Latina Lista~Tulsatag:www.latinalista.net,2008:/tulsa/262008-11-23T04:23:32ZA Viewpoint on Anything and Everything From a Latina Perspective.Movable Type Publishing Platform 4.01-beta2KKK continues attackingtag:www.latinalista.net,2008:/tulsa//26.38082008-11-23T03:48:05Z2008-11-23T04:23:32ZBy Juan Miret Tulsa, OK .- A huge wave of news, local and national, have lit the fuse again: the KKK is alive. The fateful outcome of an initiation ritual, which killed Cyhthia Charlotte Lynch, opened the door for discussion...Marisa Treviñohttp://www.latinalista.net
KKK continues attacking
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A community marches against intolerance and racismtag:www.latinalista.net,2008:/tulsa//26.37342008-10-25T21:24:09Z2008-10-25T21:44:11Zby Juan Miret Tulsa, OK — More than one thousand people marched through the streets of downtown Tulsa on Sunday October 5, in a civic protest against the discrimination. (Source: Hispano de Tulsa) The Hispanic community was represented with children,...Marisa Treviñohttp://www.latinalista.netby Juan Miret
Tulsa, OK — More than one thousand people marched through the streets of downtown Tulsa on Sunday October 5, in a civic protest against the discrimination.
(Source: Hispano de Tulsa)
The Hispanic community was represented with children, young people, senior citizens and entire families, all walking hand-in-hand with African Americans, Native Americans, Christians, Muslims and Jews. Overall, it was a celebration of diversity, and respect and equal rights.
Organized by the downtown Oklahoma For Community and Justice, known by its initials in English, OCCJ, the city of Tulsa had the opportunity to enjoy a different afternoon, where the entire population was invited, without exclusion or exception.
The starting point was the Greenwood Cultural Center, a historical place remembered for the racial massacre committed in 1921 against the African American community. However, on the pleasant Sunday afternoon, the story was different from the unfortunate past of 87 years ago and the participants, in absolute peace, walked together to build a better city and a tolerant and friendly Tulsa.
The walk had several break points in which appeared a distinguished panel of speakers. ]]>
Hispanics already have a candidatetag:www.latinalista.net,2008:/tulsa//26.33422008-06-07T21:18:40Z2008-06-07T21:23:40ZSebastián Lantos registers his candidacy for state congress. Juan Miret Hispano de Tulsa Tulsa, OK — For the first time in the history of Oklahoma, a candidate of Hispanic origin will seek election as state representative. It is about Sebastian...Marisa Treviñohttp://www.latinalista.net
Sebastián Lantos registers his candidacy for state congress.
Juan Miret
Hispano de Tulsa
Tulsa, OK — For the first time in the history of Oklahoma, a candidate of Hispanic origin will seek election as state representative. It is about Sebastian Lantos, social activist with 19 years of continuous advocacy for the immigrant community.
The race for the government seat will be uphill, but the talent, dedication and perseverance are fundamental attributes of the first Hispanic candidate in intolerable lands like Oklahoma.
The eventual victory of Lantos could constitute a kind of cultural bridge between the various communities.
The district in which the Hispanic candidate will run is located south of the city; the district, called 67, is practically Republican territory. The ratio is 3 conservatives for each Democrat.
The current representative of the area, Pam Peterson, has not had a rival in the last two elections, which is why this contest will be a novelty.
The Candidate
Lantos divided his childhood between his native Buenos Aires and the city of Shrewsbury, in the state of Massachussets.
He was twenty years old when he decided to move definitely to the United States, in order to achieve the long-cherished American Dream.
Thus, he began in the multinational McDonalds serving as manager of training and corporate operations, then completing his higher education at Oklahoma State University, graduating with top honors.
His volunteer work began in the offices of immigration counseling for Catholic Charities, later founding with other activists the Coalition of Hispanic Organizations, in which he served as its first president.
