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Commitment, bolstered by chocolate

Examining our connections to the marketplace, politics, our readers and - most deliciously - chocolate

While most of us think of February as the month of St. Valentine, Latino Perspectives recalls that it is also Black History Month, an opportunity to reach out to our African American brethren. In a broader sense, February also offers a time to assess our relationships, so we have picked a few topics that allow LPM to examine Latinos' connections to the marketplace, politics, our readers and - most deliciously - chocolate.

In this issue Ruben Hernandez explores Latinos' connections with the state's African Americans. Do we share common causes and effective leadership? Do we take up challenges in similar or divergent ways? What can we learn from each other? We hope these stories will provoke discussion between both communities and beyond.

In Cultural Connections, Hernandez also examines the ties between Blacks and Mexico, which began when African slave ships arrived on that country's coastline. A special historical art exhibition, recently seen in Monterrey, Mexico, will be showing soon in nearby Albuquerque.

And a new documentary frames the remarkable relationship between Arizonan Pedro E. Guerrero and three of America's art and architecture giants - Louise Nevelson, Alexander Calder and Frank Lloyd Wright.

Civic Lessons columnist Israel Torres exhorts voters to pick up a pen, dial a phone or send e-mail our elected representatives to let them know our opinions on legislation that will affect us. In other words, the exchange of ideas doesn't stop at last November's ballot booth; we have a duty to continue conversing with our Legislators. They expect to hear from us; more importantly, we should expect them to listen.

At the risk of riling Cupid's wrath, we've also gathered a quartet of doctores de amore, or "love doctors," who collectively give their opinions on a trio of tricky relationship questions. From being left behind on the tarmac to picking up socks and chonis, these are the little things that can kill a relationship. Who among us couldn't use a little romance refresher course?

Speaking of asking questions, we were thrilled to land exclusive interviews with two entertainment acts we adore: Los Lobos and comedian George Lopez. The former will be performing an acoustic show of traditional Mexican folk tunes at Mesa Arts Center while the latter will be making HBO history on Dodge Theatre's stage. (To read the full interview with Lopez, be sure to visit www.latinopm.com.)

Then writer Julie Amparano says it's not our fault we love chocolate so passionately. According to her research, we can blame our penchant for this "food of the gods" at the feet of our ancestors - the Aztecs, Olmecs, Mayans and eventually the Spaniards and Europeans. Being cocoa loco is in the blood, so to speak.

If you've ever been on a blind date, you may have experienced the fear of having to make conversation with a complete stranger. Not so in the marketplace, where we, as assimilated Latinos, feel comfortable because we are the marketplace: affluent, educated, English-dominant younger generation of Arizona Latinos. Scarborough, a research organization that is often cited in business reporting, has revamped its categories to more accurately reflect the market's composition. This can only be good for Latinos, as recognition of our integration among non-Latinos and acknowledgment of our economic power and preferences will strike down long-held stereotypes.

We also open your eyes to the possibility of purchasing fine jewelry. An industry study shows Latinos as an underserved market with great potential for high-end jewelers. Before you buy, read Bling 101 to learn some how to buy jewelry for your significant other - or for yourself.

Finally, after more than two years of publishing, we decided it was time to revisit our editorial mission. After all, LPM's relationship with its readers is what fuels our engine. From now on, you'll find our editorial mission statement in each issue and here at www.latinopm.com It is a reminder about who we serve and why a statement of commitment to you, our community. Here it is:

"Latino Perspectives creates community: it cultivates cultural pride and provokes, challenges and connects English-speaking Latinos who are defining, pursuing, and achieving the American Latino Dream."

On that love note, get comfy with your sweetie, pop open that box of chocolates and enjoy the February issue.