Cultura Firme Magazine

This project was produced as part of a class entitled “Social Justice on the Border.” The course is a Service Learning venture promoted by the Government Department at New Mexico State University. For the past three summers Dr. Neil Harvey, Professor and Director of Center for Latin American and Border Studies, has offered students the opportunity to apply what they learn in the classroom to surrounding communities along the Texas/New Mexico Border. Spending two days a week in the classroom students expand their knowledge on social justice issues through lecture, discussion, and video presentations. While the rest of the week students experience it firsthand working with community organizations, grassroots activists, and local youth to bring attention to and educate others on social justice issues affecting their communities.

     This endeavor took place over a five week period during the summer of 2010 in the communities of Anthony, NM, Vado, NM, Las Cruces, NM, and El Paso, TX. The focus of this magazine is to bring awareness of how racial profiling affects border communities. However, our goal was to also incorporate positive aspects of our communities in order to dispel negative stereotypes and showcase the rich history and culture of the borderlands. The first section includes important information on HB 428, New Mexico’s Prohibition of Profiling Act of 2009, and a short analysis of SB 1070, the controversial anti-immigrant law recently passed in Arizona. The following section includes testimonies and interviews from local youth and community organizers. Through their words you get a glimpse of the sad, but all too real, issue of profiling and discrimination within our border communities. Included is a blurb on sports and its significance to unite communities followed by Entertainment and Culture which showcases local artists, dancers, and restaurants. The final component provides a “Know Your Rights” page and concludes with acknowledgments of those who made this project possible.

     We hope that you enjoy the information provided and that it inspires you to get involved, be informed, and respect all people. We dedicate this magazine to anyone who has ever experienced social injustice and to all the border communities who continue the struggle in their fight for justice and dignity!