Currently, Lantos shares his community activities with his translation and interpretation business.
Lantos and his plan
“The reason for my decisión is that there is no more room for talking, watching and pleading to the political higher-ups …we should talk on equal terms with those who are undermining our communities, Tulsa and our state of Oklahoma,” said Lantos in an exclusive to the Hispano de Tulsa.
The plan of the Hispanic candidate is not merely symbolic, but rather an action properly articulated that will cover topics very important, apart from immigration.
Education, public safety, environmental conservation and infrastructure, will be part of the package of real offers from Lantos to the electorate.
Details and specifications of the so-called "Plan Lantos," will be released in the coming days.
Dream or Possibility?
“If it was impossible we wouldn’t do it, we want to set an example for other districts, less extreme (than 67) that will encourage more people to run,” said Lantos.
Despite the radical nature of the district in southern Tulsa, statistics indicate a very high level of abstention, much more in two consecutive elections where there has been no choice for voters. From there has arisen the hope to fight for a seat in the State Capitol.
Lantos said that "the alarmists in the chambers of Congress not only have been ignorant in imprisoning for innocent problems…but also left free the real problems that afflict us…it’s time to act wisely,” he said with firmness and determination.
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10 Hispanics arrested after an anonymous calltag:www.latinalista.net,2008:/tulsa//26.27822008-05-06T12:30:17Z2008-05-06T12:35:29ZBy Juan Miret Hispano de Tulsa Tulsa, OK — The burden of 1804 began 180 days ago and to this day the state government has not provided an informative statement as to how to apply the law. The result: chaos,...Marisa Treviñohttp://www.latinalista.net
By Juan Miret
Hispano de Tulsa
Tulsa, OK — The burden of 1804 began 180 days ago and to this day the state government has not provided an informative statement as to how to apply the law.
The result: chaos, confusion and fear.
In the last few days there have been several cases which exemplify abuses and excesses that can be expected when there is a lack of information. One of them involved the arrest of 10 immigrants and the other affected several Hispanic businesses.
Immigrants arrested at work
On April 23 an anonymous call made to the Pryor Sheriff’s Department, located in Mayes County 37 miles outside of Tulsa, caused Sheriff Frank Cantey’s mobilization to arrest 10 suspected illegal immigrants.
The arrests were made at D&D Interiors, a construction company.
It was revealed, during investigations after the arrests, that not all those arrested lacked immigration documents; at this time, the identity of those abused is being protected in order to speed up the prosecution process.
What is more alarming about this situation is that Sheriff Cantey’s office, who declined Hispano de Tulsa’s invitation for comments, has a message on their information portal stating that “watchful eyes are an important part of our efforts…please call the Sheriff’s confidential number: 825-3820 with your observations.”
Apparently anonymous calls, necessary to report crime, can also be tools for acts of discrimination. We wonder: what does an undocumented person look like? Possibly a person with darker skin? Or maybe a person who speaks a different language?
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The Contracting Company
A shower of hate messages and calls has inundated D&D Interiors.
During a brief conversation granted to Hispano de Tulsa, Rick Davenport one of the owners of D&D, expressed how upset he was over the events.
“We [D&D] are not policemen or immigration officers, we are businessmen; the employees provided their documents and with those we were able to complete the I-9 forms, pay taxes, provide insurance, pay at least $17 per hour, and follow the rules,” Davenport stated firmly.
The businessman is worried about the situation as it stands for the rest of his employees, who he considers part of his own family: “they are young, good willed entrepreneurs, they are professional and honest,” he asserted.
Those detained were mistreated and insulted and Davenport supports them as they file suit for racial discrimination. “The treatment they received is unacceptable, above all they are human,” he ended.
Apparently, the anonymous phone call made to the Pryor Sheriff’s office was made by a company who had lost a bid to D&D; to get their revenge they made the false accusation.
For now, D&D Interiors continues its daily routine trying to get back to normal and working on pending projects.
