Phoenix, AZ [CapitalWirePR] October 9, 2012 – Much has been said and written about the anti-immigrant legislation, Arizona Senate Bill 1070.
This harsh proposal was challenged and the Supreme Court recently struck down several key parts of the law. It left standing a controversial provision requiring police to check the immigration status of people they detain and suspect to be in the country illegally.
The 5 to 3 decision upholding the “show me your papers” provision came with a warning that the courts would be watching its implementation. “As Latinos, this impacts us all–because what happens in Arizona happens to all of us!’’ said Josephine F. Garza, Executive Director of the National Latino Children’s Institute (NLCI).
This is the principal reason the National Latino Children’s Institute (NLCI) is collaborating with Phoenix based eLatina Voices to convene national, state and local Latino and children’s organizations and advocates; federal and state elected officials; foundations and emerging Latino leaders.
ACTION NOW—Keeping the Promise of a Bright Future scheduled for October 19 and 20, 2012, in Phoenix, Arizona seeks to focus the nation’s attention on the contributions and unique issues and challenges facing Latino children and youth. The Summit will conclude with a town hall meeting with young emerging leaders and elected officials.
Hispanics make up 16 percent of the U.S. population and Latino youth are 25 percent of the country’s children. In several states, Latino students already make up more than half of the student population. “America’s willingness to develop their potential will be critical for the sustained growth and prosperity of the nation. It is imperative that policy makers across the country understand the broad based consequences of this rapid and large Latino growth and the connection to the nation’s future,” stated María Rita Jaramillo, Chair, NLCI.
The Latino Children’s Summit will bring an increased awareness and understanding of the potential strength of this young and vibrant community. “If we fail to make the necessary investments today, the consequences for America will be grim tomorrow,” stated Jaramillo.
Olga Aros, summit chair and founder of eLatina Voices said, “Our goal is to educate and mobilize the community in support of Latino children. It is time to take action and become a part of the solution.” She noted that participants will develop action steps for each of the elements deemed necessary by NLCI to ensure the well being of Latino children. Aros provided the following outcomes for the National Latino Children’s Summit:
• inform summit participants about current research based data and relevant policy analysis;
• engage and leverage the unique expertise of participants to provide insights and expertise regarding the key supports essential for the well being of Latino children;
• cultivate alliances among conferees to advocate for and sustain the essential programs and initiatives that support the well being of Latino children and youth; and
• take action to create a strong and united voice for Latino children and advocate for reforms and policies based on the principles of the NLCI Latino Children’s Agenda.
Confirmed national speakers include:
Congressman Raul Grijalva, Tucson, AZ
Congressman Ed Pastor, Phoenix, AZ
Dr. Juan Andrade, U.S. Hispanic Leadership Institute
Dr. Carlos Arce, Ethnifacts
Sarita Brown, Excelencia in Education
Wendy Cervantes, First Focus
Ana Cody, National Center for Missing and Exploited Children
Thomas A. Saenz, Mexican American Legal Defense and Education Fund
Arturo Vargas, National Association of Latino Elected Officials
Liany Elba Arroyo, National Council of la Raza
Windy Lopez and Rebecca Barrera, Scholastic
Kipling J. Gallion, Deputy Director Salud America!
About the National Latino Children’s Institute
