Join us for our first in person HABLA Plática of 2021 regarding Equity in Austin ISD on Wednesday, July 28, 2021, 7:30am to 9am at Juan In A Million, 2300 East Cesar Chavez.

Our guests will include:

- Dr. Stephanie Elizalde, Superintendent, Austin ISD - Opening Remarks
- Dr. Stephanie Hawley, Equity Officer of Austin ISD - Presenter

We will discuss a full range of topics including historically underserved students and communities, the challenges AISD is seeking to solve as a District, AISD's equity framework, the new AISD Equity Advisory Committee and how equity is driving policy decisions at AISD.

Our Plática will be moderated by Paul Saldaña,HABLA Co-Founder.

Program:
7:30-8am Networking, Chisme and Breakfast
8-9am Plática (beginning promptly at 8am)

RSVP here:
https://fb.me/e/5wfAgWnrZ

Or email us directly:
HABLAATX@gmail.com

Over 32 million Latinos were eligible to vote during the recent Presidential election.Early estimates indicate that nearly 15 Million Latinos voted including a record number 3.6 Million during early voting. Latinos under the age of 30 also came out in record numbers to vote including first time voters.

Both President Donald Trump and President-elect Joe Biden benefited from the high turnout of Latino voters across the US. Yet the support they received from this diverse and complex electorate of about 32 million people -- and why -- varied in different parts of the country.

A nationwide CNN exit poll shows that Biden captured 66% of the group across the country, which is the same that Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton received four years ago. Trump picked up more Latino voters with 32%, compared to 28% in 2016.

The fact remains our Latino community is not monolithic.

Join us on Friday, November 13, 2020, 1-2pm for a LIVE HABLA Plática: The LATINO vote in the 2020 Elections

LIVE on HABLA's Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/HABLAAUSTIN/

Our panelists will include:
- José A. Velásquez
- Diana Gómez
- James Aldrete
- Dyana Limón-Mercado

Moderated by Paul Saldaña, HABLA C-Founder.

Join us! RSVP here:
https://fb.me/e/4WGnxYnku

During Hispanic Heritage Month HABLA recognizes and awards individuals/organizations with the HABLA Con Orgullo Award as we celebrate the leadership and impacts of Latinos in Austin, Texas. 

Join us on Wednesday, October 14, 2020, 6pm - 7:30pm for our Annual HABLA con ORGULLO Awards

LIVE on HABLA's Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/HABLAAUSTIN/

HABLA will recognize and award individuals/organizations with the HABLA Con Orgullo Award in the following award categories: 

-Latino/a Community Leader– Demonstrated and proven leadership, advocacy, and action on behalf of Austin’s Latino community

-Latino/a Elected or Appointed Official – Demonstrated and proven leadership, advocacy and representation on behalf of Austin’s Latino community

-Latino Media– Outstanding news organization, advocating, serving the needs, and/or making a positive impact on our Austin Latino community

-Latino Community Organization– Outstanding organization, advocating, serving the needs, and/or making a positive impact on our Austin Latino community

-Latino Campaign/Cause– Outstanding advocacy initiative or cause during the last year having an impact on our Austin Latino community

-Latino/a Legend– Has made a significant impact to our Latino community and exemplifies Legado, Liderazgo y Latinidad improving our overall Latino quality of life in Austin

Event and RSVP details here:

https://fb.me/e/6246PioAF

Join us on Thursday, October 1, 2020 at 6pm for our HABLA Plática: Austin ISD District 2 Candidate Forum LIVE on HABLA's Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/HABLAAUSTIN/

This November, 2020 Austin ISD voters will elect four new AISD Trustees after the incumbents from AISD Districts 2 (Mathias), 3 (Teich), 5 (Elenz) and At-Large Position 8 (Cindy Anderson) announced that they will not seek re-election.

Coupled with the arrival of a new AISD Superintendent Dr. Stephanie Elizalde the District will have new leadership at the helm.

The candidates for the Austin ISD District 2 seat include:
- Ofelia Maldonado Zapata
- John Mckiernan-Gonzalez
- Andy Anderson 

Join us as we hear directly from the candidates about why they believe Austin ISD families should support their efforts to serve as the new Austin ISD District 2 Trustee.

Our HABLA Plática Candidate Forum will be co-moderated by Alicia Perez-Hodge and Paul Saldaña.

