numerous sessions highlighting various topics and eras of Texas history.  Texas historians from various parts of the country, but primarily from Texas, presented their research and participated in panel discussions.  Although I always enjoy the sessions–some of which are extremely entertaining, my favorite part of the meeting every year is connecting with old friends who love Texas history and meeting new ones!

My youngest sister Dr. Rhesa Houston, Dr. Juan Andrade and Me

Conference Theme:  “Redefining Leadership:  Transforming Our Nation”

Chicago, Illinois

February 16-19, 2012

Again, it was another spectacular United States Hispanic Leadership Institute Annual Conference.  This year the organization celebrated its 30th anniversary!  Congratulations!!!  Based in Chicago, USHLI seeks to empower Latinos and other disenfranchised groups with leadership development training and encourage civic awareness and participation in the electoral process.  Dr. Juan Andrade leads USHLI.  Dr. Andrade is passionate about service and making an impact on the Latino community, especially its youth.  The USHLI Annual Conference is the largest leadership conference of Latino college students in the country, attracting youth from colleges and universities throughout the US.  I have volunteered as a workshop presenter for the event for the last six years, and I absolutely love the conference every year!

USHLI 2012 Scholarship Recipients and me

I encourage all college students and community leaders to attend USHLI at least one year during his/her college or professional career.  You do not have to be Latino to participate.  It is important that the wider American community also become familiar with issues important to the Latino community in order that they may be sensitive to and supportive of the community.  We need allies and friends!   The conference is an invaluable experience.  You will enhance your personal, professional and leadership development through the various workshops; learn about current issues relating to and/or affecting the Latino community; meet people from all areas of the country; and gain exposure to national Latino leadership.   The USHLI conference is worth your time investment.

The conference has many outstanding features, including workshops, forums and keynote speakers.  Each component contributes to the leadership development of its participants.  During the conference USHLI also honors outstanding Latino leadership who have made significant contributions to the community and/or in their respective fields.

My workshop at USHLI 2012

Workshop topics range in subject:  leadership development, civic and political engagement, balancing responsibilities in college, overcoming obstacles, personal relationships, health and fitness, building wealth, and etiquette, just to name a few.  This year I presented several workshops, among them:  “Together We Can!:  Closing the Educational Achievement Gap within the African American and Latino Communities” and “We Have the Power, So Let’s Use It!:  Advancing Civic and Political Engagement within the African American and Latino Communities.”  During these two sessions participants broke into groups and had extensive discussion about how to close the educational gap and how to increase civic and political engagement.  I requested all groups to send me their recommendations to post on my website in order to share with others.  This information can be used as a framework for other organizations interested in addressing these concerns.  At the bottom of this email are the solutions that have been submitted thus far.  The students and I hope that the information will prompt further discussion, but most of all, action.  I welcome all other groups to also submit their information.  Upon receipt they will be posted as well.

My sister Dr. Rhesa Houston and I presenting a workshop at USHLI 2012

One of the personal highlights for me this year was presenting with my youngest sister Dr. Rhesa Houston.  Although she and I present workshops in a variety of settings, it was our first time presenting as a team.  Our workshop “Study, Lead and Play:  Finding Balance While Navigating through College” sought to teach students how to develop a work-life balance while excelling as scholars and student leaders.  As college students and professionals, my sister and I have achieved many of our academic and professional goals.  We have both excelled in college,  having received terminal degrees, and we have both served in influential leadership roles as students and professionals.  As a result, we have developed our own philosophies and strategies for success.  It was a fun and funny experience presenting with my sister, especially because we are so distinctly different!  The students even commented on the fact that they liked the contrasting perspectives, energy and personalities.  I look forward to many more presentation s with my sister in the future.

