LATIN TIMES MAGAZINE - 3rd QTR 2009 VOLUME 8 No 3 | Page 7

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ispanic Heritage month begins on Tuesday , September 15th and runs thru Thursday , October 15th , 2009 . This month serves as a celebration of our culture . Although recognized as “ Hispanic Heritage ” month , I like to think of this time as “ Latino Heritage ” Month .
The U . S . Government uses the term Hispanic on all federal forms and documents , but some private individuals use Latino notwithstanding . There have been many debates about which term is considered politically correct in business ( and private ) dealings . While researching the subject , I found many polls and discussions on the subject , and for every “ pro ” there was a “ con ”. One of the poll ’ s which was conducted by Ohio State University found that the term Latino is gaining acceptance among Hispanics . However , another poll conducted by “ Hispanic Trends ” reported that a significant majority of Hispanics still prefer the term Hispanic . Yes , other polls show that a large percentage of the adult population prefer using the word Latino , while younger age groups seem to prefer the term Hispanic . This is not surprising considering “ Hispanic ” is the term mainly used in the educational system .
Hispanic History En La Florida ! The Hispanic presence in what is now the United States actually began before the country even existed as Spanish explorers established colonies in what would later be called Florida .
In 1513 , the explorer Juan Ponce de Leon sailed from the island of Puerto Rico to the east coast of the United States to land on what is today called Florida . De Leon claimed the peninsula , which he thought was an island , for Spain , thus becoming one of the first explorers to stake a Spanish claim in
Que Viva La Raza En La Florida y en el Mundo !
In recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month , I would like to dedicate this feature to the many Hispanics / Latinos living in the United States !
Que Viva La Raza Latina !
North America . The Spaniards first established a permanent settlement in Florida in 1565 . In that year , the Spanish explorer Pedro Menendez de Aviles founded St . Augustine in Florida . This was the first permanent European settlement in what would become the United States , even before Jamestown , --the first permanent British settlement in North America- -by more than 40 years . The roots of Hispanic history in America lay in St . Augustine , Florida , the oldest city in the United States . St . Augustine also served as Spain ’ s military headquarters in North America during the 1500 ’ s .
Florida remained under Spanish rule until 1763 , at which time Spain was forced to give the territory to Britain . Spain later regained Florida in 1783 , only to sell it to the U . S . government in 1821 . As Florida came under the control of the United States , thousands of Americans poured into the territory . Soon the Spanish presence in Florida was overwhelmed by the stream of English-speaking settlers , fast forward to 2009 .
Over the last one hundred years , few groups have had as great an impact on the demographics of the United States as Hispanics , with the most dramatic impact taking place over the last few decades . The U . S . Census Bureau reported that the minority population reached an estimated 104.6 million - or 34 % of the nation ’ s total population - on July 1 , 2008 , compared to 31 % when the Census was taken in 2000 . Nearly one in six residents or 46.9 million people are Hispanic , the agency reported , making Hispanics the nation ’ s largest cultural segment . Looking beyond 2010 , growth projections reflect double-digit proportions for every ten-year period between 2010 and 2050 . Clearly , it can ’ t be denied that this significant Hispanic demographic shift is one of the world ’ s greatest demographic transformations of all time .
With a purchasing power estimated at $ 926.1 billion and increasing sophistication as consumers , the Hispanic community is indisputably a marketing target for most companies , and if they are not – they definitely should be !
In fact , the State of Florida has the forthlargest Hispanic market in the U . S ., and that , my fellow Latino ( a )’ s , is a review of Hispanic Heritage in our great State of “ La Florida !” May our language , our foods , and our customs continue to prosper as one , and may we always remember that it is through this unity that we have achieved our strength .
If you are looking for a great entertainer , Thomas is available for : Office Parties ,
Birthday Days , Special Events , Open Houses and more !
For the best in Tropical LIVE Entertainment :
Contact Thomas at : ( 813 ) 731-1530 or email him : motommy @ juno . com
The beautiful art that is gracing our cover this issue in honor of Hispanic Heritage was originally featured on the front cover of the Hispanic Heritage – 2005 Issue of Latin Times Magazine .
The Art is entitled :
Mi Orgullo , My Pride Medium : Essence Oils on canvas . Measures : 24 ” x 36 ”
The Original : Mi Orgullo , My Pride is in the art collection of former Governor Jeb Bush . Captured within this famous and magnificent piece of art you will find :
Pablo Casals , Aqueybana , Julia De Burgos , Luis A . Ferrer , Jose Campache y Roberto Clemente .
If you look carefully at each image you will see things that are hidden within ! Prints and Glicee ’ s available , to order visit the Artist ’ s website at : CaféExpress . com
About the Artist : Ayes art is a world renowned artist . His art has appeared in news papers , magazines ( Including Latin Times Magazine -2005 ) and has been showcased on local television stations- Fox 31 News , TV31 The Melbourne Arts Channel , and on Access Osceola on Brite House Networks . His art has won numerous awards and is a part of many important collections .
Ayés Art goes public ! Now the general public has the unique opportunity to collect the art of this nationally renowned artist , John Ayés . His art is stunning and beautiful , and is available on his website : CafeExpress . com , where in addition to offering his art , also offers cards , T-shirts and more !