Event page here:

https://www.facebook.com/events/2514200155537961

Join us on Thursday, September 24, 2020, 5pm for our HABLA Plática: Austin ISD District 5 Candidate Forum LIVE on HABLA's Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/HABLAAUSTIN/

This November, 2020 Austin ISD voters will elect four new AISD Trustees after the incumbents from AISD Districts 2 (Mathias), 3 (Teich), 5 (Elenz) and At-Large Position 8 (Cindy Anderson) announced that they will not seek re-election.

Coupled with the arrival of a new AISD Superintendent Dr. Stephanie Elizalde the District will have new leadership at the helm.

The candidates for the Austin ISD District 5 seat include:

• Piper Stege Nelson

• Jennifer Littlefield 

• Lynn Boswell

Join us as we hear directly from the candidates about why they believe Austin ISD families should support their efforts to serve as the new Austin ISD District 5 Trustee.

Our HABLA Plática Candidate Forum will be co-moderated by Eliza May and Paul Saldaña.

Event details & RSVP here:
https://fb.me/e/c020SS2XA

Join us for HABLA con Orgullo, a virtual online Hispanic Heritage Month Kick-off Meet Up & Mixer on Friday, September 18, 2020, 5:30-7pm

We will hear from a handful of community leaders and elected officials about the positive impacts of Latinos in Austin, Texas and the importance of why we should always HABLA con ORGULLO! 

Join the meet-up online with your favorite Latino-inspired beverage! #HABLAconORGULLO 

Our speakers will include:

- State Rep. Gina Hinojosa

- Mayor Steve Adler

- Dr. Stephanie Elizalde, Austin ISD Superintendent

- Travis County Constable Pct. 4 George Morales, III

- José A. Velásquez

- TK Tunchez

- Dr. Angela Valenzuela

Moderated by Paul Saldaña, Co-Founder of HABLA.

Register here to join LIVE on Zoom and participate: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0qce-rpzwjHtLZMy1F2QxOaWRX8sGyzB58

Event Page: https://www.facebook.com/events/3260509304056111/

Join us on Thursday, September 10, 2020, 5pm for our HABLA Plática: Austin ISD At-Large Position 8 Candidate Forum LIVE on HABLA's Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/HABLAAUSTIN/

This November, 2020 Austin ISD voters will elect four new AISD Trustees after the incumbents from AISD Districts 2 (Mathias), 3 (Teich), 5 (Elenz) and At-Large Position 8 (Cindy Anderson) announced that they will not seek re-election.

Coupled with the arrival of a new AISD Superintendent Dr. Stephanie Elizalde the District will have new leadership at the helm.

The candidates for the At-Large Position 8 seat include:

- Jared Breckenridge

- Noelita Lugo

- Mike Herschenfeld

- Leticia Caballero

Join us as we hear directly from the candidates about why they believe Austin ISD families should support their efforts to serve as the new Austin ISD At-Large Trustee.

Our HABLA Plática Candidate Forum will be co-moderated by Alicia Perez-Hodge and Paul Saldaña, Co-Founders of HABLA.

Event page & RSVP here:
https://www.facebook.com/events/690228698257701/

Join us on Thursday, September 3, 2020, 6pm for our HABLA Plática: Austin City Council Dist 2 Candidate Forum LIVE on HABLA's Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/HABLAAUSTIN/

On Monday, August 17, 2020 twenty Austinites filed to have their names appear on the November 2020 Austin City Council ballot for District 2, 4, 6, 7 and 10.

Austin City Council District 2, with the largest Latino population, will soon be vacated by outgoing Mayor Pro Tem Delia Garza and Southeast Austinites will have the opportunity to elect a new Austin City Council Member for District 2.

The candidates for District 2 include:

- Vanessa Fuentes

- David Chincanchan

- Casey Ramos

- Alex Strenger

Join us as we hear directly from the candidates about why they believe Austinites should support their efforts to serve as the new Austin City Council Member in District 2.

Our HABLA Plática Candidate Forum will be co-moderated by Alicia Perez-Hodge and Paul Saldaña, Co-Founders of HABLA.

RSVP here:

https://www.facebook.com/events/363443784663856/

Join us for our next HABLA Plática: The State of Latino Austin, on Thursday, August 27, 2020, LIVE at 1p.m. on HABLA’s Facebook Page: 
https://www.facebook.com/groups/HABLAAUSTIN/
 
Hispanics have played a significant role in driving U.S. population growth over the past decade, though the group is not growing as quickly as it once did. From 2010 to 2019, the U.S. population increased by 18.9 million, and Hispanics accounted for more than half (52%) of this growth, according to a Pew Research Center analysis of new U.S. Census Bureau population estimates, the last before 2020 census figures are released.
 
