Word from the Publisher

Word from the Publisher/mensaje de nuestra fundadora

Querídos lectores...

The month of December possesses many reasons that I love it. I love decorating for the season and pulling out all of my family heirlooms and sentimental treasures. First, the holiday memories! I recall decorating my first Christmas tree with my sisters Cindy and JoAnn. Our mom was at the hospital having a baby. We decorated a silver tree and once we completed it, we sat and admired everything about it. We lit the tree and covered the floor in glitter. It was definitely a memory that we could never forget as glitter surfaced for years to come. December was my grandmama and my birthday month. My birthday was on the 2nd, hers was on the 27th. Every year she would make it special and call and sing to me. One year she gave me a ring with our birthstone. I still recall that moment - the memory is one of the best gifts I ever received. I recall the tamaladas we had. Recently my mom and I shared with some family members about how my grandfather was the one that would take the lead and direct us on how much meat to add, or what seasonings to include to perfect that delicious flavor. The stories, conversations, laughing, and reminiscing about past tamaladas, la misa del gallo, and la noche buena in my grandparents, Juan & Fidencia Castro's little pink house. While many focus on the gifts - I looked forward to the brown little paper sacks filled with fruit, hard candy and peanuts. It's a shared tradition of our Latino families. We got them at church after the Posadas. We would also receive them on Christmas morning. I still recall the late Richard Lopez of Guadalupe Economic Services, along with Gilbert Herrera and other volunteers making them to give to various groups, schools and others. And of course the American G. I. Forum prepared them for Pancho Clos, Santa's primo came from the South for his annual visit. Eventually, other volunteers helped including the De Colores Girl Scout Troop. Regardless, even though the bag was so simple it was a gesture of community looking out for each other and assuring the kids had something during the holidays. Community means everything - let's regain what we had and put that unity in community. And as you prepare for the holidays, give a gift with meaning that will inspire, change and influence the course of someone’s life. For me, it was a camera - and look how it has impacted us both. I share a Bible verse from Luke 2:11 to remind us all the reason for the season. This verse says, “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” Christmas is a time to celebrate the birth of Jesus, our Lord and Savior. He came to this earth to die willingly for our sins on the cross. He loved us that much and gave us a gift for everyday of our lives! So amid the presents, cookie decorating, and Christmas parties remember that Jesus is the reason for the season! That said, I hope that this Christmas season you will find it in your heart to give to others, from your heart to those in need; to those who are lonely, and to those who simply need acknowledgment. Because as you've read, to a child even the smallest gestures make the greatest memories. In January, Latino Lubbock Magazine will be celebrating 17 years! We are excited! We ask God for continued passion, strength and favor in the upcoming year. Moreso, for continued support from our readers. Y como siempre, Latino Lubbock Magazine is committed to highlighting the numerous contributions of our Latino community. Thank you for your support. We are grateful to have 100,000 readers monthly. Please continue to support our advertisers who help make it possible to keep our publication free. Thank you for your support and May God bless you! ¡Gracias por su apoyo! Que dios los bendiga. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! ¡Feliz navidad y próspero año nuevo! Be safe! Sinceramente, Christy Martinez-Garcia Publisher & Latino Market Specialist “Latino Lubbock, the Emerging Voice of Lubbock”

