AMERICANS IN FOCUS
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Americans in Focus
Maria Chaurand is the founder and director of, El Groupo Folklorico Antotnilco, the nationally acclaimed Mexican folklore dance group. She has trained generations of children in the art of Mexican folk dance.
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AMERICANS IN FOCUS SHORT VIGNETTES: HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH
 | Fernando Barragan
Fernando Barragan is self-taught artist and muralist who is committed to using his talents to honor history and bring beauty to his Los Angeles neighborhood. |
| Alex Pels
Alex Pels, immigrated from Argentina, to the U.S. and honed his skills in production and management to become a General Manager of the television network mun2. |
| Dr. Juan Carlos Finlay
Dr. Finlay discovered the cause and eventual cure of the transmission of Yellow Fever. But it wasn't until after his death, 39 years later, that he finally received proper credit for his discovery. |
| Beatrice Porto
Beatrice Porto's mother began Porto's Bakery in her kitchen more than 30 years ago. Today, it's a multi-million dollar business operated by Beatrice, her brother and sister. |
| Civil Rights in the Classroom
Little known, but historic cases of Mexican-Americans who fought for the civil rights of their children in the classroom such as Alvarado vs. the Kansas City, Kansas School District and Mendez vs. Westminster Schools in Orange County, California. |
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| Roxana Lissa
At the age of 25, Roxanna Lissa, who is from Argentina, opened 'RL Public Relations' and within ten years turned the company into a multi-million dollar business with offices in Los Angeles and New York. |
| Victor Villasenor
Victor Villasenor overcame dyslexia and racial bias to become an award-winning author of seven best sellers. |
| Dr. Mayra Sanchez
Dr. Mayra Sanchez is a first generation American whose parents are from Bolivia. Dr. Sanchez proved all the naysayers wrong when she beat the odds and followed her passion to become a physician. |
| Irivn Trujillo
Irvin Trujillo is a 7th generation textiles weaver who is one of few in the world who has mastered and continues to work in the 300 year old Rio Grande textile tradition. |
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AMERICANS IN FOCUS SHORT VIGNETTES: BLACK HISTORY MONTH
| Vincent Cullers
Founded first African-American advertising agency in the US in 1956. Set the trend for using positive cultural images of blacks in advertising. |
| Maurice Ashley
Has been called the Tiger Woods of Chess. He made history when he became the first and only African-American to attain the coveted title of International Grand Master of Chess in 1999. |
| Ken Hamblin
Author and former conservative radio talk show host known as the Black Avenger. The first black photographer of Detroit Free Press. |
| Ernie Barnes
Former football player, became an artist. Barnes is one of the most collected artists in the US. |
| Dave Fennoy
Elite Hollywood voice over artist. Voice of: Showtime at the Apollo, Time Life R and B Collection, Happy Feet, Spiderman, etc. |
| Gordon Parks
First African American to work as staff photographer for Life Magazine. Parks' photos evoked styles of strength and black leadership. |
| Mayme Clayton
Founder of the Western States Black Research and Education Center, the largest privately held collection of African-American historical materials in the world. |
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| Kevin Hall
Has had to overcome many obstacles on his way to the PGA Tour. Being African-American was not nearly the highest hurdle. He is the first DEAF golfer to compete on the PGA Tour. |
| Bessie Coleman
First African American licensed, female, fly girl. Proclaimed the 'world's greatest female flyer.' |
| Dr. Mae C. Jemison
First African American female astronaut in space. Founded the Jemison Research Group which includes an international science camp for kids. |
| Cathy Hughes
Founded Radio One in 1979 saved station by switching to 24-hour talk format. Today Radio One owns 65 stations throughout country. |
| Elizabeth Jennings
On July 16, 1864, one hundred years before Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat on an Alabama bus, Jennings refused to be put off of a bus in New York City. |
| Mayor Tom Bradley
Elected first African American mayor of Los Angeles in 1973 (20 year tenure). Key to racial peace and diversification in LA. |
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