As of July 1, 2020 the City of Austin’s population was 1,003,615 – making it the 11th American city to hit the one million milestone.
 
The rate of Austin’s growth has been well documented and this is supported by data provided by the City, which shows that more than 200,000 people have moved to Austin in the last decade.

The city’s Latino population share in 1990 was under 23%, the Census 2000 figure was almost 31%, and this share of total is probably over 35% today.

Importantly, the city’s stream of incoming Hispanic households is socio-economically diverse.  Middle-class Hispanic households have migrated to Austin from other parts of the state and the country for high-tech and trade sector jobs while international immigrant Hispanic and Latino households have come here for construction and service sector jobs.  

Among other effects on the total population, the huge influx of Hispanic families into Austin, with higher-than-average household sizes and more children per household, has acted to dampen the increase in the city’s median age, keeping Austin one of the youngest cities in the country. 

The last 20 years however in Latino East Austin have been very difficult to say the least. Property values and taxes have skyrocketed, many Latino families and businesses have been permanently displaced and victimized by gentrification. And native Latino East Austinites and businesses have become endangered species. 

These days we see too many photographic eulogies of businesses and community spaces that once served and or were occupied by our Mexican American communities. All part of the deliberate consequences of the various “master plans” enacted by the City. 

So what is the State of Latino Austin?

We will discuss a full range of topics including but not limited to:
-       COVID-19 & Health Inequities 
-       Economics and Latino Businesses
-       Gentrification and Displacement
-       Latino and Austin Police Relations 
-       Philanthropy 
-       Cultural Arts & Historic Preservation
-       Public Education
-       Transportation
-       Latino Representation and Politics 

Our panelists will include a diverse panel of Latino Leaders:
-       Susana Almanza, Director of PODER
-       Isabel Lopez Aguilar, Program Coordinator, Latino HealthCare Forum
-       Ana Cortez, Manor ISD Board of Trustee
-       Diana Maldonado, President & CEO of the Greater Austin Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
-       Estevan Delgado, Program Manager, Hispanic Impact Fund
-       Luz Lopez Guerrero, Physician Business Manager, WelMed Medical Management
-       Bino Cadenas, Senior Police Officer, Austin Police Department
-       Bertha Delgado, Executive Director, Arte Texas
-       Shavone Otero, Community Coordinator, Community Powered Workshop

Our HABLA Plática will be moderated by Paul Saldaña, Co-Founder of HABLA 

Event Details & RSVP here:
https://www.facebook.com/events/357366202091653/

Join us for our next HABLA Plática: A Preview of the Austin City Council Elections on Thursday, August 20, 2020, 1pm LIVE on

HABLA's Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/HABLAAUSTIN/

This November 2020, Austin residents will have the opportunity to vote in the following Single Member Districts of the Austin City Council:

-District 2
-District 4
-District 6
-District 7
-District 10

Council Members Greg Casar, District 4, Jimmy Flannigan, District 6, Leslie Pool, District 7 and Alison Alter District 10 are all seeking re-election to the Austin City Council.

District 2 will soon be vacated by outgoing Mayor Pro Tem Delia Garza and Southeast Austinites will have the opportunity to elect a new Council Member for District 2.

Join us as we preview the upcoming November 2020 Austin City Council elections in a panel discussion with some of the candidates seeking re-election and or election to the Council.

We will discuss the COVID-19 pandemic, health inequities, the Land Development Code, displacement/gentrification, the recently adopted 20-21 City of Austin Budget, mobility and transportation issues including Project Connect and the Mobility Bond, the City of Austin Disparity Study focused on contracting opportunities for local, small, minority and women-owned businesses and the greatest challenges and opportunities facing our city in the future.

Our Panelists will include:
- David Chicanchan, Candidate, Austin City Council District 2
- Vanessa Fuentes, Candidate, Austin City Council District 2
- Jimmy Flannigan, Austin City Council Member, District 6
- Leslie Pool, Austin City Council Member, District 7
- Morgan Witt, Candidate, Austin City Council District 7
- Alison Alter, Austin City Council Member, District 10
- Pooja Sethi, Candidate, Austin City Council District 10

Our HABLA Plática will be moderated by Paul Saldaña, Co-Founder of HABLA.