A Time of Traditions

BY CHRISTY MARTINEZ-GARCIA FOR LATINO LUBBOCK MAGAZINE

The voices of young and old can be heard faintly in the distance in a collective and time-honored song. Small glowing lights from candles ascend slowly upon the block of houses and harmonize with the reflection from the luminarias that line the streets and sidewalks of homes and the church. Participating families wait eagerly for this Spanish folk drama re-enactment of the time Mary and Joseph searched for shelter in Bethlehem. The celebration referred to as Las Posadas is relevant to the Inn at Bethlehem in the Nativity story; it begins each Dec. 16 and continues through Christmas Eve. Spanish friars developed the Posadas celebration as a way to introduce religion to the indigenous people in Mexico. They used this event to engage them in a very simple way where they could understand the faith and its significance. Each of the nine nights, the Posadas are observed with religious processions. The tradition varies in different churches and different regions of Texas and New Mexico. Some churches create live nativities, which portray the Virgin Mary and Joseph. Church members walk from house to house singing and carrying candles. At each house, they ask for shelter and food. Like in the story, they are refused. Las Posadas is also a way to help keep the traditions and culture alive. It’s part of a tradition to keep the Christmas story alive. After a Posada procession, everyone returns to the colorfully decorated church hall that is adorned with a star-shaped piñata. The piñata symbolizes the guiding North Star. Growing up, I remember going to the parish hall for a celebration after the door to door procession. The Guadalupanos, a Catholic church men’s group, served beverages including coffee, cinnamon tea, and hot chocolate. The Guadalupanas, a group made up of many generations of women, served treats and delicatessen made from family recipes, including a variety of Mexican sweet bread, and sometimes even tamales. Even today, the conversations in English and Spanish overlap each other and create a restful feeling. Loud laughter from the men as they talk and share stories fills the room, while the children strategically anticipate the breaking of the piñata. “Dalé, dalé,” hollers one of the adults, with that the candy drops. And as we departed, a small paper sack filled with an apple, orange, peanuts, and candy was given to the children of fruit. Today many of the traditions are similar. And fortunately, Las Posadas remain as strong. Posadas will be December 22, 23, and 24th beginning with Mass at 6 p.m. and followed by Posadas from 7 to 9 p.m. each day. Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, 1120 52nd St, Lubbock.

OUR OBJECTIVE “Strengthening Families, Building Community” Join our efforts and become a member today.

Important Numbers

Police (Non-Emergency) call 763-5333

Fire (Non-Emergency) call 765-5757

Emergencies call 9-1-1 Program/Service info, call 2-1-1

City services, call 3-1-1

Suicide & Crisis Line 9-8-8 City - call 775-3000. www.ci.lubbock.tx.us

County - call 775-1000 www.co.lubbock.tx.us LISD - call 766-1000 www.lubbockisd.org

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Community & Event Brieflies

64TH ANNUAL CAROL OF

LIGHTS more than 25,000 colored lights will illuminate 18 buildings around Memorial Circle, the Engineering Key, and the Broadway Entrance to the campus during Texas Tech University's Carol of Lights. The Ceremony will be on Dec. 2, beginning at 6:30 p.m. with a carillon concert Administration Building’s west tower. The lights will be turned on every night from dusk until midnight through January 1, 2023.

34TH ST. MIRACLES PARADE

Entry is now open for the Miracles Christmas Parade, Saturday, December 3rd. Go to: www.miraclesparade.com

44TH ANNUAL CANDLELIGHT

AT THE RANCH Dec 9 at 6:30 p.m. – Dec 10 at 9 p.m., at the National Ranching Heritage Center at 3121 4th. 66TH ANNUAL SANTA LAND, December 10-22, 6-10 pm, Free, All Ages, Santa & Mrs. Claus will be out nightly to hear the wish lists of children in Lubbock and the South Plains. Come out and enjoy Santa's village, the 60-foot Christmas tree, animated displays, entertainment, bonfires, snacks, and more! Mackenzie Park, off the East Broadway entrance, 301 I-27. SANTA PAWS Celebrate the Howlidays with Hodges Community Center! Stop by for a photo with Santa, $5 per family. There will be FREE Micro-Chipping @ Hodges Community Center, 4011 University Ave. on Dec. 3, 2022, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

NEW NEIGHBORS CLUB OF LUBBOCK

will hold its monthly Meeting / Luncheon on Friday, December 9 at the Lubbock Women's Club located at 2020 Broadway. The meeting will begin at 10:30 a.m. The program will be the "Caldwell Kids. Lunch will be served after the presentation, and the cost is $20. Reservations are required by RSVPing to Roni Allen (text) 281-507-4083 or okieroni1@ gmail.com. JINGLE BELL BALL Wear your holiday dress and come prepared to dance the night away during our Jingle Bell Ball on December 9th at 6:30 pm @ Copper Rawlings Community Center. Refreshments served, cost is $5 per person, for Ages: 40+. For more information, please call Rawlings Community Center at 806.767.2704.

