Author Archives: iamsallopez

Microaggressions: they add up

According to my buddy Merriam-Webster, a microaggression is: “a comment or action that subtly and often unconsciously or unintentionally expresses a prejudiced attitude toward a member of a marginalized group (such as a racial minority)” I’m 32 years old and I’d like to think that my patience has grown with my age. This is particularly trueContinue reading “Microaggressions: they add up”

The 13th: Thoughts on Mass Incarceration and What It Means for our Children

The 13th is a thought-provoking documentary where scholars, activists, and politicians analyze the criminalization of African Americans and the U.S. prison boom. I started taking notes during the film and I quickly realized that there is enough interesting facts, quotes, and information to write an entire blog series or book. The 13th takes its viewers throughContinue reading “The 13th: Thoughts on Mass Incarceration and What It Means for our Children”

Critical Race Theory Series: Brown v. Board of Education and School of Choice

About this blog series: This is the second blog post that explores Critical Race Theory (CRT)  as I seek to better understand race-related issues in America. My hope is that I develop a stronger understanding of both law and race relations and apply this knowledge to personal and professional projects related to inclusion and equityContinue reading “Critical Race Theory Series: Brown v. Board of Education and School of Choice”

Critical Race Theory Series: Introduction

I don’t particularly care for New Year resolution plans but one of my goals in 2017 is to become more knowledgeable about Critical Race Theory (CRT). I have read articles but I’ve never truly explored the legal components of CRT and the impact of law in race discussions. This is the beginning of a CRTContinue reading “Critical Race Theory Series: Introduction”

Stand Up Against Hate: Even on Social Media

This week, Alton Sterling and Philando Castile were fatally shot by police officers. There is no way to adequately express all of the emotions that are being felt regarding ongoing killing of black men and Alton Sterling and Philando Castile are the most recent. A lot is required of us to address what is happeningContinue reading “Stand Up Against Hate: Even on Social Media”

GVSU Latin@ Graduation Celebración

My latest project was being a part of the organizing committee for Grand Valley State University’s first Latin@ Graduation Celebración where student graduates were honored while joined by their families, friends and loved ones. It was inspiring to listen to students come up to the stage to thank their parents, mentors, and friends. GVSU had over 3,000 students graduateContinue reading “GVSU Latin@ Graduation Celebración”

ALSAME Fundraiser

My latest project includes being a part of the fundraising committee for Advocates for Latino Student Advancement in Michigan Education (ALSAME). The fundraiser will take place at the UICA in downtown Grand Rapids on April 15th at 5pm. Our goal is to raise funds that will support Latino/a students through scholarships. Tickets are $50 at the door or youContinue reading “ALSAME Fundraiser”

What Would César E. Chávez Do?

César E. Chávez’s birthday is on March 31st and I would like to explore a bit of historical information before we celebrate his legacy and that of the united farmworker movement. I would also like to take a moment to ponder what Chávez would think of the progress or lack there of when it comes to farmworker humanContinue reading “What Would César E. Chávez Do?”

Free Translation Work

Need to have a flyer, word document or file translated? Mexigander will do a one-page translation for free.Your organization or company simply needs to meet the following guidelines: Submit a document that needs to be translated from English to Spanish One page maximum (preferably 300 words or less) Send original document and request to: mexigander@gmail.com Once the translationContinue reading “Free Translation Work”

Not You’re Grandpa’s Form of Racism

I recently went to a Tim Wise event where he spoke about racism, white supremacy, and bigotry. He touched on a lot of issues related to racism and how different racism is now compared to thirty, forty or fifty years ago. “…there is one thing that can be said for such folks in the oldContinue reading “Not You’re Grandpa’s Form of Racism”

Immigration Facts

A lot of people don’t like how culturally diverse the U.S. is and that our workforce is composed of both documented and undocumented immigrants. I challenge these individuals to provide FACTS about ways that immigration is hurting our economy or way of life. I repeat, FACTS. It’s nice to have emotions, feelings, and beliefs but if youContinue reading “Immigration Facts”

What Is Culture?

What is culture? Would you be able to provide an honest, direct, and clear response? I like Jeane Kirkpatrick’s definition below and plan to use it at a future workshop, panel discussion or conversation. “Culture includes the entire symbolic environment. Culture defines reality: what is, what should be, what can be. It provides focus and meaning.Continue reading “What Is Culture?”

Leading Without a Title

I recently read Mark Sanborn’s You Don’t Need a Title To Be a Leader: How Anyone, Anywhere, Can Make a Positive Difference. It’s a short and easy read. I’m a self-proclaimed slow reader and finished the 100-page book in about three hours. There won’t be many surprises for those that have worked in the professional sector for atContinue reading “Leading Without a Title”

GVSU Laker Familia

I’m excited to be a part of the GVSU Laker Familia Orientation committee for the second year in a row. Laker Familia is an orientation program specifically designed to introduce new Latino students to GVSU’s faculty, staff, and connect students to resources and services that will support their academic, cultural, and emotional well-being.  The three-day orientation promotes and facilitatesContinue reading “GVSU Laker Familia”