Agents of Change

As a boy in Los Angeles, I was always puzzled that Latinos weren't more prevalent in Southern California's cultural institutions.

As I've written in the past, because of this I almost felt "invisible" while growing up. Times are changing, though. These changes, however, didn't take place without a struggle and the commitment of visionaries.

Here's a terrific article, Sylmar bookshop celebrates Latino culture, about Tia Chucha's Centro Cultural and Bookstore, where I had the privilege of reading two years ago. Latinos throughout the United States owe a debt of gratitude to folks like writer Luis Rodriguez and his wife Trini who through great sacrifices have managed to help make Latinos visible.