FREE LEGAL AID FOR THOSE

WHO QUALIFY Legal Aid of Northwest Texas provides free legal services to eligible low-income residents in such areas as public assistance denials, divorce and child support, evictions, foreclosures, domestic violence and consumer fraud. Call 763-4557 or (800) 933-4557 or visitlanwt.org for more info.

2-1-1 NON-EMERGENCY QUES-

TIONS 2-1-1 is a free help line answered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, which will link you to health and community services.

How Hispanic Americans Think About Work and Identity

If we want to understand the evolving role of Hispanic Americans in American culture and politics, one useful on-ramp is studying Hispanics in the workplace. In a recent AEI survey, Hispanics reported levels of job satisfaction, of a sense of being treated fairly, and of having good relationships with bosses and co-workers that were on par with white workers. The survey also showed that Hispanic workers, again at levels comparable to white workers, report finding value in work in terms of job interests and skill development, as well as personal identity, meaning, and pride. And Hispanic workers are also considerably more likely than white, black, or Asian workers to report having a close friend at work. It is important to note that these positive attitudes toward work and the workplace don’t appear to be related to the wages and prestige of the sectors and jobs Hispanics work in. Relative to their total share of the workforce, Hispanics are overrepresented in “resource” occupations (agriculture, mining, manufacturing, and construction) and “commercial” occupations (retail, delivery, warehousing, wholesale trade, and real estate management), and underrepresented in more socially prestigious and more highly paid knowledge economy and government/nonprofit jobs. As the introduction to AEI’s recent survey noted, Americans generally spend a lot more time and mental energy on their jobs than their developed-world counterparts do. This goes double for Hispanics. Hispanic workers report being less likely to participate in sports leagues or hobby groups or to volunteer their time to civic organizations. Instead, family commitments seem to dominate their non-work hours at a level not shared by other racial groups. Despite the investment Hispanic workers make in their jobs, their social ties at work don’t seem to pay off as much as they do for other groups. Although Hispanics are more likely to say they have “close” friends at work, they also indicate less willingness to share “personal challenges” that help cement those friendships. They are also more likely to say they “never” spend time with coworkers after hours (which might interfere with those family commitments). This lower level of workplace social capital shows up in higher levels of workplace anxiety (imposter syndrome), and lower levels of “discretionary effort,” i.e. volunteering to take on tasks and responsibilities outside their normal roles, often an important gateway to promotion. Some of this is probably related to the sectors in which Hispanics are more numerous (resource and commercial jobs) but part of it may also be related to cultural and communication gaps and “bridging” social capital in the workplace that helps workers make their interests, needs, and skills known to coworkers and supervisors. It’s a fact of life that the working world tends to reward eager-beaver, overachieving social extroverts and overlook hardworking, familyfocused introverts. This is a paradox for all workers but especially Hispanics who are notable for both working hard to provide for families but also committed to “being there” in terms of home life. It requires a kind of Houdini-like genius to figure out how to work hard, care for your family, and build the civic and workplace ties that lead to new jobs or advancement in existing jobs. This is a complex set of competing demands that is never permanently solved for anyone who takes both work and family seriously. At the same time, working at achieving even an imperfect balance is necessary to develop as workers, maintain a sense of purpose and meaning on the job, and achieve greater degrees of economic prosperity. A final thought on the political implications of this data. As I noted last year, Hispanics are hard to define with respect to economic views and preferences. They favor minimum wage increases and child-care subsidies—things that support work and increase paychecks—while expressing greater doubts about policies like a universal basic income that might blunt work incentives. These pro-work, pro-opportunity sentiments are an important reason Hispanics are increasingly open to a GOP message about economic freedom which is always the keystone interest of rising U.S. immigrant groups. For ideological reasons, Democrats want to compete on the ground of multiculturalism, identity politics, and government intervention; Hispanics want what they came here for: opportunity. They resist and resent constraints on their drive and ambition. In the midterm elections last week, Hispanic GOP support rose by 10 points compared to 2018, from 29 to 39 percent. Hispanics are still a Democratic constituency, but they appear to be moving toward “jump-ball” status. Paying attention to their economic aspirations—and not just their concerns or resentments—is likely the key to securing their loyalty in the future.

