L.A. mayor addresses perceived tensions between blacks and Latinos

Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa on Monday said Latinos and African Americans must "face up to" existing racial strains over jobs, language differences and violent crime by addressing the underlying causes of those tensions, primarily poverty and the lack of opportunity, reports Phil Willon.

At the same time, Villaraigosa dismissed those who believe that such tensions define the relationship between blacks and Latinos "as if it's endemic to our DNA to have conflict."

Villaraigosa waded into the volatile issue of race at the National Black Latino Summit, a conference of community leaders and organizers who came to Los Angeles to tighten bonds between the nation's two largest minority groups and counter the "hyperventilating" over perceptions of a racial divide.

Read more about Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa speaking at the National Black Latino Summit yesterday here.

-- Deborah Bonello in Mexico City

Comments

[Southoc]

It is simple economics. The population is unsustainable. This is the usual cause of war and conflict.

[TRU BELIEVER]

i agree with the 9:55 post that's why i already voted and i voted for a "REAL" king and his name is JESUS CHRIST

[RallyVincent]

I concur with Mr. Villagrossa (sorry if mis-spelled). Latinos and blacks have more in common biologically, culturally, creativity, and intellectually than anyone can percieve. I'm black with hispanic blood ties. It's natural for me to feel sensitively towards black/latino conflict. We need to come together and combat the dominant culture (mainly whites, don't get me wrong not all whites are bad). Emphasize to fight for better academic programs and better resources for living healthier, welfare free lives. Blacks are not meant to be drug dealers and latinos are not meant to be burger-flippers and servants. WE both deserve better.

[Gina]

I think what the mayor did was great. Too many times politicians realize there's an issue but look the other way. Address it and get to the root of the problem. Most of the problems between Latinos and Blacks in L.A. are probably gang related. What average black person has any animosity toward a Hispanic person or vice versa?
The mayor isn't slighting anyone. He's addressing the constant media reports of crime and hatred between these two groups. I don't believe its true with regards to average citizens, just the gangs. Thank you Mayor.

[talia]

I do live this state of CA but what you just posted. I find very sad on that Mayors Part. He should not take care of on race or ethnic group, all should be taken care regardless the back round or color of skin. This country , No the people that run this country are to be ashamed of themselves. You guys cannot let a man like this re-elected. It is very sorry that all politicans are scandels. We the people cannot trust any to do right by us.
Be strong a change is coming, trust in god.

[unknowm]

well i just believe the mayor understands that he needs the black vote so now is the time to help but guess what we don't want it. what about when he was building all those centers in latino areas and outright in plan sight just helping his people what about us then or when latinos in habor city daily violated blacks civil rights what was done about that babies were killed are when the illegal immigrant killed the black football player and his mother who rightfully served her country tried to pass a good law thats really needed our mayor fought hard against it and that law is a wonderful way to protect the innocent citizens but the mayor protects all his people good and bad what a shame.