Attacking Beauty Salons
Now, the chase for immigrants has found new victims: beauty salons.
The Oklahoma State Board of Cosmetology (OSBC) has begun a crusade against Hispanic beauty salons.
OSBC has interpreted 1804 their way and will begin to “null, deny, suspend, and revoke licenses,” if they are unable to obtain proof of citizenship status for those who apply for the licenses.
The abuse lies in the fact that letters are arriving to those businesses that have renewed and obtained their licenses or certifications; nonetheless, the state board will begin a retroactive action to begin to apply its novel interpretation of the law.
Currently, Chris Gentges, attorney and unyielding social activist, has begun questioning the cosmetology agency investigating the basis under which the letters are being supported, letters which the agency has been sending to Hispanic merchants.
What can be done?
The most effective way to stop so much unmeasured abuse is by reporting it; the medium is reasonable and only the person affected can decide how far they will go; the most important thing is that those who can raise their voices do not keep from doing so.
To endure this law it is necessary to remain informed, the intention is not to create panic, rather, to provide tools for those who suffer day after day the severity of 1804 so they will know what to do.
To denounce abuse please contact the following entities where one can be helped in Spanish:
Catholic Charities Immigration Service
(918) 582-0881
Tele Ayuda- Center for Intercultural Services
(918) 663-0001
(Article translated by Rosario Guerra)
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"English only” keeps moving forwardtag:www.latinalista.net,2008:/tulsa//26.27812008-05-06T12:20:25Z2008-05-06T12:36:16ZBy Juan Miret Hispano Tulsa Tulsa, OK — The Oklahoma House of Representatives said yes to the proposal of “English only” to declare English as the only state language. Another crushing vote of 70 to 28 slapped reason and tolerance...Marisa Treviñohttp://www.latinalista.net
By Juan Miret
Hispano Tulsa
Tulsa, OK — The Oklahoma House of Representatives said yes to the proposal of “English only” to declare English as the only state language. Another crushing vote of 70 to 28 slapped reason and tolerance in the face.
Days prior to the ill-fated vote, several organizations started calling the legislators to inform and warn them of the adverse consequences such a project would produce.
Tulsa’s Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, directed by Francisco Treviño, published an official position of absolute rejection to the new project by Republican Terrill.
In addition, letters were sent to all the legislators’ offices at the state capitol.
However, the offensive was not enough and just two minutes before ending the session on April 23, the Lower House turned its back to the community again and submitted the project known as SB163 to the Senate.
Now, it is the turn of the 48 senators to make a decision of continuing or not the path to backwardness and isolation.
What do the supporters of the proposal say?
Republican representative Shane Jett surprised many by giving his support to Terrill’s project due to his recent closeness to the Hispanic community. In fact, he was getting ready for an event to collect funds for his campaign; however Jett decided to support the “English only” proposal, showing where he stands in this matter.
Through an electronic message, Jett expressed: “I choose to spend my energy trying to make a real change on the immigration issue, instead of deliberating on a dumb and ridiculous issue such as language.”
It is true that Jett tried to add an amendment to establish a program for employee registration, however his suggestion was rejected, and that makes it even more difficult to understand his vote.]]>
(Article translated by Rosario Guerra)]]>
Terrill and his world….the world and Terrilltag:www.latinalista.net,2008:/tulsa//26.27732008-05-02T14:36:20Z2008-05-02T14:54:19ZOpinion By Juan Miret Hispano de Tulsa Tulsa, OK - On April 16, Republican representative Randy Terrill, author of the severe 1804 and creator of the legislative project “English only," wrote a brief article in the electronic version of an...Marisa Treviñohttp://www.latinalista.net
By Juan Miret
Hispano de Tulsa
Tulsa, OK - On April 16, Republican representative Randy Terrill, author of the severe 1804 and creator of the legislative project “English only," wrote a brief article in the electronic version of an Anglo-Saxon newspaper.
