Julio Cesar Chavez Jr.: Mexican Boxing Success

Jullio Cesar Chavez Jr.

Reasons For Mexillence:

1. Current WBC Middleweight Champion

2. Remains undefeated as a professional boxer.

3. Demonstrates consistency in a professional career.

Tonight, Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. defended the WBC Middleweight Championship against Peter Manfredo Jr. In the 5th round, Chavez Jr. won and demonstrated his consistent success as a professional boxer.

Bianca Marroquin: First Mexican-American Star On Broadway

Bianca Marroquin

Reasons For Mexillence:

1. First Mexican-American to perform a starring role on Broadway.

2. Demonstrates consistent success in a professional career.

3. Fluent in English and Spanish.

While watching news about the most recent cartel violence I saw a commercial about a current soap opera. After viewing the commercial, I was confused. I thought: What is Bianaca Marroquin doing in a soap opera????

Cain Velasquez: First Mexican-American Heavyweight Champion

Cain Velasquez

Reasons For Mexillence:

1. Born in Salinas, California.

2. Became the first Mexican heavyweight champion in any sport.

3. Displays a tattoo across his chest that reads Brown Pride.

I have never felt like crying after an athletic competition until now. Cain Velasquez accurately represents the Brown Pride tattooed across his chest. Velasquez overcame so many obstacles and with one blow to the side of his head last night, he lost the UFC World Heavyweight Championship.

Juan Manuel Marquez: Mexican Boxing Success

Reasons For Mexillence:

1. Demonstrates an example of persistence in spite initial defeat.

2. Won eight world championships in three different boxing weight classes.

3. Ranked as the #5 pound-for-pound fighter by Ring Magazine.

Last night was the highly anticipated Marquez VS Pacquiao III bout. Although Marquez lost via decision, he remains an example of perseverance and determination to succeed in a professional career.

Eva Longoria: Well-Paid Mexican American Actress

Eva Longoria

Reasons For Mexillence:

1. Persevered through initial struggles in order to pursue her career as an actress.

2. Demonstrates an example of Mexican-American success.

3. One of the highest-paid actresses.

This year Eva Longoria was named one of the highest-paid actresses on television. Although she is now an established star on Desperate Housewives, Longoria found success through perseverance.

Salma Hayek: Successful Mexican-American Actress

Salma Hayek

Reasons For Mexillence:
1. Sets an example for others to pursue a career in the entertainment industry.

2. Demonstrates consistent success in the entertainment profession.

3. Breast-fed a third-world child.

On the weekend of October 28, Puss In Boots became the highest grossing movie ever to debut on a Halloween weekend. Even before grossing more than $34 million, Puss In Boots may boast its well-known cast. Specifically, Salma Hayek is easily one of the most recognized Mexican-American actresses.

Ron Rivera: Mexican-American Success In NFL

Ron Rivera

Reasons For Mexillence:

1. Serves as an example of tenacity as he continually finds success in the National Football League (NFL).

2. Displays consistent success in the same field of expertise.

3. Competed in a Super Bowl as a player and as a coach.

Ron Rivera is currently the head coach of the Carolina Panthers. Although he has proven successful as a head coach, Rivera experienced success in the NFL long before. 

Jaime Garcia: Mexican-American Success In MLB

Jaime Garcia

Reasons For Mexillence:

1. Became the first Mexican pitcher to start in a World Series since Fernando Valenzuela in 1981.

2. Overcame different obstacles to pursue a career.

3. Serves as an example for others to pursue a career in spite of obstacles.



As the St. Cardinals celebrate their 11th World Series Championship, one of their starting pitchers has more reasons to celebrate. Jaime Garcia moved to the United States in order to pursue his professional baseball career.

