Fundacion Azteca America, Mexican American Legal and Educational Fund (MALDEF) and the Los Angeles Mayor’s Office of Census 2010 Present ‘State of Latinos: Census 2010′ Forum on March 4 at Azteca America Los Angeles 54 Studios in Glendale, CA

Fundacion Azteca America, MALDEF and the Mayor’s Office of Census 2010 are pleased to present “The State of Latinos: Census 2010″ forum the latest of a series of events to encourage Latino participation in the 2010 Census.

The discussion and educational event is designed to eliminate any misconceptions about the 2010 Census and emphasize the importance of the process for the political and economic well-being of the Latino community in the United States.

The State of Latinos: Census 2010 will be held at Azteca America’s flagship station, Azteca America, Los Angeles 54 in Glendale and taped live to air.

The forum includes the participation of Los Angeles Mayor Antonio R. Villaraigosa, Father Richard Estrada, University of Denver Professor Debora Ortega and the U.S. Census Bureau California Assistant Regional Director Celeste Jimenez. The forum will also have remote participation of Latino leaders such as Los Angeles County Supervisor Gloria Molina, labor activist Dolores Huerta, MALDEF President Thomas A. Saenz, NALEO Executive Director Arturo Vargas and Luis J. Echarte, Chairman of Fundacion Azteca America and Azteca America Network.

The forum is part of a multipronged, multimedia effort by Fundacion Azteca America to encourage Latino participation in the Census process. The 2010 Census is a crucial step for the Latino community to ensure that it is proportionally represented in federal, state and local budgets, as well as in representative districts of the political process. Unfortunately, fear of authorities by the Latino community can lead to limited participation in the census process.

“The Census calls on every resident of Los Angeles to participate and make their voices heard,” said Mayor Villaraigosa. “Working with our community and media partners we will ensure a complete and accurate count of all Angelenos, critical to securing full political representation and our fair share of the federal and state resources our City needs.”

“Our goal is to educate our audience so that there is no fear surrounding the Census process. We’re committed to do everything within our reach to meet this goal,” said Luis J. Echarte, Chairman of Azteca America Network and Fundacion Azteca America. “A strong participation in this year’s Census is one of the most important actions for our community this year, as it is crucial for fair budget allocations and political representation.”

“Obtaining a complete count in the Census is critical to the future of the Latino community,” said Thomas Saenz, President and General Counsel of the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund (MALDEF). “Our strength and determination will be recognized through our strong Census participation.”

“Every one of us needs to be counted in the 2010 Census. Our numbers will bring resources that we desperately need in our communities and a strong voice to the political arena,” said labor activist Dolores Huerta. “Si se puede!”"

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