President's Reception honoring Dr. Juan Andrade, left to right: My husband Terreon Gully; Luis Caban, USHLI Board Member; Me; Cid Wilson, "Mr. Afro-Latino of America"

Like the workshops, the forums also ranged in subject.  They included immigration, the Latino Vote in 2012, Latinas breaking the glass ceiling, and Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender struggle for social justice.  Forum speakers included Randy Parraz, Director, Citizens for a Better Arizona; Maria Cardona, Principle, Dewey Square Group; Leslie Sanchez, President and CEO, Impacto Group; Hon. Aida M. Alvarez, Former Director, US Small Business Administration; Arisa Batista Cunningham, Vice President, Global Diversity, Johnson and Johnson Company; Hon. John D. Trasviña, Assistant Secretary, Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity, US Department of Housing and Urban Development; Russell Roybal, Deputy Executive Director, National Gay and Lesbian Task Force; Delia Garcia, Senior Liaison, Minority Community Outreach, National Education Association.

Every year USHLI awards some of the most distinguished and accomplished members of the Latino community, who have excelled in their fields and made significant contributions to the Latino community, America and the world.  As always this year’s awardees are some of the Latino community’s finest!  Awardees included Rey B. Gonzalez, National Hispanic Hero Award;  Hon. Aida M. Alvarez, Henry L. (Hank) Lacayo Lifetime Achievement Award; Hon. Lorraine Cortéz-Vázquez, Cesar Chavez Community Service Award; Christina M. Martínez, William C. Velasquez Volunteer of the Year Award; Alma L. Guajardo-Crossley, Corporate Visionary Award; Hon. Joe Baca, Edward R. Roybal, Henry B. Gonzalez Award for Excellence in Public Service; and Hon. Mickey Ibarra, Medallion for Excellence in Government Relations.  What an outstanding group of individuals!

Some of the keynote speakers this year included:  Deborah Deras, speaker and life coach; Jimmy Cabrera, President, Success through Excellence; MG Kelly K. McKeague, Assistant to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, National Guard Matters, US Department of Defense; and Henry Cisneros, Executive Chairman, CityView.  I especially enjoyed hearing Jimmy Cabrera and Henry Cisneros speak.  Jimmy Cabrera spoke about the importance of branding.  Encouraging students to be conscious of and shape their personal brand, Cabrera declared “Excellence should be your brand….You must do your best….We have mountains to climb!”

Hon. Henry Cisneros

In his speech Henry Cisneros focused on the importance of Latino leaders becoming public servants, not for personal gain or family prestige, but to serve.  He highlighted the significance of public service, stating that Latino elected and appointed officials are important to the Latino community and the country.  Encouraging college students to pursue excellence as well as public service, Cisneros argued, “We need the absolute best and brightest talent as public servants.”  He went on to add, “We need Latino leadership in every facet of professional life:  business, education, nonprofit and religious.”  Acknowledging the growth of the Latino community and its significance to America, Cisneros concluded, “We are going to have more responsibility than we ever had.  It is a historical moment.  If we want America to advance, we are going to have to make it advance.  Latinos must take our positions of responsibility in this country.”

Thank you to all of the sponsors who contributed to another successful USHLI conference.  I want to specifically acknowledge General Motors for donating a car to USHLI.  The Buick Division of GM donated a 2012 Verano to USHLI to raise funds for scholarships and internships.  For the raffle ticket price of $100, you can contribute to the fundraiser as well as potentially win a new car!  USHLI seeks to sell 1000 tickets by the end of July with the expectation of raising $100,000.  The winner will be announced at USHLI’s Annual Dinner on August 16th, 2012.  To contribute to this noteworthy effort by purchasing your raffle ticket(s), contact USHLI at (312) 427-8683.

I look forward to supporting the USHLI Southeast Region Conference which will be held in Atlanta, March 23-24, 2012.  For more information about the conference and registration, please visit the conference website.

Mark your calendars for next year.  The USHLI National Conference will be held February 14-17, 2013, in Chicago!

