January 29, 2005

Los Angeles leader to speak at Latino luncheon

The Arizona Republic

Yvonne Wingett

Social tensions between different generations of Latinos, new immigrants, Democrats and Republicans have prevented the state's largest minority group from making social, educational and political gains, some believe.   A new organization, the Arizona Latino Research Enterprise, will address the identity crisis with this year's theme: "What does it mean to be a Latino/Latina?"  Hundreds of Hispanics will meet Feb. 2 for a luncheon to launch the Rachel Rivers Speaker Series.   "We're going to bring Latinos from all walks of life together to explore our political, our economic and our cultural position in Phoenix and in Arizona," said co-founder Mario E. Diaz.   Los Angeles City Councilman Antonio Villaraigose will kick off the series at 11:30 a.m. at the Wyndham Hotel, 50 E. Adams St. Cost $20. R.S.V.P. at villawendyaz@yahoo.com.

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