This week, three Latin Hop Hop acts. All very different, but all influenced by the places they came from and the places they’ve traveled and moved to.
First, Kinto Sol. Kinto Sol is a hip hop act comprised of three brothers originally from Mexico, now based in Milwaukee. They combine traditional Mexican music with the sounds of hip hop and Spanish rapping to produce something entirely unique.
Next, we hear from Santero. Santero was raised in Central America and spent much of his childhood traveling and performing with his father’s bands. His upbringing makes it easy for Santero to blend a variety of Latin musical styles, and the traveling he’s done throughout America has allowed him to incorporate genres popular in his adopted country. Santero’s an artist, a DJ, and a producer. He lives in Oakland, Calif.
Finally, Telmary. Telmary, born Telmary Diaz, is a Cuban rapper and self-proclaimed “street poet.” Her music forges new ground, while still remaining deeply imbued with Cuba’s rich musical heritage and variety. Telmary has rebelled against the male-dominated hip hop scene in Cuba, and her uncommon music has earned her respect.
Members of the so-called Latin King Goonies street gang in the Bronx are accused of beating and torturing two men and two teenagers because they thought the victims were gay. The attacks, while they have been widely condemned, seem to point to a need to discuss issues of homophobia in communities of color. That’s exactly what Gay Men’s Health Crisis in New York City hopes to do. The new campaign “I Love My Boo” features young gay men of color, and highlights the respect, commitment, and love in their relationships. Francisco Roque is the Director of Community Health at GMHC. He created the campaign, which is currently in 1,000 subway cars in New York. Hear his extended interview with Maria.
Also concerned about the problem of Black and Latino anti-gay violence is Carmen Robello of Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays for Families of Color in New York. Robello has been active with PFLAG since her son came out of the closet at age 12. Listen to Maria’s extended interview with her.
On Thursday, a federal jury found Derrick Donchak (pictured on the righ) and Brandon Piekarsky guilty of violating the civil rights of Luis Ramíerez, who was beaten to death in Shenandoah, PA in 2008. Ramíerez was an undocumented immigrant from Mexico. Prosecutors said that the men used ethnic slurs during the beating, saying “This is America. Go back to Mexico.”
The two will be sentenced in January. An appeal is expected.
Mario Gomez, the ninth miner to be freed. Photo: Hugo Infante/Government of Chile
Francisco Roque is the Director of Community Health for Gay Men’s Health Crisis, the organization behind the “I Love My Boo” campaign. Follow the center on Twitter @GMHC_Online.
Carmen Robello is part of the PFLAG Families of Color in New York City, a group that campaigns for tolerance of homosexuality in communities of color.
Kinto Sol on the web
Santero on the web
Telmary on the web
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