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!