How this pioneer made NFL history as the first Mexican Hall of Famer
Throughout the years, the National Football League has worked extensively to grow the game of football in Mexico -- from playing a regular-season game each year in Mexico City, to starting up more youth programs in the country to get kids involved from a young age.
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Orlando language center offers opportunities for local, foreign students
EPCOT isn’t the only place in Orlando where people can journey through different countries and cultures. Berlitz Language Center also gives residents and visitors the international experience that comes with learning a new language.
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Hispanic media program at UCF pushes for more diverse journalists
UCF’s Nicholson School of Communication and Media’s Hispanic Media Initiative Knightly Latino, a Spanish-television news program, offers a way for students to report on the Hispanic and Latinx community on campus, and broaden their job opportunities by learning more about Spanish-language media. Christina Díaz was on the trip and she says Knightly Latino was one of her most influential classes in college. Christina Díaz reporting for Knightly Latino (Christina Díaz)“It challenged me to get outside my comfort zone while also offering an extremely inviting atmosphere. [WATCH: UCF is third in state with largest Hispanic, Latino student body]“Now more than ever, we need to amplify the voices of immigrants and people of color throughout the United States,” said Kight. For more stories on how the Hispanic community is impacting Central Florida, head to clickorlando.com/hispanicheritage.
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Orlando barber from Puerto Rico recounts his time in NBA bubble
Padilla has been cutting hair for 22 years now. He says his Puerto Rican heritage played a huge role in him getting to where he’s at. “What made me start being a barber was growing up around the industry and my grandfather motivating me to follow his steps,” said Padilla. Like the players, he had a daily routine which started very early in the morning. Padilla says his time in the bubble also allowed him time to focus and grow his business.
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The difference between Latinx, Hispanic and Spanish
Most people are used to hearing Hispanic and Latino, some default to Spanish and others are now getting accustomed to the term Latinx. REMEMBER: If they’re from Latin America, they’re Latino or LatinxLatinx(AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin) (Copyright 2020 The Associated Press. REMEMBER: If they speak Spanish, they’re likely HispanicSpanishA Spanish flags flies at the Royal Palace in Madrid, Spain, Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2020. REMEMBER: If they’re from Spain, they’re Spanish. If they’re not from Spain -- they’re not Spanish.
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Feel the rhythm of Hispanic Heritage Month with this playlist
ORLANDO, Fla. – They say there’s no better way to learn about a culture than to immerse yourself in it -- so this Hispanic Heritage Month, feel the rhythm of the music that dominates in the Latin community. [HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH: 56 influential Hispanic-Americans in photos | This Central Florida Latina has the world painted on her skin]Whether you’re a fan of traditional salsa, merengue, Caribbean dancehall or musica urbana -- there’s a song for everyone. Conga by Gloria Estefan, Miami Sound MachineCuban-American singer and now well-known businesswoman Gloria Estefan first found her fame with party-starting hits like Conga. Stand By Me by Prince RoyceA Spanglish twist to a familiar English hit, Dominican-American bachata star Prince Royce has made exclusive appearances in Central Florida. Make sure to check out other Hispanic Heritage Month stories at clickorlando.com/hispanicheritage.
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Breaking the stigma: Research shows uptick in Hispanics, Latinos investing in real estate
We are also seeing overwhelming confidence in Latino investors who choose to invest in real estate. Veronica Figueroa and her Figueroa Team (Figueroa Team)“We represent clients from all cultures, but what makes our team extremely proud is the representation we have for Latinos from different countries. At Figueroa Team, we have agents from Puerto Rico, Colombia, Brazil, Dominican Republic, Romania, Haiti, Jamaica, South Africa and many more places. We are proud to know Latinos trust us as their experts in real estate," said Figueroa. For Hispanic Heritage Month, she’s using her platform to share opportunities for Latinos in the real estate business.
