HNBA and NAHJ Announce “Hispanic Spotlight Initiative”

The Hispanic National Bar Association (HNBA) and the National Association of Hispanic Journalists (NAHJ) announce the “Hispanic Spotlight Initiative” which will bring Hispanic attorneys and journalists together to further common interests between these organizations with respect to the visibility and influence of Hispanics in the media and educating Hispanic journalists of their work place rights.

The primary goals of the Hispanic Spotlight Initiative are to (1) increase the visibility and influence of Hispanic attorneys and journalists in the media, (2) support and foster cooperation among such professionals in the Hispanic community, and (3) address other issues of mutual concern to HNBA and NAHJ members, such as fair treatment on the job and the accurate portrayal of Hispanics by the media.

The initial programs of the initiative include:

* An employment law primer prepared for the NAHJ, The Basics of Employment Law, co-written by HNBA attorneys from Denver, Chicago, Phoenix and Las Vegas, discussing the characteristics and requirements of the profession of journalism and its employment challenges for Hispanics in the media.

* Articles on “do's and don'ts of working with the media” and how Hispanic attorneys can become more prominent opining on legal issues of the day, written by NAHJ Vice President and ABC News Supreme Court/Legal Affairs Correspondent, Manuel Medrano.

* Events in Los Angeles, Dallas and other cities to bring HNBA and NAHJ members together for networking and discussion of the issues described above in their local markets.

* Educate and Help Latino journalists find legal advice to answer questions they may have on their work place rights.

These are the first of many steps anticipated in accomplishing this joint HNBA/NAHJ initiative. To support these organizations in their efforts and share any thoughts you have with them , please contact HNBA Vice President of External Affairs, Martin Garza at garzam@hughesluce.com or NAHJ Deputy Director, Joe Torres at jtorres@nahj.org.

The Hispanic National Bar Association (HNBA) is a non-profit national association representing the interests of Hispanic American attorneys, judges, law professors, and law students in the United States and Puerto Rico. The primary objectives of the HNBA are to increase professional opportunities for Hispanics in the legal profession and address issues of concern to the national Hispanic community. Additionally, HNBA members are leaders within their communities and have increasingly turned to the Association to provide them with information and support on issues affecting local Hispanic communities. Ultimately, the Hispanic National Bar Association works diligently to bring about a better understanding and confidence in our legal system for everyone. Visit the HNBA online at www.HNBA.com.

The National Association of Hispanic Journalists (NAHJ) is dedicated to the recognition and professional advancement of Hispanics in the news industry. Established in April 1984, NAHJ created a national voice and unified vision for all Hispanic journalists. NAHJ has approximately 2,300 members, including working journalists, journalism students, other media-related professionals and journalism educators. The goals of the association are:

* To organize and provide mutual support for Hispanics involved in the gathering or dissemination of news.

* To encourage and support the study and practice of journalism and communications by Hispanics.

* To foster and promote a fair treatment of Hispanics by the media.

* To further the employment and career development of Hispanics in the media.

* To foster a greater understanding of Hispanic media professionals' special cultural identity, interests, and concerns.