Hispanics History

On May 10, 1913, an aircraft attacked a warship for the first time in history. But if that doesn't ring any bells, it might be because the action took place over Guayamas, Mexico, and the plane was piloted by Capt. Gustavo Salinas. While most schoolchildren know at least a little about the Wright brothers, the exploits of Latin American aviators have gone largely unrecognized in this country.

On May 10, 1913, an aircraft attacked a warship for the first time in history. But if that doesn't ring any bells, it might be because the action took place over Guayamas, Mexico, and the plane was piloted by Capt. Gustavo Salinas. While most schoolchildren know at least a little about the Wright brothers, the exploits of Latin American aviators have gone largely unrecognized in this country.

In the back of the sweltering tent that houses her and the other UCLA hunger strikers, Norma Montanez sat quietly, clutching an eagle feather. As she closed her eyes and sipped some water, a man dressed as an Aztec "spiritual warrior" hovered nearby, watching as she and her fellow protesters struggled through another day without food or even vitamin-enriched water, holding out for a Chicano studies department on the sprawling campus.

About 15O teenage Latinas from around Los Angeles met with Maria Echaveste, the highest-ranking Latino official in the White House, during a symposium Friday celebrating Latina History Day. Echaveste, who advises President Clinton as director for public liaison, told the teenagers about her experiences growing up as a child of farm workers in a poor community. "I figured out the only way I would ever leave home was an education," she told the gathering at the Biltmore Hotel.

About 15O teenage Latinas from around Los Angeles met with Maria Echaveste, the highest-ranking Latino official in the White House, during a symposium Friday celebrating Latina History Day. Echaveste, who advises President Clinton as director for public liaison, told the teenagers about her experiences growing up as a child of farm workers in a poor community. "I figured out the only way I would ever leave home was an education," she told the gathering at the Biltmore Hotel.

Historians and genealogical experts will lead a daylong series of workshops and presentations April 28 at the Bowers Museum. The sixth annual Hispanic Family History Seminar is co-sponsored by the museum's Mexican-American Arts Council and the Hispanic Family History Research Organization of Riverside. The keynote speaker will be Dr. Lyman D. Platt, author and former director of the Salt Lake City Genealogical Library.

It might seem strange to find an ethnomusicologist jamming in an East L.A. bar and grill far from the constraints of academia. But when the teacher on the stage is Steven Loza, it's almost expected. "I grew up in the Eastside of Los Angeles. I've played trumpet ever since grammar school," said the UCLA assistant professor during a break between sets at T.Q.'s, where his jazz sextet performs on Wednesdays. "Steve is an excellent musician.

Nearly 400 years ago, Pedro Robledo left Mexico with the Juan de Ornate expedition, venturing into what is now New Mexico, to become one of the first settlers in that region. Today, his 13th-great-granddaughter, Pauline Chavez Bent, a genealogist who specializes in Latino history, travels uncharted terrain of a different nature, searching back through time to meticulously piece together her family's history.

Mother Jones and Andrea Villarreal were contemporaries, forceful advocates in social and political campaigns that erupted across the American Southwest in the early years of this century. In 1909 they shared a speakers' platform at a rally in San Antonio, Tex., calling for freedom for two Mexican revolutionaries imprisoned there. In reporting the event, the San Antonio Light and Gazette on Aug. 18, 1909, identified Mother Jones as a person "of national fame."

There are big issues, such as recognizing the contributions of Hispanics throughout history. But it's the little things, too, that rankle: the frequent mangling of Hispanic names and places, for instance. A coalition of organizations, believing Hispanic culture and accomplishments are being slighted in public school classrooms throughout Colorado, has demanded that the state get involved.

It might seem strange to find an ethnomusicologist jamming in an East L.A. bar and grill far from the constraints of academia. But when the teacher on the stage is Steven Loza, it's almost expected. "I grew up in the Eastside of Los Angeles. I've played trumpet ever since grammar school," said the UCLA assistant professor during a break between sets at T.Q.'s, where his jazz sextet performs on Wednesdays. "Steve is an excellent musician.

In the back of the sweltering tent that houses her and the other UCLA hunger strikers, Norma Montanez sat quietly, clutching an eagle feather. As she closed her eyes and sipped some water, a man dressed as an Aztec "spiritual warrior" hovered nearby, watching as she and her fellow protesters struggled through another day without food or even vitamin-enriched water, holding out for a Chicano studies department on the sprawling campus.

Mother Jones and Andrea Villarreal were contemporaries, forceful advocates in social and political campaigns that erupted across the American Southwest in the early years of this century. In 1909 they shared a speakers' platform at a rally in San Antonio, Tex., calling for freedom for two Mexican revolutionaries imprisoned there. In reporting the event, the San Antonio Light and Gazette on Aug. 18, 1909, identified Mother Jones as a person "of national fame."

Nearly 400 years ago, Pedro Robledo left Mexico with the Juan de Ornate expedition, venturing into what is now New Mexico, to become one of the first settlers in that region. Today, his 13th-great-granddaughter, Pauline Chavez Bent, a genealogist who specializes in Latino history, travels uncharted terrain of a different nature, searching back through time to meticulously piece together her family's history.

Historians and genealogical experts will lead a daylong series of workshops and presentations April 28 at the Bowers Museum. The sixth annual Hispanic Family History Seminar is co-sponsored by the museum's Mexican-American Arts Council and the Hispanic Family History Research Organization of Riverside. The keynote speaker will be Dr. Lyman D. Platt, author and former director of the Salt Lake City Genealogical Library.

After decades of being shunted to the sidelines, Spanish-language media outlets have now joined the big leagues of TV research. Ratings giant Nielsen Media Research today plans to pull the plug on a separate service that it created 15 years ago to measure the size of Latino TV audiences. Latinos are now so important to the overall TV ratings picture that it would be misleading to relegate them to a separate system.