Twenty-eight lines and 142 words were needed to repeat the term “illegal alien” to satiety and to justify the consequences brought by 1804, after almost 6 months of its enforcement.
According to Terrill, the huge majority of Oklahoma supports his project: “more than 80 percent supports our law (1804) and I am 99.99 percent sure that it will reflect the same support at the national level”.
This assertion is totally different to a statistical study made by the company The Terrance Group who surveyed 500 registered Oklahoma voters, of which an impressive 52 percent were against local immigration laws and in favor of federal action.
On the other hand, the 80 percent Terrill preaches about contradicts the 37 percent of Oklahoma voters who support restrictive immigration laws similar to 1804.
Later on, the radical legislative author points out that 1804 “goes beyond merely economic issues, it is about fundamental principles and values…like dignity and morality.”
This is a strong statement to make since in the title of 1804 one finds the supposed protection of the contributors but not a thing about morality.]]>
(Translated by Rosario Guerra)]]>
The Trial Continuestag:www.latinalista.net,2008:/tulsa//26.27572008-04-25T12:48:20Z2008-04-25T12:53:08ZBy Juan Miret Hispano de Tulsa Tulsa, OK – The battle against 1804 is not over yet. After a marathon-like session the judge for the cause, Jefferson Sellers, granted a 3-week recess in which plaintiffs and defendants will have enough...Marisa Treviñohttp://www.latinalista.net
By Juan Miret
Hispano de Tulsa
Tulsa, OK – The battle against 1804 is not over yet. After a marathon-like session the judge for the cause, Jefferson Sellers, granted a 3-week recess in which plaintiffs and defendants will have enough time to present their final arguments.
The date for the next hearing will be announced after the transcripts for the hearings of April 3 and 11 are in, nevertheless, it is estimated that the groups in conflict will cross paths during the first week of May.
Yet again, the room in the municipal court was full to capacity; the pro-immigrant community was the majority: Hispanics, African Americans, Native Americans and other citizens were present to reject the severity of a law that has devastated Oklahoma.
Once more, the obviously uncomfortable radical group had to settle for 4 seats; they allowed their fury to burst out toward the end of the hearing.
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(Translated by Rosario Guerra)
Violence is the voice of those who are not right, that is exactly how a group as radical as the Minutemen manifested itself, in the light of day and in a court of law.
For now all there is to do is wait for three weeks to pass and trust in the old saying “Justice takes time but it will prevail.”
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Judge Sellers Accepted the Lawsuittag:www.latinalista.net,2008:/tulsa//26.27312008-04-14T18:42:37Z2008-04-14T18:48:29ZJuan Miret Hispano de Tulsa Tulsa, OK- The 32 chairs at the courthouse were full. The Hispanic community came out in massive numbers and only 4 seats were left for the radicals. Minutes before the hearing began, the stands at...Marisa Treviñohttp://www.latinalista.net
Juan Miret
Hispano de Tulsa
Tulsa, OK- The 32 chairs at the courthouse were full. The Hispanic community came out in massive numbers and only 4 seats were left for the radicals.
Minutes before the hearing began, the stands at the District Court were decorated with colorful t-shirts which had printed on them a map of the United States made up of flags from all over the world accompanied by the statement “A Nation of Immigrants.”
The scanty radical representation, noticeably uncomfortable, had to settle for a corner of the room to wait for the judge’s decision.
A little over an hour after the hearing began, the judge for the case, Jefferson Sellers, declared: “I deny the petition from the state to deny the lawsuit against 1804, please Professor Thomas, continue with your explanation of the unconstitutionality of the law.”]]>
The Plaintiffs
Professor James Thomas, representing his son and plaintiff Michael Thomas, demonstrated his vast knowledge of the law.
Judge Sellers’ respect for Professor Thomas was evident, always referring to him as professor, even more so when he asked for an explanation of section 12 of 1804 because he found it “very hard to understand, with confusing language” adding that “there is no one better to explain it than [Prof. Thomas].”
