What are some of the political issues on which Latino and African-American communities can come together?
Education, health care and the justice system are just a few. In this election the ethnic vote plays a crucial role in terms of the issues candidates confront. They have to talk about these issues, as well as immigration. But there is some resentment among African-Americans because of the perception that illegal Hispanic immigrants are taking jobs from black Americans. People are looking at the candidates to give them answers on these issues. This election is like no other. The voting demographics have changed radically in so many states. Much is at stake, and it will set a tone on immigration and these other issues that I’ve mentioned that affect these groups for years to come. As an African-American, you’ve worked to bring blacks and Latinos together, at least in Los Angeles. What more can we do to cross this cultural divide? Dialogue is essential. I’ve engaged Latino community activists in several areas. Hate crimes, for example, which historically have been black against white, are
