Mexico’s Former Braceros to Appeal to Inter-American Court to Recover Savings Fund – In a confusing recent verdict, Mexico’s Supreme Court has refused to authorize the reimbursement of the savings fund owed to former braceros hired to work in the United States in the 1940s, 50s and 60s. Instead, the Court decided to grant a minimum amount to each affected individual as “social support.” The legal advisor to the former braceros, Porfirio Martínez, called the ruling a mockery and an outrage and declared his intention to appeal the decision before the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights.
Afro-Colombian Drum Classes Motivate Inmates and Inspire Teachers – A group of inmates at a medium-security prison in the city of Norco in Riverside County say that taking Afro-Caribbean drum lessons has not only helped to alleviate the racial tensions common in prisons, but also to give them a positive attitude about life after incarceration. This experience has also affected the traditional musicians who teach them, who said they have found a source of creative inspiration in the inmates. Ruben Tapia spoke with participants in one of these classes behind bars and shares their stories. This report is part of the series Arts in Corrections, sponsored by the Alliance for California Traditional Arts (ACTA) with funding from the California Arts Council.
