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La Barata distributed free a local biweekly Spanish language
newspaper. Social and civic events' columns provided news about the
Hispanic American Cancer Society, the Hispanic Heart Association, the
Hispanic Republicans Club, or the Latin Rotarians International. The
newspaper served the needs of the Spanish-speaking community by pub
lishing news that did not appear in any English language publication.
View of the social structure of the area
The Camara de Comercio Hispano-Americana, the Hispanic Chamber of
Commerce, published articles or information in the Spanish biweekly.
The president of the Chamber told me that his organization worked
within the economic framework of the local community, yet,met the
special needs of the Spanish-speaking population in the district.
According to the president, one of the greatest obstacles he faced in
working within the community was that English-speaking people were
unaware of the economic and social contributions made by the Hispanics
in the community. Cuban-Americans consistently invited the press and
civic leaders to their social and civic events. Only once did a leader
come, when he was running for reelection. The English press seldom
covers news of the Hispanic community. Any news that does appear is
very brief. The Chamber president sees his efforts to assist Hispanics
integrate into the U.S. community as thwarted by the lack of knowledge
and interest.
None of the Cuban-American leaders interviewed expressed hostility
towards the English-speaking community, nor did they mention an awareness
of any hostility toward them. Others echoed the Chamber president in