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’Do not talk, be quiet, they are listening.’ Dr. Raul Pino recalls foiled escape from Cuba
ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – During the coronavirus pandemic, Dr. Raul Pino has become a household name as one of the top medical leaders in Orange County. “I remember her diagnosing pregnancies, treating stomach aches, treating wounds, treating people for headaches or hiccups,” he said. The whole thing is fascinating.”Dr. Raul Pino attending the baptism of one of his children (Courtesy: Dr. Raul Pino, Copyright WKMG, ClickOrlando.com)Pino went to medical school in Cuba and said that’s where he wanted to learn more about treating burn victims. She said, ‘Do not talk, be quiet, they are listening, do not leave, they are waiting for you.’ I almost had instant diarrhea. Dr. Raul Pino with his children (Courtesy: Dr. Raul Pino, Copyright WKMG, ClickOrlando.com)He said a friend told him about a program offered by the United States Embassy by which people who were kicked out of their jobs or were government dissenters could be relocated to the United States.
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This Central Florida Latina has the world painted on her skin
ORANDO, Fla. – Ash Soto says she has the world painted on her body, but she wasn’t always so confident in showing it. The 25-year-old lives with vitiligo, a skin condition in which one’s skin cells stop functioning, causing the person to lose pigmentation. Those with vitiligo are often seen with white blotches or patches of skin that appear with patches of their original skin tone. There’s no way of predicting how much skin will be affected or a proven way to stop it, according to dermatologists. You have to embrace those big hips, vitiligo, or whatever the case may be because your skin tells a story.
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UCF is third in state with largest Hispanic, Latino student body
ORLANDO, Fla. – The University of Central Florida is one of three Florida universities with the highest number of Hispanic and Latino students. In 2017, UCF’s Latino and Hispanic student body exceeded 25%--a rising number that granted them the Hispanic Serving Institution designation. The significant growth of UCF’s Latino and Hispanic student body led the school to implement culturally responsive practices. For instance, the creation of the Hispanic American Student Association, a Latin American studies major, a Latino caucus and Knightly Latino -- a Spanish language newscast. For La Rosa, it was her grandmother’s advice that has given her the motivation to further her education.
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‘We are making history together:’ Orange County school renamed after Hispanic Hall of Famer, humanitarian
ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – It’s a moment Sami Haiman-Marrero will forever remember, seeing the name of Roberto Clemente at what was formally known as Stonewall Jackson Middle School. The school, which had a name tied to a Confederate general, was recently renamed after the Latin-American and Caribbean Hall of Famer. It was his story that prompted Orange County School Board Member Johanna Lopez to push for a change. [Roberto Clemente: More than Latin America’s baseball star]Lopez said the majority of students at Roberto Clemente Middle School are Hispanic and 43% are Hispanic in the district. That’s very, very crucial and important in Orange County Public Schools,” Lopez said.
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Puerto Rican coalition pushing Hispanic community to vote
In fact, he voted for the first time four years ago and as a Nicaraguan-American, he is looking forward to seeing more Hispanics vote this time around. “Especially around this area we have so many Hispanics so for them to actually go register and go vote it makes a difference. The goal for the campaign is to motivate more Puerto Ricans and Hispanics in Central Florida to cast their vote. “During the 2018 election cycle, Puerto Ricans came out in record numbers in Central Florida,” Alex Barrio with Respecta Mi Gente said. Julian Loaiza, from Colombia, said this is the opportunity for all people to embrace the right to vote.
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Did you know Central Florida is a hot spot for Brazilian investors, tourists?
ORLANDO, Fla. – Central Florida has become a melting pot of cultures and ethnicities, one of the most influential communities is the Brazilian community. They are investing some serious money in Central Florida so there is a lot of business and investment in real estate and other things,” Almeida said. Pre-COVID, Central Florida was a hot spot for Brazilian tourists -- it wasn’t unusual to see theme parks with large groups from Brazil. And an increasing number of Brazilians are starting to call Central Florida home. “And Central Florida is a big melting pot and I love that about this city how we are so different but yet we’re so blended.”For more Somos Central Florida stories, check out clickorlando.com/hispanicheritage.
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Bone marrow donor, recipient share their story to raise awareness among Hispanics, Latinos
“When I first found out that news I was like, ‘This man is really gonna save my life,’” Sean Carmona said. Carmona, a native of South Florida, said once doctors diagnosed him, they soon knew he would need a bone marrow transplant. “When you first hear about that, you know, they tell you about the risks that, you know, sometimes you might not even be able to find a match,” Carmona said. Words really can’t describe how grateful I am to be in this position and to help someone in their lives,” Rivera said. The event will do a showing of the moment Carmona and Rivera met for the first time.
