SOMOS USTEDES - WE ARE YOU
PROJECT
A Vision of the US-Latino Destiny

BACKGROUND
In preparation for its 2nd National Conference on Latino Elderly, the Latino Gerontological Center (LGC) commissioned Duda Penteado, a renowned international fine artist, to develop the official conference poster. The feedback we received from his work was outstanding. Penteado was successful in reflecting the present status of the Latino community in the USA.

Duda Penteado unveiled his painting during the Latino Gerontological Center's Thirteenth Golden Age Awards, on June 23, 2005 in New York City. Penteado was also one of the year's recipients of the "Community Service Golden Age Award" for volunteering his time and talent not only for the advocacy of the elderly but the community in general. According to Penteado, "Our country is a big mixture of many cultures and Latinos are the fastest growing population in the United States. It's time for the Latino community to rise up and say, "we are Americans! We are you!"

The purpose of this webpage is to initiate, maintain, and share the vision of the US-Latino community as the most dynamic and energetic segment in the country.

So far, the US-Latino community has fallen short of fully utilizing the power of its numbers. We are convinced that the inclusion and unity among Latinos of diverse origins will be key to finding our rightful place in this country’s rich history.

“Thank you Duda. Your artwork is extremely important to our community and to our Country,” said Mario Tapia, LGC’s President & CEO. “The Census Bureau said last year that Latinos are the country's largest and fastest-growing minority group, now representing about 14% of the population. The University of Georgia conducted a study that found that Hispanic disposable income has risen 29% since 2001, twice the overall U.S. increase, reaching $653 billion last year. The projection brings this number to one trillion dollars by the year 2010. These numbers speak loud and clear. Latinos are here to stay. We no longer can be seen as an alien group, because we are an integral part of this big nation; WE ARE THE USA!”

Tapia was the recipient of the 2003 New York Post’s Liberty Medal of Freedom, as well as other notable distinctions highlighting his efforts of sharing his expertise on elderly issues, particularly in the United States.

The Latino Gerontological Center (LGC) was founded in 1991 to enhance the quality of life for the Latino elderly. This has been accomplished through educational programs, trainings and advocacy efforts. CGL has been extremely effective reaching hundreds of thousands of Latino elderly and their families in both Spanish and English speaking electronic and print media, thereby helping elderly as well as providing them a voice.