May 2004
Dear Readers,
Our cover and feature story this month address Hispanic and Latino immigration in the United States and in Milwaukee. We've been wanting to cover this for some time, but have run up against the most frustrating roadblocks. Lots of people want to talk, but no one will go on the record. Many people in the Hispanic and Latino communities told Vital they're tired of the lightweight "success stories" the mainstream media seems to favor, but few can agree on what are the most pressing issues facing this growing community. We were told by several community leaders that racism and unfriendly immigration policies are alive and well and active in Milwaukee. We were also told that it would be bad to dwell too much on this, as it could have a negative backlash for those just trying to make a better life for themselves and their families. The proof offered was mostly anecdotal. And we weren't given permission to print it.
I felt it was important to let readers know this. So much had to be left out of the stories we set out to write. But what remains is nevertheless compelling. In "Entre Dos Naciones," (Between Two Nations) Laura Wolff Scanlan looks at the history of Mexican immigrants to Milwaukee, and the larger question of assimilation. In "SoÒadores Indocumentados" (Undocumented Dreamers), Alexander Ragir talks to mostly undocumented immigrants, people who daily risk deportation and worse in their quest for a better future.
Oh, the revelry! Seems like now that spring is well underway and summer is within reach (if your arms are really long), you can't swing a dead cat without hitting an opportunity to socialize.
We held a couple of events ourselves last month, and both were pretty great. On April 17th, Vital Source, Bucketworks, Wine Blast and MARN hosted a Gallery Night After Party to benefit victims of the Bam, Iran earthquake. Roughly 200 generous, good-looking men and women turned out to see some art, quaff fine wines from around the world, munch amazing desserts from the MATC Culinary Department, groove to the tribal moves of Barika Belly Dancers and talk with members of the Red Cross Milwaukee Chapter. A fabulous time was had by all, and nearly $1,500 was raised. Thanks to Mimma's Café, Gil's Café, Bremen Café and WMSE for additional support. And thanks to everyone for coming out. To see the pics or make a donation, visit our website.
The next day, our sister business Bremen Café hosted a Bake Sale for Democracy, one of over 1,100 such concurrent events held around the country and sponsored by MoveOn PAC. According to a press release from Eli Pariser of MoveOn, the original goal was to raise $100,000 to help John Kerry and other candidates MoveOn deems "progressive" win in November. The sale vastly exceeded expectations. Current numbers for the day are estimated at $750,000. Think about it. At $1 per piece, on average. That's a lot of cookies!
And proof that vast oceans are made of single drops of water.
Peace,
Jon Anne
Jon Anne Willow is Editor and Co-Publisher of Vital Source. She has been a freelance writer and editor for over 20 years, first published in Highlights magazine at the age of ten. So far, this is her only national writing credit.
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