Attorney Steve Hickman completes the plaintiff’s team; he ridiculed 1804 stating it was “dumb, very dumb, and unacceptably immoral”; on the other had, he displayed his dislike for the state’s legal team for having denied him the opportunity to discuss the document presented by the Archbishop of the Catholic Diocese of Tulsa, Edward Slattery.
Hickman’s wit brought a smile to the judge’s face, especially when he stated that “when [he] heard and read the state’s petition [he] fell flat on the floor, [he] could not believe it,” immediately after, he turned his gaze to his colleague John Jarboe, who represents the Archbishop, and made a victory signal.
The Defendants
Governor Brad Henry was represented by the assistant to the attorney of the state, Dan Weitman, who obviously nervous, tried to explain that the Professor’s argument was illogical.
“In order to enforce 1804 it is necessary to use public funds and to finance programs for assistance between the state and the federal government, it is inevitable and it should not create reasons for lawsuits.”
It must be noted that the defense was caught turning in an erroneous copy of 1804, instead, they turned in a preliminary version which was missing a section.
In the end, the defending team presented a complete copy to Sellers.
As far as the defense for the local county commissioner is concerned, the assistant to the district attorney, James Duna, was nowhere to be found, instead sending a spokeswoman from the department.
The Lawsuit
The plaintiff, Michael Thomas, has taken the Governor and the commissioners of Tulsa County to court for diverting and improperly using public funds belonging to Oklahoma, clearly violating the local constitution.
The supreme law of Oklahoma clearly states that public funds provided by the tax payers cannot be used to fund federal programs.
The jail within the Sheriff’s department is a tacit example of this violation as it is funded by the taxes paid by Tulsa residents, funds which are being used to capture illegal immigrants.
The Hearing
On April 11, the lawsuit process will continue against the severe 1804. Once again, all parties will meet at 10 in the morning at the municipal court.
The remaining arguments are up to the team representing the state, once those are complete the hearing will be finished and all that will be left is the judge’s verdict.
Sellers could make an immediate decision or could take some time to make it. For now, all that can be done is wait and hope that justice will prevail.
You can attend the hearing, the district court is located at 500 South Denver in downtown Tulsa, and the courtroom is on the 7th floor, room 713.
(Translation by Rosario Guerra)]]>
Your Vote Really Countstag:www.latinalista.net,2008:/tulsa//26.27302008-04-14T18:37:15Z2008-04-14T18:40:30ZOn April 1, Abstinence Ruled Juan Miret Hispano de Tulsa Tulsa, OK – Only a mere 6 percent voted in the past district elections. Once again, abstinence overcame Oklahoma. Only 16,000 people exercised their constitutional right to vote, while 225,000...Marisa Treviñohttp://www.latinalista.net
On April 1, Abstinence Ruled
Juan Miret
Hispano de Tulsa
Tulsa, OK – Only a mere 6 percent voted in the past district elections. Once again, abstinence overcame Oklahoma. Only 16,000 people exercised their constitutional right to vote, while 225,000 ignored the process.
District 4 had the most voters with 3,000 people. Democrat Maria Barnes could not hold on to her seat, yielding it to Republican Eric Gomez by only 162 votes.
Barnes bids her farewell leaving a legacy of respect for the immigrant community and making her historical imprint by rejecting the discriminatory district ordinance of May 2007.
The district referred to as the “Hispanic District” was the one with the lowest participation. Only about 1,300 votes were deposited in the ballot boxes. The doors were shut for Republican Kevin Boggs only by a meager 75 votes. We will have to wait until 2010 for a change.
District 3, located on the north side of the city, surprised many. Roscoe Turner, who had been deemed the favorite, could not hold on to his current position and was defeated by Independent David Patrick who rose to victory with 54% of the votes.
