Alabama Hispanic Community Featured 
In APT Documentary

	Collinsville, Ala., Sept.15, 2003---“Coming to a Crossroads,” a documentary on Alabama 
Public Television, will examine how people from Mexico and other Central 
American countries are finding security and opportunities in Collinsville, Ala., an old-fashioned 
community in the Appalachian foothills.
	The documentary will air at 7 p.m. Sept. 23 and at 10 p.m. Sept. 24.
	The growing Hispanic community has helped revitalize downtown Collinsville, where 
abandoned buildings have been reclaimed to serve as shops and restaurants for the residents.  
	“There are new challenges facing the community, too,” said Dr. Diego Gimenez, an 
animal scientist with the Alabama Cooperative Extension System.
       “Nearly half of the elementary school students in the community are Hispanic, so new 
programs and specially trained teachers are being provided to help them succeed.” 
	“Coming to a Crossroads” profiles several immigrants living in Collinsville and examines 
the opportunities they have found, the challenges they face and the friendships they have 
formed with longtime residents.  Among those featured is a retired Mexican soldier who, after 
years of work, brought his extended family to live with him.  Others featured include a young 
woman who upon arriving in Alabama did not speak English but was able to earn a college 
scholarship in just five years and a soccer-playing El Salvadoran who became the leading high 
school football tackle in Dekalb County.