Join us for our next HABLA Plática: Share Austin's Future, the Redistricting Process on Thursday, August 13, 2020, LIVE at 1pm on HABLA's Facebook Page:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/HABLAAUSTIN/

Austin has 10 City Council Members and a Mayor. The Mayor is elected by residents citywide and each Council Member is elected by residents of a geographic district within the city.

Austin has a process for residents to redraw the boundaries of the council districts every ten years. The boundaries of the council districts greatly impact Austin’s government and will shape how residents are represented for the next decade.

Austin residents will redraw the council district boundaries in 2021.

Two groups of residents will be involved in drawing City Council district boundaries. The Applicant Review Panel will help select the Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission. Commission members will draw the district boundaries.

The Austin City Auditor is responsible for the application process for community members interested in serving on either Panel or the Commission.

The City started accepting applications on June 1, however Latinos remain underrepresented in the application process to serve on the Commission. 

Join us as we receive a presentation from Corrie Stokes, Auditor for the City of Austin regarding how we can reshape Austin's future and participate in this important process.

We will also hear directly from Carmen Llanes Pulido and Maria Solis both current members of the Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission as they offer their experience and perspectives.

We will also discuss how this redistricting process will impact our Latino community and share thoughts about both the challenges and opportunities under the current political climate in Austin, Texas.

Patricia Fraga from the City Auditor's Office and Paul Saldaña, Co-Founder of HABLA will co-moderate this important discussion.

RSVP here: 

https://www.facebook.com/events/304820194094850/

oin us for our next HABLA Plática: AISD School Board Elections, New Leadership on Thursday, August 6, 2020 at 1 p.m.

Watch LIVE on our HABLA Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/HABLAAUSTIN/

This November, 2020 Austin ISD voters will elect four new AISD Trustees after the incumbents from AISD Districts 2 (Mathias), 3 (Teich), 5 (Elenz) and At-Large Position 8 (Cindy Anderson) announced that they will not seek re-election.

Coupled with the departure of AISD Superintendent Dr. Paul Cruz the District will have new leadership at the helm.

Join us as we introduce you to some of the candidates that have filed as of Monday, August 3, 2020, seeking election to the AISD Board of Trustees.

The candidates and panelists include:

- Patrick Sherrill, Candidate, District 2 AISD Trustee
- John Mckiernan-González, Candidate, District 2 AISD Trustee
- Dr. Kevin Foster, Candidate, District 3 AISD Trustee
- Lynn Boswell, Candidate District, 5 AISD Trustee
- Piper Stege Nelson, Candidate, District 5 AISD Trustee
- Jared D. Breckenridge, Candidate, Trustee At-Large Position 8
- Mike Herschenfeld, Candidate, Trustee At-Large Position 8
- Noelita L. Lugo, Candidate, Trustee At-Large Position 8

Our topics will include but not be limited to the following:
-the selection of the new Superintendent
- reopening during the COVID-19 pandemic
- the community's request for an independent Equity Audit
- AISD's biggest challenges and opportunities moving forward

Our Plática will be moderated by Paul Saldaña, Co-Founder of HABLA.

Join us for a special called HABLA Plática: Meet the Candidates for Travis County Judge, on Friday, July 31, 2020 at 1 p.m. LIVE on our HABLA Facebook Page.

Watch LIVE on our HABLA Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/HABLAAUSTIN/

When Travis County Judge Sarah Eckhardt announced in March that she would resign from her job as the leader of the Commissioners Court in order to run for Senate District 14, it set in motion a special election process that will allow Travis County Democratic precinct chairs to elect our next Travis County Judge.

According to Cindy Flint, Executive Director of the Travis County Democratic Party, there are 136 precinct chairs who are eligible to vote to select the next Democratic County Judge Candidate who essentially will run unopposed this November.

Since there is no Republican candidate running for County Judge, the winner of this quirky election process by precinct chairs will essentially serve as our next Travis County Judge for the remaining unexpired term left by Eckhardt, which ends in 2022.