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‘I feel a sense of duty:' Recruiters note influx of Hispanics enlisting in U.S. Army
He enlisted in the U.S. Army when he was 23 years old taking the first step in his military career. We have a majority of people enlisted out of this office are Hispanics,” Castillo explained. In fact, Castillo said 22% of Hispanic females and 17% of Hispanic males are serving in the U.S. Army. News 6 was there as Jose Luis Reategui arrived at the recruiting office on Monday morning. Sergeant First Class Isaac Ayala, also a U.S. Army recruiter, is from New York though his parents came from Puerto Rico.
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’I have empathy with these people:’ Central Florida woman honored for helping migrant farm workers
To thousands of migrant farmworkers across five counties in Central Florida, she is their hero. It’s an organization that in normal times provides food, medical supplies and educational services to migrant farmworkers in Osceola, Orange, Polk, Hillsborough and Highland Counties. “Isa has distributed about 800 gallons of milk per week to families all over Central Florida,” Kight said. It’s also why News 6 wanted to feature Jeffers for Somos Central Florida, our Hispanic Heritage Month coverage. I am a Mexican, I am an immigrant woman and people like me, that makes my community - my people - strong.”For more Somos Central Florida stories, check out clickorlando.com/hispanicheritage.
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Commissioners urge Hispanic, Latino communities to fill out census ahead of deadline
Two Orange County commissioners made a call to action to the Hispanic and Latino communities in an effort to change the statists when it comes to the 2020 U.S. Census. “Just 1970 is when the census actually started counting Hispanics but what we noticed over the years is traditionally African Americans and Hispanic communities are undercounted,” Mayra Uribe, Orange County Commissioner for District 3 said. Orange County government said while people are focused on their jobs, health, and families, they need to be reminded of the importance of responding to the 2020 U.S. census. Orange County government set up seven computer kiosks inside seven different community centers in the county. The centers will be open Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.Those needing to visit a census location can visit one of the following sites:
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Hurricane Maria recovery efforts continue in Puerto Rico 3 years later
PUERTO RICO – On Wednesday, FEMA reported nearly $7.3 billion approved to help rebuild Puerto Rico’s critical infrastructure and historical buildings still damaged from Hurricane Maria in 2017. FILE - In this Sept. 28, 2017, file photo, debris scatters a destroyed community in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria in Toa Alta, Puerto Rico. Since Hurricane Maria, Puerto Rico can’t seem to catch a break. We have reminders and continue to have reminders about the fragility of the system in Puerto Rico,” Dr. Rivera said. He said the Puerto Rico Research Hub is studying how communities who take people in after major events responded.
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Puerto Rican community thrives economically among Central Florida’s melting pot of Hispanics, Latinos
“The Puerto Rican population in Central Florida is huge and continues to grow,” Dr. Luis Martínez Fernández, a UCF history professor and author said. Martínez Fernández estimates about 300,000 Puerto Ricans, or Boricuas as they are called, have called Central Florida home since the 1970s. “Part of it had to do with veterans who were retiring and moved to this area,” Martínez Fernández said. For Martínez Fernández, Hispanic Heritage Month should be a time to look past the stereotypes of Latinos. Somos Central Florida -- We Are Central Florida -- recognizes how history has shaped the heritage here in Florida and the culture that’s creating the future.
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‘What else can I do for my race?:’ DeLand research facility recruiting minorities for COVID-19 vaccine trials
DeLAND, Fla. – A DeLand research facility is actively recruiting minority participants for its COVID-19 vaccine trials because study officials said they are currently underrepresented. He’s serving again in hopes of helping researchers find a COVID-19 vaccine. The facility is actively recruiting participants like Rivera and trying to get minorities to take part in the study. Rankin said minorities need to participate so researchers can get a better understanding of how a vaccine can help. “By participating in research like this and then being a Hispanic, what else can I do for my race?,” Rivera said.