Community Events

The Lansing for Cesar E. Chavez Committee (LCEC) celebrated their 8th Annual Fundraising Dinner Saturday, March 31, 2018. With a packed house at Local 652 in Lansing, Michigan, guests were treated to a dinner, entertainment provided by Grupo Plazer with Michael Medina on keyboards as well as a silent auction. Amanda Cena provided her usual golden voice for the National Anthem.  The Keynote Speaker was  Dr. Ruben Martinez from the Julian Samora Research Institute at Michigan State University and spoke to a packed house.

Once again the annual Cesar E. Chavez Essay Awards were handed out on this night and the 1st Place winner was Estabraq Mahdi who attends Eastern High School and received an $800 scholarship to help her with college expenses. 2nd Place went to Destiny Hernandez of Everett High School who won a $500 scholarship. A $200 scholarship went to Maricela Tapia of Waverly High School.

Community Awards were also given to Todd Heywood who is a freelance investigative journalist based in Lansing. He received the Lansing for Cesar E. Chavez Humanitarian Award for his role in the street name change of Grand River Ave. to Cesar E. Chavez Ave. in Lansing’s Old Town. Much thanks to Amanda Cena who sang the National Anthem and provided vocals to Grupo Plazer for the dance. Thank you Grupo Plazer!

The Lansing for Cesar E. Chavez Committee is a 501c3 Non-Profit Organization that’s works to preserve the legacy of Cesar E. Chavez through Education, Commemoration, Service and Self Determination. The Committee led the way in changing the street name Grand River Ave. to Cesar E. Chavez Ave. in Lansing’s Old Town. Much thanks also goes out to the Old Town Commercial Association and its members for listening and then responding to the Latino community in what Gente considered important.

The Committee is always looking for new members so if you would like to become a member or have questions about either membership or sponsorship of this group, please contact Chairperson Al Salas at salasalfonso@aol.com or contact the through their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/lansingforcesarechavez/

Press Release received from The Hispanic Latino Commission of Michigan:

June 24, 2016 – The Hispanic Latino Commission of Michigan (HLCOM) and the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) today appointed Dr. Felipe Lopez-Sustaita as executive director of the commission. The position had been vacant since Marylou Mason’s retirement in December 2015.

“The commission is excited to start a new chapter of serving Hispanics throughout Michigan with the appointment of Dr. Lopez-Sustaita as our new executive director” said HLCOM Chairman Noel Garcia. “Felipe has a remarkable track record of advocacy, public service, building partnerships and leadership.”

“Dr. Lopez-Sustaita’s leadership skills make him a great addition to the commission and we welcome him to the department,” said LARA Director, Shelly Edgerton. “I would like to thank the selection committee for their efforts during this process.”

As HLCOM executive director, Dr. Lopez-Sustaita will assist the commission with its mission to help increase economic growth of Hispanics, promote better education and academic achievements for Hispanics, and increase awareness of issues faced by the community to local and state government.

Dr. Lopez-Sustaita previously served as the LUCERO program coordinator and academic advisor at Lansing Community College. He holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Michigan State University and a doctorate degree in education from Ferris State University. Dr. Lopez-Sustaita also has international education experience in Africa, Greece, Mexico and the Ukraine.

For those of us who have been Blessed to have either met or worked with Felipe know, integrity, honestly and hard work are part of his calling card. His love of helping people is well known. His work recently as the LUCERO Program Director at Lansing Community College raised the profile but most importantly built a long needed bridge from LCC to Michigan State University which resulted in several partnerships between the two. As I sat and listened to the Commission announce his appointment, I almost cried knowing the impact he will make. Words can’t describe this writers excitement over Felipe being named Executive Director. Well done LARA and the Hispanic Latino Commission of Michigan!

