Blogamole › PBS

By Michael Lopez

There is no denying that Michelle Rodriguez is a proud Latina. But what parts of Latin America does her heritage stem from? That's what she's hoping to find out in a new PBS documentary called Finding Your Roots.

For the series, Michelle is planning to travel to the Dominican Republic to learn where exactly her forefathers originated. But discovering her ancestral Roots may be easier said than done.

"With my heritage, it stops as soon as the Indians were killed off," she said. "That's the history of the tribes and how they would pass down their words. They wouldn't write it down, they would just pass it down from generation to generation. You are following your entire lineage and all you're left with is a paper trail."

And of course, that's what will make the show compelling. Will Rodriguez be able to uncover her native connections? You'll have to watch PBS to find out. And don’t think the series is stopping there. Other Roots episodes are planning to feature Robert Downey Jr., Samuel L. Jackson, and John Legend.

Are you curious about tracing back your ancestral roots? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Blogger: Michael Lopez, Cultura, Dominican Republic, Finding Your Roots, John Legend, Michelle Rodriguez, PBS, Robert Downey Jr, Samuel L. Jackson, Television

By Michael Lopez

Imagine turning on the TV and seeing President Obama exploring ancient pyramids or scuba diving in the Pacific Ocean. Though it may seem far-fetched to us, Mexico's citizens will get that exact experience with a new adventure series starring President Felipe Calderon.

The 49-year-old political leader has signed on for a new PBS program called The Royal Tour: Mexico. In each 30 minute episode, Felipe will be seen repelling into dangerous caverns, paddling down jungle rivers, and exploring ancient ruins.

The Royal Tour will actually air in America and El Presidente is hopeful it will encourage more travelers to his home turf. Not surprisingly, Mexico's tourism industry has been hit hard by the massive increase in narco-violence.

But the country does have a ton of potential in the adventure department. And though certain areas have been deemed "unsafe," there is still a whole lot of Central American beauty to explore. Of course, The Royal Tour may want to skip Acapulco's beaches.

Would you watch Felipe Calderon's adventure series? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Blogger: Michael Lopez, Felipe Calderon, Mexico, PBS, Politics, Television, The Royal Tour: Mexico

By Michael Lopez

This month, millions of teens around the country are ready to don their caps and gowns to celebrate graduation. But sadly, many more will never reach that milestone. It was recently reported that over one million students quit high school each year, which is not only harmful for those shunning diplomas, but for society as a whole. Now, PBS and actress America Ferrera are hoping to change all that, with a new program aimed to combat the country's increasing dropout rates.

"I come from very modest and humble beginnings," America said. "Very early on I was made aware of the importance of education and how it would be the one sure-fire way to make a better life for ourselves and to achieve the things that we dreamed of achieving."

Ferrera has become one of young Hollywood’s greatest success stories. Born into a family of six, had to work odd jobs during her teens. But America never gave up on her high school studies, eventually earning a degree (and a whole lot of money after that on Ugly Betty).

Ferrera says education was a key component to her success and is now working with PBS to promote their new American Graduate initiative. Focused on providing resources for disenchanted high schoolers, the program recently received a $4.4 million grant to help get the ball rolling.

“Participation from community members will be extremely important in identifying the reasons students drop out, helping to create solutions and, ultimately, increasing high school graduation rates, PBS CEO Patricia Harrison said. [PBS] Stations will work with students, parents, educators, volunteers, civil groups, local government, business and others to take action to help students in ways that best fit their particular community.", she added.

During a press conference announcing the initiative, America pledged her support as well. She also stressed how important earning that degree has been in her personal and professional life.

"Educating a child is not only about them, but the generation that comes after them. It's hard enough as it is as an educated person in feeling like you can make a difference I can't imagine [life] without my education."

Do you plan on furthering your education? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags America Ferrera, American Graduate, Education, High School, Patricia Harrison, PBS

By Michael Lopez

Truth be told, it is pretty hard to classify exactly what a “Latino” is. Even if you unite certain parts of the culture by country, there are still plenty of mixed ethnicities that define each individual person. Some of us have strictly Spanish heritage, others Mayan or Aztec, and many more can trace their roots back to Africa. Now, PBS is offering a fascinating look at the latter category with their new documentary Black in Latin America.

Hosted by famed Harvard professor Dr. Henry Louis Gates, Black in Latin America focuses specifically on  Mexico, Peru, Cuba, Brazil, Haiti and the Dominican Republic. Throughout the four-part series, Dr. Gates will be traveling to each country to trace historical Afro-Latino events, some of which are not very pleasant.

"In each of these countries [we visited], the poorest people were the people with the kinkiest hair, the thickest lips and the darkest skin," Dr. Gates said. "That is sad."

Even sadder is the dark history that each of the countries hold. As with the United States, slavery was a major motive behind the migration of Africans to Latin America prior to the 20th century. Over 10.5 million Africans were sent to Mexico, Peru, Brazil and Cuba for free labor.

And though slavery in Latin America was abolished long ago, Dr. Gates is still able to illustrate the strong prejudices that exist within each nation’s culture. Interestingly, the special documents how some countries are much more accepting toward Afro-Latinos than others.

“Like everywhere else, the poorest people in each country are the darkest, African-looking people,” Dr Gates explained. “The elite in Cuba were white Cubans. The elite in Brazil are white Brazilians.”

But, as they say, knowledge is power and it’s clear that the PBS producers have done their historical homework. Their intricate timelines go all the way back to the 1700’s, profiling Latin America’s earliest African settlers. And that’s only the beginning. Dr. Gates goes on to trace the positive impact Afro-Latinos have had on the cultura, from sports, to politics, to art, and beyond.

Black In Latin America will be airing through May 10 on local PBS stations.

Who are your favorite Afro-Latinos? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Afro-Latinos, Black In Latin America, Cultura, Documentaries, Dr. Henry Louis Gates, PBS, Television

First comes the White House, next viene la gira?  As we had mentioned Aventura is set to rock the house, the White House that is for President Obama and the Mrs. on Oct 13th, as part of "In Performance at the White House: Fiesta Latina. " The Music Special will air on PBS on Oct 15th, and the kings of Bachata will join Marc Anthony, José Feliciano, George Lopez, Jimmy Smits, Gloria Estefan and more!! We cannot wait for that! Romeo says, "It is a great honor for Aventura to take part in this special event at the White House. We are thrilled to be able to represent the Dominican culture and bring the sound of Bachata to an even wider audience."

Photo via Getty Images

Well that's great that they're performing for our President but what about us? We want to see them too! Pues they are gearing up to do a U.S. Arena Tour!  To see tour dates just click after the jump! Tickets for New York's Madison Square Garden go on sale October 8th!

Read more...

Tags Aventura, PBS, President Obama, The White House, Tour