Subcomandante Marcos: Social Justice Before Occupy Wallstreet

Subcomandante Marcos

Reasons For Mexillence: 


1. Pursues social justice in spite of the various threats made to his life. 


2. Sacrifices his own identity for the improvement of society. 


3. Spokesperson for the EZLN (Zapatista Army Of National Liberation). 

As the Occupy Wall Street movement continues, one can wonder: When was the last time the 99%  protested against the wealthiest 1%? 

In January 1994, Subcomandante Marcos led an army of Mayan farmers to protest the treatment of indigenous peoples by the Mexican government. At that particular instant, nearly all government officials were the most corrupt and wealthiest people in Mexico. As a result, they oppressed the native Americans in southern Mexico into a poverty state. Marcos organized the people and put an end to the abuse in the state of Chiapas. In spite of his accomplishments toward social justice, no one is certain of the identity of Marcos. 

Hilda Solis: Celebrating Another Birthday With Success

Reasons For Mexillence:

Hilda Solis

1. Overcame her underprivileged background to pursue education.


2. Serves as the current United States Secretary of Labor under the Obama Administration.


3. Served in the United States House of Representatives from 2001 to 2009.


Today, Hilda Solis celebrates her 53rd birthday! Solis has various reasons to celebrate. Even though she is now considered a well-established politician, Solis overcame obstacles from an early age.

Yovani Gallardo: Mexican-American Success In MLB

Yovani Gallardo

Reasons For Mexillence:

1. Persevered through minor leagues to become a starting pitcher in the MLB (Major League Baseball)

2. Selected to the 2010 MLB All-Star Game and started in the 2011 MLB Playoffs.

3. Serves as an example for others interesting in pursuing a career in the MLB.

It's midway through October and the MLB Playoffs are well underway. Even though the Milwaukee Brewers face elimination tomorrow, the achievements from their starting pitcher still provides reasons to celebrate their success this season. In fact, his success as a player often overshadows his personal accomplishments. During his youth, Yovani Gallardo moved from a small ranch near Penjamillo, Michoacan (in Mexico) to Forth Worth, Texas in search of a better life. 

LULAC: Organization Seeking Social Justice

 Reasons For Mexillence:

Official LULAC Logo

1. Largest and oldest Hispanic organization in the United States.

2. Main purpose is to curtail discrimination.

3. Provide different opportunities for political involvement.

As the current National Hispanic Heritage Month draws to a close today, one may observe the accomplishments of organizations under the classification of Hispanic or Latino. For instance, one of the most significant advocacy organization for Hispanics is the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC). 

Rosa Gumataotao Rios: Success Through Persaverance

Rosa Gumataotao Rios

Reasons For Mexillence:

1. Became Treasurer of the United States.

2. Transitioned toward politics in order to follow her passion.

3. Serves as an example for others that are unsure whether to pursue different careers.

Look at any recently-printed paper currency from the United States. The signature on the left side (the one labeled Treasurer of the United States) is most likely mispronounced by the same Americans that routinely utilize the currency. That name was first signed by Rosa Gumataotao Rios on August 6, 2009; a few days before being sworn in as treasurer.

SPM: Another Birthday Awaiting Social Justice

SPM

Reasons For Mexillence:

1. Persevered through poverty and pursued a successful career.

2. Regarded often as the "Mexican 2Pac."

3. Remains hopeful in the American justice system.

Happy Birthday SPM:

A couple of days ago, it was SPM's birthday. SPM has many reasons to celebrate. SPM persevered through the notorious South Park neighborhood of Houston, Texas and eventually became one of the most successful independent artists ever. Although he remained independent for most of his career, SPM recorded 6 albums that charted on the Billboard 200. Unfortunately, SPM cannot celebrate properly since he remains in prison.

Tom Flores: Opening Doors With The "RAY-DAS" (Raiders)

Tom Flores

Reasons For Mexillence:

1. Pursued career and became successful in spite of the initial obstacles.

2. Opened the door for many Mexican-Americans in the NFL.

3. Only person to win at least one Super Bowl as a quarterback, assistant coach, and head coach.

Last Sunday Night Football, the NFL and NBC observed the begining of National Latino Heritage Month. As they introduced the Pittsburgh Steelers as "Los Acereros De Pittsburgh," I began to wonder who was the first Mexican-American to demonstrate Mexillence in the NFL. 