“Commit to the success of one individual in the Latino community” was the message from keynote speaker Francisco “Pancho” Gonzalez. Mr. Gonzalez holds the titles of Vice President and General Manager of the Michigan Region for McDonald’s. Last week’s Chavez and Hispanic Celebration Dinner was attended by close to 300 folks. Marylou Mason and the Hispanic/Latino Commission of Michigan continues to put out a great night with a little of something for everyone. Upon arrival, guests at the downtown Lansing Radisson Hotel were greeted by El Mariachi Mexico from Detroit along with an hour of networking, seeing old friends, and plenty of picture taking. As usual, the event is highlighted by plenty of awards including the Lifetime Achievement Award given to Ed Sosa from Grand Rapids. Felipe Lopez Sustainta of Lansing, and Joseph Guzman of Haslett were each given the award of Educator of the Year. Taking home the Advocate of the Year Awards were Adriana Almanza from Greenville, Michigan and Debbie Renea Vasquez of Saginaw, Michigan. An Arts Award was given to Raices Meixcanas De Detroit. San Juana Olivares from Flint was awarded the Business/Economic Development Award. There were two Special Appreciation Awards given out to both the Michigan Sugar Company and Senator Rick Jones 24th District from Grand Ledge. Legislator of the Year was State Representative Henry Yanez from the 10th District out of Sterling Heights. There were 8 High School students given $500.00 scholarships. Beautifully decorated by Weddings By Nicole, this night is by far the “fanciest” event that is Latino oriented in the Mid Michigan area. The food was great as people from across the State enjoyed the chance to trade contact information, ideas and renew some old friendships. Many people in the past have always mistaken this night as a night for leaders, business folks, and dare we say stuffy people? Its for anyone and everyone wanting to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month or Cesar E. Chavez. Something odd happened this year though. I had never seen so many people bring their sons or daughters. I myself brought my 18 year old daughter Antonella as she took pictures for Cafecito for the evening. Ruben Martinez from the Julian Samora Research Institute at MSU was accompanied by his lovely daughter and award winner Ed Sosa brought a handsome looking son from Grand Rapids just to name a couple. It was actually quite refreshing to see the younger generation and lets hope we can put out the word next year to keep the trend going. The Hispanic/Latino Commission of Michigan was created in 1975 to represent the interests of Michigan’s Hispanic and Latino population – one of the fastest-growing ethnic groups in the state. The Commission, made up of 15 individuals appointed by the Governor, advises the Governor and state legislature on policy matters and serves Michigan’s Hispanic and Latino population by fostering and celebrating their achievements and promoting their development and welfare. For more information please call Vicky Garcia at 517-373-8339.

Maranatha Assemblies of God held their annual “Community Day and Back 2 School Bash” on Sunday, August 30, 2015 to the tune of 80 degree weather, a few hundred folks, and plenty of kids. When I say plenty, I mean there were kids everywhere. Located on Lansing’s northside, Maranatha offers has been offering free food, free children’s activities including a bounce house, free manicures, prayer, clothes, free entertainment and this year they offered brand new backpacks. I even watched as a van drove off with a box spring and a very good looking mattress. Yes they even offered household good including furniture for free. I was truly amazed at the amount of kids though. At times I felt I was at a daycare center or Bible School Camp. One of many backpack giveaway events over the last 30 days, Maranatha met with many relieved parents who just can’t afford the $30.00 to sometimes $50.00 necessity that students have to have to lug around books, shoes, and other school materials. And then if you have two or three kids, forget it brother. Last years backpack with the torn zipper might have to do for one more year. Considering the Church mostly advertised by word of mouth, it was quite a turnout. Congrats to Pastors Jesus and Yolanda Mendoza for giving back to the community in a very fun way! Maranatha which is a bilingual Church, is located at 927 E. North St. Lansing, MI 48906. Church services are held each Sunday starting with Sunday School at 9:45 and Sunday Service at 10:50 am. There is also an Sunday evening service at 6:00 pm. Wednesday services start at 6:30 pm. For more information please contact the Church Administrator at 517-372-4106

