Hispanics are the fastest growing minority group in the United States (US) according to the Census Bureau data of March 2000, totaling 32.8 million or 12% of the US population. Furthermore, the Census data revealed that approximately 64,697 Hispanics currently reside in Alabama, a number the state was expected to reach in the year 2025. Keeping this figure in mind and the fact that 91.5% of all Hispanics live in metropolitan areas, Urban Affairs and New Nontraditional Programs (UANNP) developed and implemented a three-way education plan.
First, through Extension's Diversity and Multicultural Affairs program, people in Alabama have the opportunity to learn more about this particular ethnic group. Conferences, symposiums, and other educational activities conducted under the leadership of Dr. Celedonio Gapasin, provides Alabama residents with an inside glimpse into Hispanic culture and traditions. In addition, a PowerPoint presentation entitled, Hispanics in the United States, is currently available for viewing on UANNP's Web site. This presentation includes population size, origin, race, patterns of immigration, regional distribution, culture, and other demographics.
Second, through a collaborative effort among Extension specialists at Alabama A&M University, the UANNP Web site has been translated into Spanish. The Spanish-speaking population can now visit the Web site at www.aces.edu/urban and click on the link entitled Para Nuestros Amigos Latinos where they will learn about Extension programs and specialists, as well as view a selective list of publications that exemplify UANNP. This version of the Web site has been printed and is available for distribution so that the majority of Hispanics in Alabama can have access to all the educational programs and resources UANNP has to offer.
Third, through the Multi-State Program for Spanish-Speaking Audiences with New Mexico State University, Extension agents in North Alabama developed a county program entitled Education Fiesta. Under the leadership of Dr. Bernice Wilson, agents will implement educational activities in the areas of personal finance, home buying, insurance, domestic violence, legal rights, health, and food safety. With the collaboration of the Hispanic Coalition, and the aid of bilingual individuals and Hispanic community leaders, this program will empower Hispanics in the North Alabama area to attain a better quality of life. The group that is spearheading this effort is the State Extension Outreach Team for Non-English-Speaking Residents. Members include Betty Ann Broman, Marcia Carroll, Jannie Carter, Julio Correa, Jerry Chenault, Marilyn Johnson, Mary Malone, Linda Robinson, Martha Sibley, Catherine Stanton, and Karen Thompson.
The first Hispanic Festival in Huntsville will be held Saturday, October 13, at Big Spring Park, from 3:00 to 6:00 pm. Come join us there to celebrate in the festivities. Although the Hispanic Heritage Month has passed, there is still a lot of work to do and only a few organizations to help. Clearly, the UANNP, in collaboration with other educational and community efforts, is moving to the forefront to address the needs of Alabama's Hispanic population, and will continue to do so in the months and years ahead.