Latinos and the Nation's Future

Former HUD Secretary Henry Cisneros talked about his book, Latinos and the Nation’s Future (Arte Publico; January 31, 2009). The overriding theme is that the well-being of Latinos should be paramount to the U.S. government, since the demographic will comprise 25 percent of the population in 40 years - and is therefore the future of the country. He participated in a panel discussion on the growing influence of the Latin American population in the U.S. Topics included the impact of the election of President Obama, education, media depictions, and the current economic crisis. Following their discussion, panelists responded to audience members' questions. Esther Olavarria moderated.

Henry Cisneros is chairman of CityView, a company that finances inner-city workforce housing in twelve states. He is also former mayor of San Antonio, the first Latino mayor of a major U.S. city, and former Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. Cisneros was once President and Chief Operating Officer close