Blogamole › Soledad O'Brien

By Sugey Palomares

Everyone in America is still celebrating the words, "Osama bin Laden is dead." President Obama's historical speech sparked cheerful reactions across our nation, and nowhere was more prevalent than in the social media world.

The rich and famous welcomed the news in 140 characters or less.

Calle 13's René made a controversial remark:

"¡Presente! The death of Osama Bin Laden is no longer the exception to the rule. They killed Osama Bin Laden, but now it's time to go after Bush. What is the difference between Al Qaeda and the US Army? One charges to kill and the other kills over an ideal. In what moment is it okay to kill anyone? In one moment does killing other people become terrorism?"

Ninel Conde got confused -at first thought that Barack Obama was killed:

"I'm sorry about President Barack Obama's death. My condolences to the United States."

After reviewing the headlines clearly, she retracted her statement and added:

For everyone's information I will not express myself in anyway in relation to the death of Bin Laden. Any news that relates me to this topic is completely false and not in my character. Blessings to all."

CNN presenter Soledad O'Brien -who is no stranger to coverage related to the war against terrorism- said:

"Seems like a lifetime ago that 9-11 happened. I remember that day so clearly. Looking up to see a plane hit the first tower."

"I mean, is bin laden just replaced in some way? Or does this begin to dismantle al qaeda?"

Other celebs including Rosario Dawson, Katy Perry, and Lady Gaga also posted reactions:

Rosario Dawson re-tweeted:

"Obama: “the US is not – and never will be – at war with Islam…Bin Laden was not a Muslim leader; he was a mass murderer of Muslims.”

Katy Perry:

"America! F**k yeah! Here to save the motherf**kin' day, yeah! Does anyone else find it strange that this is announced on May Day? I am relieved in some ways, but have a feeling of uncertainty now. I believe in justice, but don't you think that an eye for an eye will make the world blind?"

Lady Gaga:

"Just landed. Watching CNN, what a historical moment in the fight against hatred."

Jessica Alba:

"Wow it's confirmed" Re-tweeted: Obama: "We are not, never will be at war with Islam."

Lindsay Lohan:

"Go USA!"

We love Katy Perry's eloquent words! What are some of your favorite tweets?

Source: [US Magazine]

Tags Barack Obama, Calle 13, Jessica Alba, Katy Perry, Lady Gaga, Lindsay Lohan, Ninel Conde, osama bin laden, Rosario Dawson, Soledad O'Brien

CNN news anchor, Soledad O'Brien was at the MTV headquarters this Monday with an exclusive screening of her upcoming documentary Latino in America, in which she explores the Latino experience in the United States. She herself is Latina as her full name suggests, Maria de la Soledad Teresa O'Brien. Her mother is Afro-Cuban and her father is from Australia, with an Irish and Scottish background - that explains the freckles on her face!

Last month, when Blogamole interviewed Soledad O'Brien at the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute's 32nd Annual Awards Gala, la periodista shared with us her parents' experience in the United States and how they were forced to go to Washington D.C. to get married because interracial marriage was illegal at the time in Maryland, where they met.  Now, 40 years later, there are a different set of challenges that lie ahead for people of color. In this 2-part documentary, O'Brien introduces us to Latinos of all different ages and across the U.S., who share their personal stories.

The first part of the documentary is called "The Garcias," which O'Brien tells us is the 8th most popular surname in the U.S. today.  In this portion of the story, we are introduced to a handful of Garcias from all across the nation, including Cindy Garcia, a student who is struggling to catch up on credits - taking classes from 8am to 8:30pm - in order to graduate high school. Two weeks shy from finishing her classes, Cindy discovers something life-changing that may keep her from completing her credits.

In the second part of the documentary, O'Brien takes us to different Latino communities, including Miami, where we meet Martha, a 15-year-old girl who came to the U.S. illegally by crossing the Rio Grande river on a tire tube, despite not knowing how to swim, because she wanted to find her mother. Although she finds her, she is faced with an unfortunate circumstance that lands her in court, facing deportation. We witness as she struggles to stay in the U.S. instead of being sent back to a country where no one can take care of her.

Inspired by the stories collected for her documentary, O'Brien decided to write a book with the same name, Latino in America, where she not only includes more revealing accounts and never-before-seen interviews and exclusive photos from the special, but also tells the story of her own life.  El libro esta disponible in stores now.

Here is a short clip of Latino in America where Soledad O'Brien interviews Eva Longoria Parker. Watch to find out why Eva Longoria's nickname was "the ugly one" growing up!

Photos via Getty Images

Tags CHCI 32nd Annual Awards Gala, CNN, Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute, Cuban, Eva Longoria Parker, Latinos, Latinos in America, Soledad O'Brien, Washington DC

This past weekend's ALMA awards showcased some of the biggest Latin names in entertainment.  Among the big names to win an award este fin de semana were John Leguizamo for 'Nothing Like the Holidays,' Benjamin Bratt for 'The Cleaner,' Selena Gomez for 'Wizards of Waverly Place,' Lauren Velez for her role in TV's 'Dexter.'  Also honored at the ceremony were Oscar De La Hoya, who received the Special Achievement in Sports Television award, and Salma Hayek was given the Anthony Quinn Award for Industry Excellence.  La ceremonia was hosted by comedian George Lopez and actriz/activista Eva Longoria Parker (who seemed to have a costume change for every award!)

As always, our eyes were glued to the red carpet, and here are some of our faves!

Sexiest Silver Screen Siren

Award-winning Salma Hayek VS. awards show co-host, Eva Longoria Parker

Best Vestido Rojo on the Red Carpet

'Entourage' babe Jamie-Lynn Sigler VS. CNN periodista Soledad O'Brien

Most Stylish Calvo

Performer Pitbull VS. 'Prison Break' star Amaury Nolasco

Who are your faves?  Get more info on the 2009 Alma Awards aquí.

Photos via Getty Images/WireImage

Tags 2009 Alma Awards, Amaury Nolasco, benjamin bratt, Eva Longoria Parker, George Lopez, Jamie-Lynn Sigler, John Leguizamo, Lauren Velez, Oscar de la Hoya, Pitbull, Salma Hayek, Selena Gomez, Soledad O’Brien, wizards of waverly place