Carta Abierta ¿Que Piensas? We know our readers have a lot to say! Mail letters to Latino Lubbock “Letters to the Editor,” Box 6473 Lubbock, TX 79493, o r email them to news@latinolubbock.net. Please include your name, address, and contact phone number. Mailed letters must be signed. Please note that unsigned letters will not be published. Letters are limited to 100 words, depending on space availability, some longer will be included. Writers are limited to one letter per month. Submissions may be edited for clarity or space consideration. Letters are not acknowledged. Opinions expressed in

letters and Op-Ed articles do not necessarily represent the views of Latino Lubbock Magazine. Brent Orrell

BEWARE OF PHONE SCAMS

Please let your readers know that there are several phone scammers calling. My grandmother was one of their victims. Let family and friends know not to give personal info or email information. It seems like this happened last year as well so I hope that people will be aware, and not fall prey to these losers. Thanks, Georgia Martinez

THANK YOU

Thank you so much for including my mom in the memorials page. Rita Garza Hiracheta Brent Orrell is a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, where he works on job training, workforce development, and criminal justice reform.

FIRST RESPONDERS & VETERANS

Great to see so many floats in the Veterans parade on Broadway. It was awesome to see the two fire trucks set up their ladders back to back, and then, joined an American flag to form a bridge for the Veteran's Day parade participants to pass under. It was a great sight for onlookers. Thanks again to all the participants and organizers. Joe Gonzalez

PAY IT FORWARD

Recently, my husband and I got a flat tire as we were returning from visiting family in Plainview. A young Hispanic man stopped to help my husband and he was very cordial and helpful. We offered him some money and he refused. I just wanted to thank him. There's a lot of good people, young people and we plan to pay it forward in the future. Anyway, he had a copy of Latino Lubbock Magazine in his car so I thought i would write this in hope he will read it. John and Tess Smith

Merry Christmas! y ¡Feliz Navidad!

The offices of Latino Lubbock Magazine (LLM) will be closed from Dec. 23rd to Jan. 1st. Normal office hours, as well as Jan. distribution of LLM, will resume on Jan. 2, 2023. Thank You!

Politics/ política

Pete Aguilar, No. 3 Democrat in the House, Makes History

Rep. Pete Aguilar, a California Democrat, is taking on the highest-level job ever held by a Latino in the House, the party's No. 3 position, with a promise that his party will take back the majority in

2024. Aguilar was elected by his colleagues in November to serve in the next Congress as chair of the House Democratic Caucus, a role bumped up to No. 3 position in House leadership, from No. 4. Aguilar, 43, has been serving as caucus vice chair. Aguilar's job will be to help steer the House Democrats, now in the minority, as they try to push their legislative priorities, keeping members united on issues, conveying the party message and working to take back the majority in 2024. Part of a new generation of leaders — one that is more diverse and younger — Aguilar said he wishes for a governing style of the past. Aguilar, will enter his fifth term in January.

DEADLINE

Latino Lubbock Magazine's January Deadline: News & Info: Dec. 15th Ads: Dec. 18th

Email news to: news@Latinolubbock.net or call (806)792-1212.

