In an attempt to best serve the rapidly growing Hispanic community in Memphis, a group of eight University of Memphis faculty members and research associates have formed an interdisciplinary group geared toward exploring Latino issues.
The Working Group on Latino Issues focuses on producing and disseminating scientific knowledge about the social, educational, cultural, economic and health concerns faced by Latinos in the Mid-South area.
"We are trying to promote an understanding of Latino knowledge and promote interest in Latino issues, such as the history and literature of the people," said Marcela Mendoza, project coordinator for the Center for Research on Women at The U of M and a member of the working group. "I believe that we are the most productive group in Memphis on this subject. We are also active in trying to receive grant money to conduct research."
According to Mendoza, the group also works to promote interest and knowledge of Latino issues among undergraduate and graduate students at The U of M while working collaboratively with community agencies and individuals to improve the quality of life for Latinos in the Mid-South area.
"We, as The University, have a great opportunity to provide a service to Latinos," said Luchy Burrell, senior research associate for the Regional Economic Development Center. "We also have a great opportunity to apply our skills, provide information and show results on the issue."
The members of the group are from different departments across campus, providing an extra strength when it comes to comparing the results of research, according to group member Cindy Martin.
"We are trying to determine how we can incorporate more Latin American studies dealing with different issues," Martin said. "We are just getting started, so we are trying to see what we can do and where we want to go."
Some group members said they're interested in conducting and teaching Latino subjects.
Currently, Marta Sierra, a U of M professor of foreign languages and a member of the group, is teaching several classes focusing on Spanish, including intermediate conversation in Spanish, contemporary Spanish American fiction and a graduate class seminar on Spanish American literature.
Philippe Zacair of the history department teaches Caribbean history, while Mendoza teaches a course entitled "New Immigrants, New Americans: Latinos in the United States."
Mendoza said her course is designed for students who want to expand their knowledge of the new immigration of Latinos to the U.S. with emphasis on the experiences of Latino immigrants.
"There were very few classes on Latinos before," Mendoza said. "Slowly, we are trying to change that."
The group has produced several research projects concerning Latino issues, including a working paper describing the impact Latino immigrants have had in the Memphis area.
"We want to show the economic impact that has occurred due to the working Latinos," Mendoza said. "Latinos come here to work because Memphis is good. It has a good environment and plenty of jobs."
According to the report, co-authored by Mendoza, there are currently 27,429 Latino workers in the Memphis economy. Last year, Latino workers earned $570.8 million in wages and salaries in the Memphis area.
The paper also said Latinos generated approximately $12.3 million in local and state sales taxes through their commercial expenditures in 2000. Latinos spent $359.6 million in the local economy, including $45 million in local grocery stores, $20.2 million in restaurants and $74.8 million for housing. Consumer expenditures by the Latino community also resulted in the creation of 8,544 additional jobs in Memphis, according to the paper.