Dr. Alfredo Quinones-Hinojosa Will Speak At San Joaquin Delta College

Dr. Q

Reasons For Mexillence:

1. Persevered through obstacles in the United States to become a neurosurgeon.

2. Pursued a better life to the best of his ability.

3. Provides an example for others interested in pursuing fields where Mexican-Americans are underrepresented.

Event Itself:

On October 8, 2011, Dr. Alfredo Quinones-Hinojosa will deliver his lecture, "From Migrant Farm Worker To Brain Surgeon," at San Joaquin Delta College (in Stockton, CA).

At first, you may ask: how can a neurosurgeon relate to a migrant farm worker? Is he promoting some charity event out of guilt? No!

Selena Gomez: Commercial Success

Selena Gomez

Reasons For Mexillence:

1. Pursued professional goals since a young age.

2. Maintains commercial success in music.

3. Serves as a positive example for the youth.

Recent Success:

During the summer Selena Gomez & The Scene released their 3rd studio album. Although she is only 19-years-old, Selena Gomez has had and continues to have commercial success with her music. "When The Sun Goes Down" has maintained top-10 postions in several countries, such as in the United States, Mexico, Spain, Canada, Belgium, and Norway.

Aurelio Lopez: From Senor Smoke To Municipal President

Aurelio "Senor Smoke" Lopez

Reasons For Mexillence:

1. Pursued a political career to improve socity to the best of his ability.

2. Achieved several noticeable accomplishments as a pitcher in Major League Baseball.

3. Serves as an example for others that consider switching careers in order to improve society.

The birthday of Aurelio Lopez was a few days ago on September 21, 2011. Although he passed away in 1992, Lopez achieved several accomplishments in both the athletic and political arenas.

Victor Ortiz: Remaining A Mexican-American Gentleman And Hero

Victor Ortiz (in white in the video)

Reasons For Mexillence:

1. Overcame a dysfunctional family and economic situation in order to attain and defend the WBC welterweight title.

2. Immediately and publicly apologized after committing a mistake.

3. Accepted responsibility for the repercussions of his mistakes.

Event Itself:

On Saturday night Victor Ortiz entered the anticipated bout with Floyd Mayweather Jr. The fight appeared even through the fourth round. However, Ortiz made a mistake and headbutted Mayweather near the conclusion of the fourth round. Immediately after the headbutt, Ortiz recognized his mistake and apologized to Mayweather.

Miguel Hidalgo: Leading Mexico Through Perseverance

Reasons For Mexillence:

1. Led Mexican people toward independence from oppressive Spanish government.

2. Sought to improve society through avenues beyond his profession (as a Catholic priest).

3. Sacrificed his life in order to preserve equality in society.

During the 201st birthday of Mexico, President Felipe Calderon waved the Mexican flag and gave the traditional "grito." During his shout, Calderon reminded citizens of several of the leaders from the revolution.

Even though the event itself does not directly influence society, the celebration reminded several individuals of the original date. On September 16, 1810, Miguel Hidalgo led mestizos and indigenous people to declare independence from the oppressive Spanish government. You may ask, how is this anything special? How does this contribute to society?

Mexico Is Almost 201 Years-Old!

Have you ever wondered what other current events or people are affecting Mexican culture aside from the drug cartels? The answer is similar to all other cultures. Countless events and persons from Mexican culture continually contribute to society.

The following blogs will describe several events and individuals currently contributing to the improvement of society that are related to Mexican culture.

As we approach Friday, Mexico will celebrate its 101st birthday. The next few blogs will describe some specific events and individuals from the Mexican Revolution and insight about their effects on society.