Session Solutions

Session:  “We Have the Power So Let’s Use It!:  Advancing Civic and Political Engagement within the African American and Latino Communities”

Solutions on how to influence our communities to VOTE:

As an individual, I can:

• Talk to family and circle of friends
• Email/contact elected officials to encourage them to host forums
• Set-up voter information and registration booths
• Give reasons for people to care; relatable information.  Explain: what’s in it for me?
• Participate in door to door communication
• Provide citizenship workshops that educate residents about obtaining U.S. citizenship and the right to vote
• Understand the importance of language; materials should be available in multiple languages; Encourage individuals who are bilingual to volunteer at voting sites

As an organization, we can:

• Serve as volunteer for voter registration and education projects
• Incorporate the importance of voter participation into the projects we already do (e.g. include contact information of elected officials or voter registration applications with holiday food baskets)
• Collaborate with other student organizations active in increasing voter participation
• Address the bystander effect (someone else is doing it/will do it); instead of thinking others will be the solution, we will be the solution

Group members represented the following institutions:

University of Nebraska-Lincoln

University of Wisconsin, Green Bay

Carroll University

University of St. Francis

South Elgin High School, IL

College of Lake County

University of Wisconsin, Stout

Oscar

Considering the Awardees, Is That a Surprise?

Every year when the Oscars roll around there is always a public discussion and criticism of the lack of African American and Latino nominees and awardees.  This year that discussion continues.  A revealing article in the Los Angeles Times by John Horn, Nicole Sperling and Doug Smith provides some explanation. Oscar voters are overwhelmingly white and male.  Is that a surprise?

According to the article “Oscar Voters Overwhelmingly White, Male,” published February 19, 2012, of the 5765 voting members 94% are Caucasian and 77% are male.  African Americans are 2% and Latinos are less than 2%.  Considering that membership is generally for life, it does not appear that diversification will not come easy or any time soon.  This voting membership is primarily the reason for the lack of African American and Latino Oscar nominees and awardees.  Founded in 1927, in its 83-year history only fourteen African American and five Latino actors have received an Oscar.  According to Nadra Kareem Nittle in “Latino Academy Award Winners” only five Latinos have won an Oscar for acting. Of those, only one was born in the Continental United States.

To conduct the study, LA Times reporters interviewed thousands of academy members and their representatives and reviewed academy publications, resumes and biographies to confirm the identities of more than 5100 voters–more than 89% of the voting members.  Members held varying opinions about why the dismal demographic composition of the academy.

The article goes on to quote some of the actors, who are also members of the academy expressed their discontent with the organization.  Actor and director Bill Duke stated that the academy is perceived “as an elitist group with no concern or regard for the minority community and industry.  And there doesn’t seem to be any desire to change that perception.”

African American actor Bernie Casey stated, “People of color are always peripheral.” There are about “48 million black people and …Latinos…but you would not believe that based on what you see in films and television shows.”

According to Latino actor Demián Bichir, Were there more Latino academy members, opportunities for Latinos would improve.  “That would mean there would be a lot more roles for Latino actors.”

Octavie Spencer receiving the Oscar 2012

The study is extensive and revealing. I suggest you read the full article as well.  How can there be a significant number of African American and Latino Oscar honorees, if those casting the vote don’t reflect the demographics of this nation?  That is why it is so important that African Americans and Latinos have a seat at the table during the decision making process, whether it is in the academy, corporate boards, government or educational institutions.  Our voices impact outcomes.

Congratulations to Octavia Spencer, the most recent African American Oscar honoree, winning Best Supporting Actress for her role in “The Help.”  Despite its historical flaws, I really enjoyed watching the movie, and especially loved Spencer’s acting.

Whitney Houston

Dear Whitney,

I absolutely adore you and have always loved the essence of your spirit!  As a teenager, I dreamed of being on stage performing as a musical artist, and you were the goddess I sought to emulate.  Up there with Michael Jackson, you have always ranked high as one of my favorite artists of all time.  I absolutely loved and still love you!

I recall sitting in front of the television for hours watching videos, waiting to catch a glimpse of you.  I experienced such delight watching you on the television screen.  Your music and videos totally captivated me!  “The Greatest Love of All” with your all black outfit and that dark lipstick (the lipstick–so unique!), “How Will I Know” with your beautiful smile on that colorful set, and “I Want to Dance with Somebody” (my all-time favorite) with your playful antics and stunning stage presence, all exhilarated me.  Each time I watched those videos, I felt you and your spirit jump through the television and fill my soul with excitement and joy!

