Many ethnic groups have made fabulous contributions to the United States. The African-American community is no exception. From athletes to activists, from Beyonce to Michael Jackson, some of the world’s greatest figures are African American, and today on First Voice we honor their legacies with a program dedicated to Black History Month.
We also share with you, our audience, a little known part of Black History. The story of a woman who has saved lives, and made valuable contributions to science even 60 years after her death. Through author Rebecca Skloot, we bring you the story of Henrietta Lacks. Tune in to First Voice on 90.5 fm today from 6 to 7pm CST to find out how the death of Mrs. Lacks, a poor African American woman, inadvertently launched the multi-billion dollar stem cell industry.
Join us on First Voice for our Black History Quickies- fast facts about prominent Black History figures, and lots of other news, info., and a good time. Right here on Radio Arte’s First Voice.
Take part in the discussions through our blog, twitter, or facebook, or myspace.
Today on First Voice we will be discussing the issues of youth education and jobs.
Tune in to 90.5fm WRTE from 6-7pm to learn what you can do to improve your chances of landing that “dream job”. From your appearance to resume writing, we’ll have the tips and tricks to help you during your job search. It doesn’t guarantee that you’ll get the job, but it will help you take steps in the right direction. We will also have the voices of many young people letting us know why having a job and an education is so important to them.
Believe it or not, there’s a strong correlation between education and incarceration (aka prison). A study by Northeastern University in Boston found that male high school dropouts were more likely to end up in jail.
In 2007, a study by Teachers College, Princeton, amd City University of New York, estimated that society could save over $200,000 in prison and other costs for “every potential dropout that could be helped to complete high school.” This same study also indicates a strong link between education, or lack of, and rates of employment.
The report analyzes unemployment rates for 2008 and finds that 54 percent of dropouts between the ages of 16 and 24 were unemployed, compared to only 13 percent unemployment for people with a college degree.
A formal education can help keep young people out of trouble, and improve their earning power in the long term (more info. about this will be discussed during the show).
Tune in to First Voice on Tuesday, January 19th, as we continue to celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by discussing equality. When we think of equality we often think of race, gender, sexual orientation, and even social class, but what of the disabled community? January 20th is the National Day of Acceptance for people with disabilities. This, unfortunately, is the only group that anyone can join in a heartbeat, yet it is often the most ignor…ed. With approx. 70% of its members unemployed and living at or below poverty level, legislation like the ADA does not guarantee non-discrimination and true acceptance/equality. Tell us what you think.
First Voice also extends our condolences to the people of Haiti. The earthquake, which struck January 12th, left behind an incredible amount of death and destruction, and the tiny island nation needs our help. Tune in to First Voice on Tuesdays from 6-7p CST to find out what you can do.
The situation is desperate as rescue workers continue the search, while thousands of bodies remain unburried creating an enormous threat of disease. The international community has shown great support, but there is still much to be done. Many Haitians continue to be without food, water, and other essentials.
Jose Luis Hernandez, 23, made his first attempt to cross the U.S.-Mexico border at age 18 because he felt there was a lack of economic opportunities in Honduras. The attempt was unsuccessful, but Jose Luis was undeterred. Determined to help support his parents and siblings in Honduras, Jose Luis tried again.
“I overheard doctors in the hospital saying, “God must really want him here. He’s lucky the train didn’t kill him,” Jose Luis says remembering his ordeal. Jose Luis, however, was not the only lucky one. In his hometown in Honduras, with a population of slightly over 2,000 people, there are 69 others who shared his fate.
After days, with no food or water, of making the journey “train hopping” to the U.S., Jose Luis’ American dream became a nightmare. Weakened, he fell from a train which severed his leg, and arm. The pain was so excruciating he tried to use his other arm to pull at the leg which had been caught by the train– his hand was almost entirely crushed. He had made it to a small town in Mexico.
In the beginning, Jose Luis wished he had died. Not only had he lost his limbs but he felt, instead of helping his family, he would be a burden.
Nostalgic Jose Luis says, “All I could do was cry like a little boy… The doctors would sedate me to calm me down”.
He spent two years in a hospital in Mexico rehabilitating himself. The hospital donated the prosthetic on which Jose Luis now walks, and he is grateful to the man who helped him the moment of the accident, but Jose Luis doesn’t stop at just gratitude.
“My mission is now to let others know that it is not necessary to immigrate to reach your goals.” Jose Luis works to warn others of the dangers of crossing borders undocumented. Sharing his story with young people, he hopes to motivate them to reach for their dreams, and search for opportunities in their homeland. Radio Progreso, in Honduras, helps Jose Luis spread his message.
When questioned about his future, Jose Luis is not shy in saying that he likes to sing, and he wants to continue to share his story in the hopes of helping others, but there is another dream that he wants to fulfill. Jose Luis requires specialized reconstructive surgeries for his hand, which can only be done in the United States, and a new prosthetic as his has become worn from use and age.
Jose Luis ends by saying, “I had everything, and I could’ve done a lot of things, but I did not do them, and now I regret it.”
*****If you know of an institution or individual that may be able to help Jose Luis Hernandez, here in the U.S., please visit WRTE.ORG, and post the information to Radio Arte’s Facebook or Twitter. You can also leave your comments and/or information on this blog. Part of this story is available on www.vocalo.org/explore in Spanish audio format.
Did you miss our show? No worries! Soon you’ll be able to listen to all of ours shows, online! We love feedback & ideas for new shows, hope to hear from ya.
Youth met over the summer to create audio pieces on the next 100 years of Chicago
Hey guys, just letting you know that we will be leading a discussion on the next 100 years of Chicago. What will the Next Century look like? First Voice and youth from Radio Arte’s summer & training programs recently participated in a conversation where we imagined a city of our design. What will Chicago be like for youth color? Immigrants? The LGBTQ community? Check out our presentation and listen to creative audio thoughts from Chicago’s future civic leaders. The presentation will take place on September 10th, 2009 @ the National Museum of Mexican Art, 1852 w 19th Street. 6-8pm. El Próximo Centenario/The Next Century is funded with generous contributions from the Joyce Foundation and the Burnham Plan Centennial Committee.
What’s really good everyone? So this is what’s going on this cloudy, somewhat chilly afternoon: Marcos Zavala conducted an interview with Sam from LVEJO (Little Village Enviromenal Justice Organization) about the Enviromental Elections. Next, a spark up interview with Calle 13 by Carolina Garcia. A quick soundbite of the Honduran rally that occured in Pilsen yesterday by Micaela Montemayor. Last, but not least, Martin Macias got the insider of open mic in Cafe Meztizo with indepedent artists. Keep tuning in on 90.5 FM WRTE.
Another announcement: Radio Arte has gotten a great opportunity to get a studio makeover and a website makeover. Check www.wrte.org periodically to check out the new changes coming soon. Pictures of the studio will be posted up soon as well.
on the air NOW til midnight hotmix djs saturday night! Listen online at http://www.wrte.org or en tu radio en 90.5fm playing todos los generos! 1 hr ago
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