News Release

Creators of Baldo Seek Increased Activism in Latino Community

Kansas City  (06/29/2006)  Hector Cantú and Carlos Castellanos, creators of the comic strip, Baldo, are encouraging Latinos to become activists in their communities. During the week of July 3, 2006, the strip, which is syndicated by Universal Press, will address issues and challenges that face Latinos in the United States. The week of strips also points out the power of voting.

Gracie, one of the strip’s characters and Baldo’s strong-willed little sister, will bring up issues such as AIDS awareness, immigration, healthcare and education. In one panel, the Bermudez family is shown watching TV and Gracie asks, “OK, is the American Dream gonna fall on our lap . . . or should we turn off the telenovela and actually go to work on it?”

The strip will encourage Latinos to visit the website of the National Council of La Raza (NCLR) to learn more about these issues and how to affect change in their communities.

NCLR is the largest national Latino civil rights and advocacy organization in the United States and works to improve opportunities for Hispanic Americans. Founded in 1968, the NCLR assists Hispanic groups on health, education, housing, leadership and other issues.

Cantú and Castellanos have teamed with the NCLR in the past on issues such as lottery scams that target Latinos, especially the elderly and have created strips that focus on their concerns. The co-creators have often used their comic strip to bring light social concerns since its first appearance in April 2000.

During the NCLR Annual Conference in July, Baldo will be featured in the daily newspaper for conference attendees. “They were really happy with the team-up we did over the Lotto series, and they asked us to contribute some strips relating to their national conference in L.A.,” says Cantu.

NCLR's Annual Conference is the largest gathering of its kind in the Hispanic community, serving as the meeting ground for over 23,000 community organization leaders, activists and volunteers and serves as a catalyst for new thought and progress.

Cantú remarks, “It's a great opportunity for Baldo to get exposure with lots of decision-makers and leaders in the Latino community, at one of the year's most important Latino conferences.”

This years conference attendees include former President, Bill Clinton, former Deputy Chief of Staff, Karl Rove, and the mayor of Los Angeles, Antonio Villaraigosa.

Creator(s): Hector Cantu and Carlos Castellanos

Contact(s): Kathie Kerr

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