The fifth in the “Defining Moments: Search for Identity Series.” This one comes to us from writer, Hector Luis Alamo, Jr. Read more of his personal blog, On the Contrary and follow him on Twitter, @HectorLuisAlamo As a mixed-race, mixed-nationality, second-generation Latino American, my identity has been in constant flux for much of my young life.Born in Humboldt Park, and […]

I’m sitting up in bed, giving up on sleep for a little while longer as it’s currently denying me its comfort. It’s the kind of windy Chicago night that I love; the sound of the wind blowing both ferocious and familiar. Tonight it’s a little different though; I hear wind chimes too. I’m enthralled and […]

Early morning view from Navy Pier

Each friend represents a world in us, a world not born until they arrive, and it is only by this meeting that a new world is born. ~ Anais Nin  My two years with Being Latino afforded me too many amazing opportunities to name here—proof that if you work hard, you’re rewarded in kind. Beyond […]

I strongly believe in the power of mentoring and have written about it on a few occasions. I’ve profiled the Latino BIGS of NYC program as well as touched upon what it’s meant in my own life. Being involved in the development of our youth has been a personal mission since I was in my 20s […]

As I was walking today I realized I was near one of the many streets I lived on while growing up in Chicago. I’ve talked about my gypsy life before, but I had never actually counted how many places I’ve lived in my 41 years on this earth. Turns out it’s right about at 35. […]