Patrick was finally able to defeat his archrival Turner after having been in competition for seven consecutive district elections.
Republican Bill Christiansen literally crushed Democrat Austin Hansen by obtaining 86% of the votes. With this result the community in District 8, located in the south of Tulsa, showed its approval of Christiansen’s management by granting him two more years in office.
District 9, located in the south-east part of the city, elected one of the youngest candidates, Republican G.T. Bynum who at 30 years of age became the new district representative.
The legitimacy of the council men for 2008-2010 cannot be questioned, even with only 6% of voters participating.
Abstinence overwhelmed this election and the power of call for voters was weak.
Maybe people are preoccupied with other things and the elections are just not part of their to-do list; on April 1, 225,000 people made it clear: elections are not important in Oklahoma.
(Translated by Rosario Guerra)]]>
Terrill asks for English onlytag:www.latinalista.net,2008:/tulsa//26.26992008-03-31T19:01:44Z2008-04-05T01:14:53ZBy Juan Miret Hispano de Tulsa Tulsa, OK.- With the death of the son of 1804 bill, the Hispanic community expected a break, however, Republican legislator Randy Terrill, gained more strength and presented a new project: a law to declare...Marisa Treviñohttp://www.latinalista.net
By Juan Miret
Hispano de Tulsa
Tulsa, OK.- With the death of the son of 1804 bill, the Hispanic community expected a break, however, Republican legislator Randy Terrill, gained more strength and presented a new project: a law to declare English as the only language.
Similar actions failed in the past, especially when the Supreme Court of Oklahoma sent a strong NO to the English-only initiative in 2002 because it was violating the State Constitution.
Terrill, advised by Jim Inhofe, Republican senator, and former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich, didn’t give up after the failure of his immigration amendment project. He looked for a state law that would let him make an amendment to bring a new discriminatory project to the legislature.
This radical legislation does not talk about English as the official language but as the only language, and this is totally different.]]>
Amendment to SB163
The obscurity of Terrill’s bill is to understand how the local congress accepted the proposal of the amendment of a law that has nothing to do with language.
Likewise the author of 1804 took a law that was a result of a previous amendment that regulates public meetings and teleconference calls.
The text of SB163 is relatively short, about four pages and two sections. The authors of the bill are the Republicans, Gus Blackwell, of the House of Representatives and Senator Owen Laughlin, both are sympathizers and voted in favor of 1804.
SB163 is similar in that it is an amendment to the 2001 Oklahoma public gatherings law; the connection presumptively found by Terrill to include the amendment of English only, will be available as a mystery movie script.
Local legislature requires amendments to be revised by a committee before they are submitted for voting. Here we find another incomprehensible situation; SB163 was submitted to the general and transportation government committee, instead of the rules committee as it normally occurs with these types of laws.
The committee that is currently studying the project has 15 members and only one of them voted against the controversial 1804: that is Alan Lindley from the Democratic Party.
Historical Lie
Terrill, fervently supported by a radical coalition, has started a crusade to obtain this victory.
Along the same line, the weekly radio station show of the furious patriots is spending the first hour encouraging its followers to call their representatives to pledge their support in this project.
In the news sites of the radicals, you can find different lies that show the United States remains united because of the English language.
This movement of English only is not new, and it was precisely a president of this nation who introduced it more than 94 years ago: Theodore Roosevelt; the furious patriots open their web site quoting him, “There is space for one language only, English”.
The falseness of this expression can be easily proved by checking elementary school history books: during the war of independence there were several languages spoken besides English such as German and Danish. It is a historical proven fact, not an incidental invention.
No other nation in the world pushes for single language legislations. For example: Philippines speak English impeccably and many are fluent in Spanish in addition to local languages like Tagalog or Cebuano; Europeans speak, on average, three languages. An example is the residents of Barcelona; their elementary schools teach Spanish, French, Catalan and English.