Latinos Prove Decisive In Critical 2022 Midterms

Lubbock City of

HOSTED BY RSVP TO WWW.LAAMEMBERS.COM/EVENTS/STATE-OF-THE-CITY23/REGISTER

The Latino vote was definitive last night in critical races across the country, up and down the ballot. The National Latino Civic Engagement Table, a grouping of the leading national Latino civic engagement organizations, held a press call to unpack the Latino vote, to dig into how our community made a difference, and explain how our organizations engaged the Hispanic electorate. Héctor Sánchez Barba, Executive Director and CEO, Mi Familia Vota (MFV) said: “Mi Familia Vota is committed to building Latino political power; all cycles we have invested in turning out Latino voters. We know our community would be an important backstop against MAGA politicians threatening our democracy. Last night we delivered 2,514,434 door, phone, and text attempts, 349,335 door attempts, 825,694 text messages, and 1,339,405 phone calls to turn out our community against extremist politicians who sought to silence our voice at the ballot box. We are still waiting for some races to be called, but we are on track to have historic Latino representation in Congress. We are confident that our contributions were felt in the voting booth all over the country. We are building long-term political power to hold all politicians accountable to the policy priorities of the Latino community.” Clarissa Martinez De Castro, Vice President, UnidosUS Latino Vote Initiative said: “Hispanic voters affirmed their critical role in shaping the country’s political landscape, and are sending a wake-up call to both parties. While polling shows a majority of Latinos see their values more aligned with Democratic positions, inflation and traditional midterm headwinds, and uneven or late outreach by Democrats, allowed Republicans to gain some ground. That said, Hispanic voters nationally largely reflected their historical pattern of two thirds supporting Democrats, and one third Republicans. Democrats have ample room to solidify and expand Hispanic support, but need to engage these voters more deeply, earlier, and strengthen their economic message. For Republicans, in addition to ongoing outreach, to sustain or increase support with this electorate they need to remember that their platform is radically out of step with these voters’ priorities in most areas – including abortion, gun violence, health care, and immigration. UnidosUS is committed to continue its work to grow the political voice of this community of voters, who generally reject extremes and the taking away of rights from people, and can be a stabilizing force in our politics.” Kenny Sandoval, Vice President of campaigns and partnerships, Voto Latino said: “These election results should put to rest the narrative that Republicans have made inroads into Latino communities. It’s clear that Latinos remain one of the most important voting blocs in the Democratic coalition–and they deserve to be treated as such. Any successful 2024 strategy will include sustained, authentic investment in the Latino community, and the time to start that is now.” Thomas A Saenz, President and General Counsel, MALDEF, said: “Latinos voters make the difference. This marks at least the fourth consecutive midterm election in which the expected narrative has changed . . . because of Latino voters. This great progress came in the face of unprecedented threats to democracy – attempts to deter and prevent participation, particularly by the ever-growing Latino voter community. These efforts will not work; political advisers and their clients must update their playbook to move Latinos to the center of the game.” Yvonne Gutierrez, Managing Director of Latino Victory, said: “Latino voters turning out for Democrats and fizzling out the “red wave” proves once again that Latinos are a powerful force in the Democratic coalition. If we learn one thing from the amount of support Latino voters gave to Democrats in key races, it’s that the Latino vote can never be taken for granted again. We need to set the record straight once and for all that Latinos are the second-largest voting bloc in the country and consequential to our political process, especially for Democrats. With the 2024 presidential election on the horizon, the time is ripe for Democrats to start the engagement and investment in Latinos in battleground states and states with consequential races. Latino voters are delivering for Democrats and are instrumental in key victories— it’s time to deliver for Latino voters with significant investments in engaging the community.” Frankie Miranda, President & CEO, Hispanic Federation said: “Election Day has once again exemplified how the Latino community is not a monolith, but a mosaic of different cultures, ideas, and identities. Latinos are not squarely blue or red, they are driven to the ballot box by a variety of issues that affect Americans from all walks of life. It’s time for elected leaders to wake up and realize that mobilizing the fastest growing voter bloc requires time, effort, and a clear plan of action to support Latino families and the community at large. Our work is far from over, and we can’t do it alone. We urge the philanthropic community to double down on support for year-round Latino voter engagement.” About the NLCET: The National Latino Civic Engagement Table (NLCET) was formed in 2011 by the nation’s leading Latino nonprofit advocacy and civil rights organizations working on civic engagement. The National Latino Civic Engagement Table consists of the Hispanic Federation, Labor Council for Latin American Advancement (LCLAA), Latino Victory Foundation, the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), MALDEF (Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund), Mi Familia Vota Education Fund (MFVEF), National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials (NALEO) Educational Fund, Voto Latino Foundation, and UnidosUS.