In the old days of me serving as Youth Director for Churches, I would venture out to Flint, Adrian and Jackson to “see what they do” in their programs. So it should be no surprise that I made the trip to Saginaw to “see what they do” at their Latino Night with the Loons Friday night, July 23, 2015. My daughter and I went a touch late and upon parking my car, we get out only to hear someone announcing from the stadium in Spanish! What a concept! Then the next thing I know there is Tejano music playing which means that in between the innings, we could hear our music without having to wait til after the game. As I usually do, I never make myself known (really who am I to them?) when I enter a community. I like to watch to see how they interact with each other. What I witnessed was something that I find rare in a community. I see in it Churches, but not usually in non-profits or organizations. This group in blue were the folks from the Great Lakes Bay Leadership Institute (GLBLI), were moving around the crowd, talking with people, and listening to folks. Most groups tend to put out their message and walk away. Or maybe they celebrate among themselves. That’s it. No this game was not a business meeting but it was a chance for the GLBLI to get to know their community a little better and from all appearances, they did. But this gets better. The GLBLI took care of my daughter for me and showed her around while they took the time to introduce me to several community leaders and sponsors. I was amazed. As different folks took the time to introduce me around, I couldn’t help but realize these people get it. This is not about the game, its about the people. This group had nothing to gain by the introductions and contacts they gave me. But they also realize that we can make each other stronger by sharing ideas and perhaps resources. That right there is one of the major problems with Latinos. We may be known for our hospitality and family first lifestyle, but as organizations go, we do not like to share resources with other Latino organizations for we fear that monies or talent might be taken from us. After the fireworks and Salsa dance which was provided byDj’ed by Frank Medel with a special appearance by Yvonne Ramos-Ybarra I took my time driving home and thought back to what I had seen. Again, my daughter and I arrived too late for the pregame stuff, but it was a night to remember. There must have been a couple hundred people as the Salsa dance dancing, watching and enjoying the last part of Latino Night. How many times has politics and the need for people to want to take credit for this or that, or walk away from helping a project because they didn’t like someone who was a part of the group. I watched a group of excited individuals take the role of leadership but in a very humble way. They did it by serving others, listening to the community, connecting with the community. The group sold 441 tickets this year which was one more then the 440 they sold last year. But more importantly, they showed a community that what matters most was the people. These folks who took on a leadership role and handling it with class and a family feel, deserve much love and respect for each of them. But what they gave a community, the chance to celebrate their heritage, their community a chance to see old friends not to mention the sense of pride most probably felt, was priceless. And from me, thank you Saginaw for making me feel like one of you. Gente is Gente, no matter where you are from. I can’t wait to see what your community does the rest of 2015 and into 2016. Much love and respect to all of you!

With this years theme of Empowering Our Minds…Si Se Puede!” the 3rd Annual scholarship breakfast took place Saturday, June 6, 2015 at Lansing’s Local 652. Superintendent Yvonne Caamal Canul was the Keynote Speaker and although there were applications from different schools around the area, the three students who won the Scholarship Awards all came from Lansing Everett High School. Maria Starr leads what seems to be a growing non-profit as there were many members of the Labor Council for Latin American Advancement in attendance to serve a hot breakfast to the high school students, their families and supporters of the Latino non-profit. Scholarship winners were Valeria Resendiz, Alejando Trevino, and Areli Gonzalez who all earned their High School Diplomas from Lansing Everett. While membership is indeed growing, LCLAA is still seeking new people to serve on the committee. With more fundraisers on the way, and the upcoming 2016 election less the 17 months away, why not consider helping this organization with its fundraisers or even to help get out the vote in 2016? The organization is looking for help selling beverages at the Ingham County Fairground from August 3rd to August 8th later this year. For more information: Marta Bobillo 517-256-3739 or Maria Starr 517-712-7056.

Okay, enough about Fiesta 2014. In its 36th year since its humble beginnings on Washington Ave., Cristo Rey Church has celebrated as a community, as a Church its cultural richness with Lansing. I have been to every single one of them and I have to admit I had fun. More importantly, it didn’t take long for folks to forget about last year’s controversy about the selection of bands. Once La Corporacion took to the stage Friday night, the music was local again, and 2014 was forgotten. With Evolucion playing on Saturday night, with Chispa Caliente performing Sunday’s finale, one would think next year’s Entertainment Committee would lean towards local again. As for the rest of the Fiesta, tables were mostly filled, vendors seemed pleased with the sales results, and all was good again. The Fiesta which serves as the Church’s largest fundraiser of the year has been through many changes over the years but largely has kept its theme simple and true. Family event, showcase the culture, good homemade food and the opportunity to see old friends. Hard to beat that recipe. Whether you were there at Cristo Rey when Fr. Thomas McCloskey, Fr. Bill McKeon, Fr. Tom Smith, or Fr. Fred Thelen, the Church has always pulled together and worked tirelessly to put on a great weekend of activities for the community. Many of us “kids” recall being excited to go to the Church to help setup on Tuesdays only to find out we had to go back each day til Sunday night to help setup. Yes, our parents set us up. Such memories. Anyone who knows me, knows that yes, I love to socialize and meet with old friends. Fiesta 2015 provided everything and more. One note I would like to add is that my personal schedule limited me to attending only a few hours on Saturday and Sunday, but trust me, I made the most of it. But I would like to apologize for not getting more photos especially of all the dance groups. My own primo Ray Rodriguez. And the countless other people and things I missed. Again, my apologies for not recording it here. Last thought though is, don’t bring up the 2014 Fiesta to me. It’s so last year. God Bless!