Oklahoma’s future
Nowadays, the new movement of the renovated version of “English only” hoists the flag of national unity, claiming that the glue that keeps America together is the exclusiveness of the Anglo Saxon language.
Oklahoma, a compulsive buyer of xenophobic products, is on the distribution list of hate in this movement.
The movement promoted by Terrill is rejected by serious institutions like the Linguistic Society of America (LSA), which in an official document dated January of this year, said that “trying to promote English as the only language is worst than the actions of communist people of the extinct Soviet Union”.
It is not about excluding English, in fact, immigrants learn the language and the following generations adopt it as their official language.
These are facts proven by prestigious and credible universities. Recent studies support this and in December 2007, the national language expert convention, held at Yale University, reached a unanimous conclusion about the positive impact of speaking and communicating in more than one language.
The shadow of discrimination is still darkening a state where numerous Native American tribes have their settlements and their ancestral languages will be annihilated.
What is being proposed by the English only law?
• To eliminate all public signs from official agencies that are not in English.
• To eliminate driving license tests in any language other than English.
• To eliminate customer service in any language other than English, this includes agencies and offices that receive funds from the state, obviously 911 and 211 will not serve people that are not proficient in English.
• To eliminate brochures, forms and correspondence of all official agencies printed in languages other than English. This extends to vaccination cards, voters registration cards, tax paying instructions and so on.
(Translated by Rosario Guerra)
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Surviving the 1804 Lawtag:www.latinalista.net,2008:/tulsa//26.26762008-03-25T13:15:53Z2008-04-05T01:15:38ZLike a fresh breeze in the middle of a wave of hate and discrimination, the Bishop sent a message of hope to all of the community: “The doors of the church are open for everyone, I will not stop fighting...Marisa Treviñohttp://www.latinalista.net
Like a fresh breeze in the middle of a wave of hate and discrimination, the Bishop sent a message of hope to all of the community: “The doors of the church are open for everyone, I will not stop fighting for you. You will always be in my heart and remember that justice always prevails.”
Bishop Slattery combats injusticeBy Juan Miret
Hispano de Tulsa
Tulsa, OK — “1804 is not only inhumane and immoral but from a legal point of view it is against the Constitution,” said the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Tulsa, Edward Slattery, in an exclusive conversation with Hispano de Tulsa.
With 42 years dedicated to priestly life and 14 as Bishop, Monsignor Slattery has tirelessly fought for civil and human rights, without making a distinction for religion, race, language and much less, migratory status.
The leader of the Catholic community of Tulsa declared that “the rigidity of 1804” makes it impossible for agencies that help the community to practice and minister like Catholic Charities, and this is not acceptable. No one can pretend that everything is fine and we do nothing, there has to be action, we should look for the light,” said the Bishop with profound emotion.
The bill, submitted and accepted by Judge Jefferson D. Sellers, who is studying the 36-page lawsuit against 1804, is however fair in its final conclusion where it reveals the atrocities of the new state law.
In this way, with only 16 lines, it describes the drama and the violation of fundamental human rights of those who need help and of those who offer it.]]>
(Translated by Rosario Guerra)]]>
(Source: Hispano de Tulsa)
The Hispanic community was represented with children, young people, senior citizens and entire families, all walking hand-in-hand with African Americans, Native Americans, Christians, Muslims and Jews. Overall, it was a celebration of diversity, and respect and equal rights.
Organized by the downtown Oklahoma For Community and Justice, known by its initials in English, OCCJ, the city of Tulsa had the opportunity to enjoy a different afternoon, where the entire population was invited, without exclusion or exception.
The starting point was the Greenwood Cultural Center, a historical place remembered for the racial massacre committed in 1921 against the African American community. However, on the pleasant Sunday afternoon, the story was different from the unfortunate past of 87 years ago and the participants, in absolute peace, walked together to build a better city and a tolerant and friendly Tulsa.
The walk had several break points in which appeared a distinguished panel of speakers. ]]>