Join us for our next HABLA Plática as we meet the three Democrats seeking to have their names placed as our next Travis County Judge:

- Andy Brown, Attorney, Andy Brown & Associates, PLLC
- Dyana Limon-Mercado, Travis County Democratic Party Chair
- Jeff Travillion, Commissioner, Travis County, Pct. 1

Our Plática will be moderated by Paul Saldaña, Co-Founder of HABLA.

https://www.facebook.com/events/369868580668765/

Join us for our next HABLA Plática: "The Latino Community's Response to COVID-19" LIVE, Thursday, July 23, 2020 at 1 p.m. on HABLA's Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/HABLAAUSTIN/

Entering week 22 of the COVID-19 Pandemic, Latinos in Austin continue to be disproportionately impacted representing:
- 55% of hospitalizations
- 52% of COVID-19 cases
- 43% of deaths

The Latino positivity testing rate is 52.7% at CommUnity Care testing sites. The Latino positivity testing rate is 3.2 times higher than non-Latinos.

In addition the following zip codes have the highest COVID cases/positivity rates they include:

• 78741 - 1,230 cases

• 78753 - 1,304 cases

• 78744 - 1,346 cases 

*These zip codes also have the largest percentage of minority residents, and as we know 78744 has the largest Latino population. 

For over 12 weeks now the Austin Latino Coalition made up of 13 non-profits, civic and community organizations along with 25 Latino community leaders have served as a volunteer Task Force implementing a mitigation plan including a bilingual, culturally relevant public education and outreach campaign, research and data, distribution of FREE PPE Supplies, FREE mobile COVID-19 Testing sites at trusted Latino community locations, and have provided resources and financial support to our Latino community.

Join us as we discuss the latest Austin Latino Coalition priorities to address COVID-19, hear how Judge Ruben Becerra of Hays County initiated a downward trend on the number of COVID cases in Hays County, the latest strategies from Central Health to address COVID, and how our Latino leaders have stepped up during this pandemic to support our community.

Our panelists will include:

- Frank Fuentes, Chairman of the U.S. Hispanic Contractors Association
- Perla Cavazos, Deputy Administrator, Central Health
- Judge Ruben Becerra, Hays County
- Jill Ramirez, President & CEO, Latino HealthCare Forum

Our Plática will be moderated by Paul Saldaña, Co-Founder of HABLA.

RSVP and event details here:
https://www.facebook.com/events/301552887565414/

Join us for our next HABLA Plática:"The Reopening of Austin ISD Public Schools" on Thursday, July 16, 2020 at 1 p.m.

LIVE on our HABLA Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/HABLAAUSTIN/

Entering week 21 of the COVID-19 Pandemic, Austin Public Health Officials have reported that there have been 14,622 COVID-19 cases in Austin, Travis County.

The Austin Independent School District has revealed its plans for the new school year. On August 18, Austin ISD will offer full on-campus learning, hybrid, or 100% at-home learning options for students and families.

"We believe that they do not have the interests of workers, of students and their families in mind as they make the decisions that seem to be more guided by fiscal realities than human realities," said Ken Zarifis, Education Austin president.

AISD Trustee Arati Singh has been reaching out directly to AISD families, encouraging parents to keep their children enrolled in AISD schools. "Keeping your child enrolled in AISD keeps you in the broader AISD family, makes post-pandemic transition to school easier, and keeps more dollars (and therefore, teachers, tech, extracurricular programs) in our school system when we need it the most."

Join us for this important HABLA Plática regarding the reopening of public schools.

Our panelists will include:
- Ken Zarifis, President, Education Austin
- Stephanie Hayden, Director Austin Public Health
- Arati Singh, At-Large Trustee, Austin ISD
- Jocelyn Vokes, Special Asst. to the AISD Superintendent
- Gabriel Estrada, Asst. Executive Director, Austin Voices
- Noelita Lugo, Community/Parent Representative
- Juan Tovar, AISD Student, Travis High School
- Heaven Contreras, AISD Student, Navarro High School
- Carmela Valdez, Teacher, AISD Elementary Dual Language

Our Plática will be moderated by Paul Saldaña, Co-Founder of HABLA.

RSVP for the event here:

https://www.facebook.com/events/616384708997336/

Join us for a special called HABLA Plática: "Meet the Candidates in the Senate District 14 Race", Tuesday, July 7, 2020 at 6 p.m. LIVE on our HABLA Facebook Page. 

Watch LIVE on our HABLA Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/HABLAAUSTIN/

Early Voting for the July 14, 2020 Senate District 14 Special Election started Monday, June 29th and runs through Friday, July 10, 2020. 

Austin, Travis County and Bastrop County Voters will casts their ballots to decide who will serve as our next State Senator from Senate District 14 to replace retired State Senator Kirk Watson. 

