The CUNY Silberman School of Social Work and the Latino Leadership Institute cemented their affiliation through a symposium on the “2012 Presidential Election and the Latino community”. The symposium was hosted by the Dean of what is considered one the best Schools of Social Work in the nation (The Silberman School of Social Work), Dean Jacqueline Mondros. The number of interested people seeking to participate was so high that registration was closed a week before the event due to space constraints.
Among the attendees were three declared New York City Mayoral candidates: New York City Public Advocate Bill Di Blasio, former New York City Comptroller Bill Thompson and publishing mogul Tom Allon. None of the candidates spoke at the event. However, it was unheard of and refreshing to see three candidates for Mayor eager to sit and learn about the the Latino community. This is another example of the new importance given by the NYC political structures to the Latino electorate and to the work done by Latino Leadership Institute throughout the city.
The event was greeted by CUNY Trustee and Vice Chancellor, Jay Hershenson who referred to the the CUNY and LLI affiliation as “a historical one”. The symposium was gracefully moderated by Hostos College President Dr. Felix Matos. According to the audience, the speakers during and after the presentations were powerful and invaluably informative. Dr. Hector Cordero Guzman gave an impressive presentation on current and projected Latino demographics and how these demographics will influence the political landscape in the coming decades.
Equally impressive was Lucia Gomez‘s presentation on political messaging, which was well thought out and entertaining. New York City’s premier election attorney, Jerry Golfeder, gave an important presentation on the topic of the moment in the electoral arena — “Super PACs” and how they have changed presidential elections. Former Chief of Staff to ex-Bronx Borough President Fernando Ferrer, Joe Ithier, spoke about political strategy.
Among the personalities and activities that attended the event were two time Emmy Award winner Felipe Luciano, former Assemblyman Adam Clayton Powell, IV, Marta Moreno Vega,Yolanda Sanchez, Elizabeth Sanchez, Diana Cartagena, Elizabeth Colon, Arnie Segarra, Saul Nieves, cartoonist Jose Medina, photographer Jorge Carva, and Mickey Melendez among many others.
In the coming fall semester, the Silberman School of Social Work and the Latino Leadership Institute will begin classes on how to run for office and creating political campaigns.
The symposium will be shown on CUNY TV. For more information contact: latinoleadershipinstitute@gmail.com and / or call 347 446 5786.
By Jaime Estades