Editor’s Letter

Starting September 15 we commemorate Hispanic Heritage Month, and this year we’re celebrating it a little differently. In lieu of the typical, we sent out Managing Editor Marissa Rodriguez in search of what she calls “cultural evolutionists.” Her quest unearthed a group of innovative artists whose work gives new meaning to the word tradition (p. 32).
And in further, we inaugurate our yearly Entertainment Special with contributor Marcela Rojas’ profile of Alejandro Fernández, an artist who is as comfortable in his traditional charro outfit accompanying his mariachi band as he is in the latest designer garb singing side by side with Beyoncé (p. 66).
Also part of our Entertainment Special, we hand-picked some of the best Latino talent to watch on the small screen this fall (p. 38), and sent Joe Contreras to find out why Hispanics are key to NBC’s future under the stewardship of new co-chairman, Ben Silverman (p. 50).
On a darker note, we talked to Oscar-nominated screenwriter and playwright José Rivera about his latest movie, Trade (p. 42), which delves deep into the underbelly of the human traffic industry. And actor and filmmaker Michael Cory Davis, who recently finished his second documentary about the dire effects of sex trafficking, tells all about an illegal industry that has grown out of control (p. 46).
Finally, you may have noticed a big recycle sign hovering above my head on this page. Amazingly, some of you choose to discard each issue after reading it. If that’s the case, please first consider saving it among your prized possessions. If, after some serious consideration, you still feel like throwing it out, please recycle this magazine.

Happy Heritage!

Daniel Eilemberg
Editor