ShareThisThe Dream is not Over. “Although we fell short of the required number of votes in the U.S. Senate to pass the DREAM Act, the fight for justice will continue,” declares Jerry Clarito, NaFFAA Legislative Director. “We will regroup and find ways to strengthen our voices for the next legislative battle. Similar to the history of the Filipino Veterans Equity struggle, we will learn from the bruises of today’s defeat. Tomorrow, the spirit of justice will lead us to new allies and supporters.”
The bill would have created a path to citizenship for certain young undocumented immigrants who came to the United States as children, completed two years of college or military service and met other requirements.
Harrassment of Asian Students. After an investigation by the U.S. Justice Department of a December 2009 bullying incident in a Philadelphia High School, in which approximately 30 Asian students were attacked, the city’s School District has agreed to undertake the following measures: implement a plan for preventing and addressing student-on-student harassment and discrimination based on race, color and/or national origin; conduct training of faculty, staff and students to increase multicultural awareness; provide annual compliance reports and make them available to the public.
“We welcome the settlement agreement as a basic first step for school officials to ensure that this unfortunate incident does not happen again,” says NaFFAA National Chair Eduardo Navarra. “School authorities cannot be deliberately indifferent when cases like this occur. They have a serious responsibility to protect all students – regardless of race, religion, sex or color – from bullying and pervasive harassment.
“We also commend the Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund (AALDEF) for filing the complaint on behalf of these students, and to numerous advocacy groups for their vigilance. Due in large measure to their initiative and hard work, a corrective action is now in place that will hopefully eliminate this behavior in all Philadelphia public schools.”
Summit on Entrepreneurship and Small Business Growth. Sponsored by The White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, this event is open to individuals and organizations interested in learning about initiatives and resources for business owners, financiers and budding entrepreneurs. Workshops on global trade (exporting), clean energy technology, small business financing and government contracting will also be held.
The Summit, which will feature Senior White House and Congressional officials, will take place at Mountain View, California on Friday, January 7, 2011.
Space is filling up quickly so REGISTER NOW to reserve your spot: http://usdoedregistration.ed.gov/profile/web/index.cfm?PKwebID=0x419b806 (pre-event registration is required for entrance).
For a detailed agenda with workshop descriptions, visit: http://www.facebook.com/pages/White-House-Initiative-on-Asian-Americans-and-Pacific-Islanders/116414408392302#!/event.php?eid=155435684501390.
Watch Secretary Locke give a Personal Invite to the Summit: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ky1t_iNYe8Q.
TOM ESPINOSA'S BIRTHDAY JAMMING LAST DEC. 21Nonoy Hibionada, OrlieCabaluna, Michelle Bonifacio, Grace Pamelar, Tita Ging, Francis, Deo Borja, Nonoy Capio, Nonoy Bajamunde, Jerry Lomotan, Lakhi Siap, Genia Cabaluna, Tom and Mae Espinosa and Gloria Mata
The Philam Friendship dancers of Buffalo Group after their performance at the Simbang Gabi at St. Mary s Parish Church on December 18, 2010. Standing from the left is Tita Anastacio, Felice Cordero, Auring Hiso, Letty Bendiola, Annette Liwanag, Vencie Luna, Faye Nolasco, Beth Cassion, Elvie Balbin and Meline. The men from left is Bebot, Ped Bendiola, Ruben Anastacio, Gerry Liwanag, Ernie Cordero, Nick Luna, George Nolasco, Pete Pascual, Gerry Balbin and Manny Henson.