State Rep. Eddie Rodriguez, District 51 and former Travis County Judge Sarah Eckhardt are widely considered the two most prominent candidates in the race, a historically Democratic seat that covers Bastrop County and parts of Travis County.

Join us as we hear directly from the candidates, learn about their candidacy and platforms, their involvement with the Latino community, and why they believe Latinos in Austin Travis County and in Bastrop County should vote for them. 

In addition candidates will pose questions directly to each other. 

The candidates include: 
- Eddie Rodriguez, State Representative, District 51
- Sarah Eckhardt, Former Travis County Judge 

Our Plática will be co-moderated by Paul Saldaña, Co-Founder of HABLA and Eliza May, HABLA Member. 
 
RSVP on our event page:
https://www.facebook.com/events/277990436874823/

Join us for our next HABLA Plática: Meet the Candidates in the Primary Run-offs on Thursday, July 2, 2020 at 1 p.m. LIVE on our HABLA Facebook Page. 

Watch LIVE on our HABLA Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/HABLAAUSTIN/

Early Voting for the July 14, 2020 Primary Run-off Elections started this week, Monday, June 29th and runs through Friday, July 10, 2020. 

Austin, Travis County Voters will casts their ballots to decide who will serve as our next Travis County District Attorney, Travis County Attorney, and Judge for Travis County Court-at-Law 4. 

Join us as we hear directly from the candidates, learn about their candidacy and platforms, their involvement with the Latino community, and why they believe Latinos in Austin should vote for them. 

The candidates include: 

• Margaret Moore, Travis County District Attorney

• José Garza, Candidate, Travis County District Attorney

• Laurie Eiserloh, Candidate, Travis County Attorney

• Delia Garza, Mayor Pro Tem/Candidate, Travis County Attorney

• Judge Dimple Malhotra, County Court at Law 4, Travis County

• Margaret Chen Kercher, Candidate, County Court at Law 4, Travis County 

Our Plática will be co-moderated by Paul Saldaña and Alicia Perez-Hodge, Co-Founders of HABLA

RSVP Here: 
https://www.facebook.com/events/286285265856495/

Join us for our next HABLA Plática: “The History of Mexican-Americans in Austin” on Thursday, June 25, 2020 at 1 p.m. LIVE on our HABLA Facebook Page. 

Watch LIVE on our HABLA Facebook Page:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/HABLAAUSTIN/

The general sentiment in our community is that the discourse on American history and Austin, Travis County's history, has largely ignored Mexican-American/Latino contributions.

The privileging of some sites over others often manifested itself in the destruction of places associated with Mexican-Americans’ past. Too often with the loss of physical places, our cultural traditions and stories are the only remnants of our history. And sadly, too often our historic places have been sacrificed in the name of city and county progress.

"A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots.” 

Join us as we discuss the history of Mexican-Americans in Austin including the original barrios, Chili Park and the warehouse district, Rainey Street, Palm School, Juárez-Lincoln University, the birth of the Mexican-American Cultural Center, community activism, politics and the new Palm School District Master Plan. 

Our panelists will include:

• Joe Rocha, Producer/Videographer, KLRU's Decibel

• Sylvia Orozco, Executive Director, Mexic-Arte Museum

• Martha Cotera, Writer, Historian & Activist 

• Moderated by Paul Saldaña, Co-Founder and Facilitator of HABLA

RSVP Here:
https://www.facebook.com/events/265315391454605/

Join us for our next HABLA Plática: “COVID-19 and Latinos - Unidos Paremos El Virus” on Thursday, June 18, 2020 at 1 p.m. LIVE on our HABLA Facebook Page. 

Watch LIVE on our HABLA Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/HABLAAUSTIN/

We're now in week 17 of the COVID-19 Pandemic, this week Austin Public Health Officials announced that the Austin Area COVID-19 Hospitalizations hit a one-day-record of 30 new hospital admissions. The seven-day moving average of new admissions increased to 20.6.

Austin Public Health has been warning that the average — which has been rising since June 9 — needs to remain below 20, however we have now moved into stage 4 of APH’s COVID-19 risk-based guidelines and more restrictions will be necessary to slow the spread of the disease and prevent hospitals from becoming overwhelmed.

For nearly six weeks now, the Austin Latino Coalition (ALC) has been working diligently to raise awareness and make a consorted effort to address the ongoing disproportionate impacts of COVID-19 on Austin's Latino population.