Whitney, I have shared some of my fondest life memories with you!  While I was attending graduate school in Austin, I occasionally had family in town.  One weekend in 1994, my Uncle Lou came to town and we spent the evening watching you in “Whitney – The Concert for a New South Africa.”  Through this concert performance you honored President Nelson Mandela and the newly unified South Africa, becoming the first major artist to visit the newly unified and apartheid free nation following Mandela’s election.  It was truly a historical moment and I was glad to share it with you!  I absolutely loved your dancers, the musicians–among them my favorite saxophonist Kirk Whalum, and the entire production!  In fact, I taped that concert and have watched it many times over the years.  One of my last and most memorable moments with my maternal grandmother in Brownwood was watching you in concert on television, performing at Constitution Hall in DC in 1997.  Maw and I were so amazed by your duo with husband Bobby Brown, as you did a tribute to Sammy Davis, Jr., with Bobby dancing to “Bojangles.”  We loved it!  My grandmother and I sat talking together and watching that concert.  She passed the following summer.

I was brokenhearted when your career took a downward spin.  Much of what I read and saw on television attributed this development to substance abuse.  I must admit I waited patiently for you to come out of that phase and resume your throne.  As a matter of fact, I always told myself that if I ever saw you, I would attempt to speed up the process by telling you to hurry up and get off that stuff, so that you could create more wonderful memories for me as well as many others, who I know you touched as well.  After your interview with Oprah in 2009, I celebrated that you were finally back.  Whitney, I was right there rooting for you!

My hopes were shattered when I recently saw you at the Atlanta Airport in October 2011.  Your condition confounded me.  I was so disturbed that it took everything in me not to breakdown in the airport.  It hurt me immensely–more than I can express–to see you in that condition.  In fact, that day my husband posted on his Facebook page, “…Please pray for Whitney.”

On the evening of February 11, my youngest sister texted me during the middle of the Chris Botti concert with the Atlanta Symphony to inform me of your transition.  I cried right there in the concert.  During the entire week my heart and I cried so much that I didn’t know what to do.  As a matter of fact, I am crying as I write this blog.

I wanted immensely for you to beat that addiction.  What has upset and shaken me so is that I just cannot understand how someone with so much Light, with so much of God’s favor, with so much talent, with such a platform, with so much reach, and who is loved so much by so many, could allow herself to succumb to dark forces.  Why did you let the dark side dim your Light and ultimately put it out?  Again, I cry trying to answer that question for my own peace of mind.

During the same time of your homegoing celebration, I was attending and presenting workshops at the United States Hispanic Leadership Institute 30th Annual Conference in Chicago.  I watched as much of the ceremony as I could before going to present my workshop.  I finally had the opportunity to watch it in its entirety this week.  Of course, I cried throughout the ceremony as well.

Whitney, your gift has brought me immense joy, and your life has taught me several lessons.  On a practical level, your life has taught me the dangers of substance abuse.  More importantly, on a spiritual level, your life has taught me the value of embracing, appreciating and magnifying my own Light, never fearing, devaluing or diminishing it.  Additionally, I must guard my Light and not allow anything or anyone–myself included–to ever threaten it.  You have taught me to sharpen my spiritual sword, knowing that the brighter my Light the harder dark forces will attempt to dim it.  (Ephesians 6:12)  Finally, despite the fact that many–myself included–always want to blame outside forces for our situations (i.e. “dark forces”), I have learned that ultimately much of the life we live is a matter of choice.  I must make good life choices, knowing that the choices I make not only shape my own life, but also impact the lives of others.

Whitney, I write this letter to you to let you know how much I love you and how much love and joy you have brought into my life.  Thank you so much for all of your incredible music and, of course, those wonderful memories.  I want you to know that despite your personal challenges and struggles, you have always been loved.  Thank you so much for being a Light in this world.  Your Light has undeniably impacted my own.  Whitney Houston, I want you to know, I love you!