With about 225 in attendance for the Spring version of Salsa Above, Salsa dancers came from across the State to show their skills, meet a few people and most of all, display their passion. In what is a very unique setting, the Michigan Princess which sails in Lansing’s Grand River, offers two areas for dancing and to cool off you can roam around the deck on the any of the floors including up top. People came from as far to the east from Detroit and to the west Grand Rapids. In fact quite a large group came in from GR. If you have never seen Salsa dancing up live and close and you love to dance, you really should go check it out sometime. Movies like 1998’s “Dance With Me” with Cheyenne and Vanessa Williams or “Dirty Dancing 2” from 2004 set in Cuba, may have looked pretty, but one only has to look at the faces of the different folks who come together on a night like this. The passion, the intensity and of course the fun all are evident from the crowd. There were people who came who just were not up to speed, but as long as someone was making an honest effort on the dance floor, the more veteran dancers were very forgiving to the beginners. DJ Adrian Ace Lopez who puts everything together brought in 5 en Clave from Grand Rapids. 5 en Clave offered a night of salsa, merengue, bachata, and cumbias. They kept the crowd moving with Adrian provided his usual array of sounds as well. Adrian likes to put on three events aboard the Michigan Princess a year. The next one is set for July with a date to be announced soon and the third typically the second or third weekend in September so make your plans now as both promise to be larger in attendance then last Fridays event.

To the casual Grand Cafe Sir Pizza customer Monday night, it appeared something was going on, but truth being told, it was a little bit more then just a few friends getting together. The Greater Lansing Hispanic Chamber of Commerce sponsored a Meet and Greet and about 50 people gathered to welcome Vincent Delgado who was just recently appointed to serve on the Lansing City Council. Delgado is an Assistant Dean for Civic Engagement with Michigan State University’s Residential College in the Arts and Humanities. He is known also for co-founding the Refugee Development Center in Lansing and at one point co-chaired the Ingham Power of We Consortium. There were plenty of Leaders from the Latino community who showed up to welcome and get a chance to talk with Vincent about issues they would like to see addressed. One of the questions that could be heard was if he was going to run for the seat when its term ends? Delgado has already made it known that he does intend to run for a full term later this year in November when the seat is up for election. In this day and age of people needing to see “advocates, teachers, politicians, representatives, etc. who look like us”, his intentions to run was a good news to many. Delgado also replaces Quinney as the only male on the Council as the other seven are women.

Not since January of 2003 has a Latino served on the Lansing City Council. Its been 12 years since Tony Benavides graced the Lansing City Council. For the Latino community, its felt like a generation. Vincent Delgado was formerly sworn in on Monday, February 23, 2015 and thus fills the seat that had been held by Derrick Quinney who resigned to become Ingham County’s Register of Deeds. He beat out 24 other candidates for the seat until January 1, 2016 which was when Mr. Quinney’s term ended. His bio on the Lansing City Council website states that Vincent received a Masters Degree from Western Michigan (4.0 GPA), but also uses the words “With a passion for local government” to describe himself. Delgado certainly appears to be well qualified to help lead a city which is never short of budget woes, school district issues, and the continuing saga of the Board of Water and Light. But on a Council that seems to be well known for Pro-Virg and Anti-Virg factions, lets hope Delgado can manage to be Pro-People while navigating the political waters well enough to position himself for the November elections. To reach Vincent Delgado: http://www.lansingmi.gov/Derrick_Quinney (note: City of Lansing has yet to change the website url to Mr. Delgado.) Greater Lansing Hispanic Chamber: Jose Yanez President 517-974-2238