Join us as we discuss the latest data on COVID-19, the disproportionate impacts on Latinos in Austin, existing health disparities and the importance of taking preventative measures to protect ourselves and our families during this pandemic. 

Our panelists will include:

- Lourdes Zuniga, Commissioner, City of Austin Hispanic Quality of Life Resource Commission

- Dr. Mark Escott, Interim Medical Director & Health Authority for Austin Public Health

- Jill Ramirez, President & CEO, Latino HealthCare Forum 

Our Plática will be moderated by Paul Saldaña, Co-Founder and Facilitator of HABLA.

RSVP here:
https://www.facebook.com/events/265106374829991/

Join us for our HABLA Plática: "The Latino Lens & Experience of Racism" on Thursday, June 11, 2020 at 1pm LIVE on our HABLA Facebook Page.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/HABLAAUSTIN/

Overall, four-in-ten Latinos say they have experienced racism and discrimination in the past year. Such experiences include: being called offensive names, being told to go back to their home country, being criticized for speaking Spanish in public, or simply experiencing racism, discrimination and or unfair treatment because they are Latino. (Source: The PEW Research Center, 2019).

Such racism has also been amplified during the current COVID-19 pandemic as Latinos in Austin continue to be disproportionately impacted and overrepresented in the number of COVID cases, higher positivity rates, hospitalizations and deaths.

This week we will take on an ambitious conversation with Latino Austinites as we share personal views and experiences on:
-Racism, both externally and internally, acknowledging there is racism in the project of Latindad
-Perceived Latino privileges within our community related to colorism/shadeism
-Our responses and actions to combat racism through a multi-generational Latino lens
-How Brown and Black experiences are intertwined and must be confronted together
-What's our call to action?

Our Panelists will include:
-Idalis Maldonado, College Student & Community Advocate
-Michael Ramos-Lynch, Attorney & Community Advocate
-Diana Gomez, Community Advocate, Progress Texas
-Saul Gonzalez, Community Advocate
-Dr. Angela Valenzuela, Professor, University of Texas & Director, Texas Center for Education

Moderated by Paul M. Saldaña, Co-Founder/Facilitator HABLA

RSVP here:

https://www.facebook.com/events/1360492877671588/

Join us for our LIVE weekly HABLA Platica on Thursday, June 4, 2020, 1p.m. on our HABLA Facebook page for a panel discussion regarding Latino current affairs.

This week our panel discussion will focus on "The Latino Vote During COVID-19".

The Texas Supreme Court, a body made up entirely of Republicans, handed down a decision last week that could potentially disenfranchise millions of Texans if the coronavirus pandemic keeps voters at home come Election Day.

We will also discuss the upcoming run-off elections from the March primaries, the special election to fill Former Senator Kirk Watson's District 14 seat and other critical elections this November 2020 including Austin City Council, Travis County Commissioners and Austin ISD Board of Trustee races.

Our panelists will include:
- Jovita Pardo, CEO, GNI Strategies
- James Aldrete, El Jefe, MAP Political Communication
- Dyana Limon-Mercado, Chair, Travis County Democratic Party

Our LIVE panel discussion will be moderated by Paul Saldaña, Co-Founder/Facilitator HABLA.

LIVE on our HABLA Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/HABLAAUSTIN/

RSVP here:

https://www.facebook.com/events/296006418240476/

ABOUT HISPANIC ADVOCATES BUSINESS LEADERS OF AUSTIN (HABLA): is a "THINK TANK" group and forum made up of local Hispanic/Latino community and business leaders committed to discussing and developing sustainable solutions on current affairs, public policies and quality of life issues impacting our local Austin Hispanic/Latino community

Join us for our LIVE weekly HABLA Platica on Thursday, May 28, 2020, 1pm on our HABLA Facebook page for a panel discussion regarding Latino current affairs.

This week our panel discussion will focus on "How Minority Youth Service Organizations Are Addressing Disparities in Education and Access to Technology During COVID-19". 

Our panelists will include:

- Laura Donnelly, Founder & CEO, Latinitas 

- Carl Settles, Jr., Founder E4 Youth

- Dr. Johanna Moya Fábregas, Executive Director, Con Mi Madre

- Dan Leal, Executive Director, Seedling 

Our LIVE panel discussion will be moderated by Paul Saldaña, Co-Founder/Facilitator HABLA.

LIVE on our HABLA Facebook Page:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/HABLAAUSTIN/

Event page here:

https://www.facebook.com/events/748143519353142/