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 The
Latino Initiative
(A
Program of the
Center for
International Understanding)
Background:
The Center for International Understanding’s
Latino Initiative provides North Carolina policy leaders
with a fresh approach to immigration integration. North
Carolina has the fastest growing Latino population of
any state, and most of the state’s newest residents are
from Mexico. The Latino Initiative provides North
Carolina leaders with resources and information to
create practical solutions for successfully
incorporating immigrants into their communities. The
University of North Carolina at Charlotte is the
institutional partner for this initiative.
Why
Mecklenburg County?
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Through
comparative statistical research, the Center
recognized that Mecklenburg County has the highest
Latino population in North Carolina.
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Based on
the US census figures, Mecklenburg County experienced
a 571 percent increase in its Latino population from
1990 to 2000.
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Charlotte
Mecklenburg schools experienced an 822 percent
increase in its Latino student enrollment from
1995-2005 and had more than 12,000 Latino/Hispanic
students enrolled in 2004.
Census Facts:
Charlotte
North Carolina
Goals:
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Develop a multi-disciplinary network of leaders
interested in investigating the challenges of
incorporating immigrants into strong North Carolina
communities
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Gain a deeper understanding of the cultural,
political, social and economic issues impacting the
decisions of Mexicans to come to North Carolina and
the families they leave behind
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Have a better understanding about what cultural,
governmental, and local resources are available in
North Carolina and in participating counties in order
make appropriate community-based decisions for the
benefit of all residents
Upcoming Events:
 Study in Mexico
(March 26-April 1, 2007):
A
seven-day program in Mexico
for Mecklenburg County leaders to better understand issues impacting decisions
by the Latino population to
come to North
Carolina. (Photo Gallery)
Study in Mexico
(March 15-21, 2005):
Mecklenburg
County leaders visited
Guanajuato, Mexico. ( Photo Gallery)
Reports and Articles:
Latino-Oriented
Research, Education, and Service at UNC Charlotte
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Metropolitan
Studies
and Extended Academic Programs, UNC Charlotte,
October 2005
The
New Latino South: The Context and Consequences of Rapid
Population Growth (July 2005)
Housing Hispanics
and Transitioning Geographies in Charlotte, NC
- Southeastern Geographer,
Volume 44,
Number 2, November 2004, pp. 216-235
Article: "A Profile
of Hispanic Newcomers to North Carolina"
- Popular Government
Resources/Links:
Latino/Hispanic
Newcomer Information
Latino
Organizations
National
Immigration Forum -
the nation’s premier immigrant rights
organization
Articles relating
to Mexican culture, literature, the arts, and more
Facts about Mexico
(geography, history, economy, government, etc.)
Maps:
Street Map of
Guanajuato,
State of Guanajuato,
Mexico
Sponsors**:
Sponsors
of the Latino Initiative for Public Policy and Civic
Leaders in Mecklenburg County include:
** As of December
16, 2004
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