By Paula De La Vega
We talked with Erick Oribio, founder of Latin Opinion newspaper, pioneer Spanish media in Baltimore.
How were the ideas gestated of a Spanish newspaperin the community of Baltimore?
Were gestated noticing the needs to serveand educate apopulation increasing and demandinglocal service of quality.
Is LatinOpinion a company operates 100% by Latino? Yes, Latin Opinion staff is 100% Latino, withFavian Fredes Chilean-born, Alba De La Cruzoriginally from Dominican Republic andI from Venezuela as the central axis, however there is a noticeable participation of other. People who havean interest in Baltimore, and whose contribution is part of the success of this company.
One of the tasks of Latin Opinionis community service, how this service impacts the Latino in common?
Through this media,are covers services and programs that are of interestto the community in housing,health, education, transportation andimmigration among others.
What have you learned serving a diversecommunity and the once vibrant?
I learned tobe patience and know in detail how institutions work to serve better our community demands.
What are the motivations to serve Latinos?
My immigrant status reflectsthe same struggles and challenges that our community faces ineveryday life. Our work isintended to improve the quality oflife for all Hispanic / Latinoof Baltimore.
What doyou thank Baltimore?
I appreciate the response,support, acceptance and loyalty of our customers and our readers toward our media.
What difference the Latino?
The Latinos has arange of possibilities and opportunities that still exist, and is on ourside to promote access of those servicesand programs to the community fortheir benefit.
Opinion Latingot to its seven years of continuous work, how you see Latin Opinion in a longterm?
I visualized Latin Opinion as Hispanic media that continue to grow, providing all elements necessary toremain being the community voicein Baltimore.
The recent census figures show that 23.1%of children born in U.S. are from Latino origin, how U.S. prepares forthis avalanche?
We might have a president from Latino origin, we have potential.
Figures from the Pew Hispanic Center showthat 6.1 million Latinochildren live in poverty dueto the crisis that unusual hasbeaten, how can we deal with that?
Witheducation, honest job, and lot of faith we’ll overcome this scourge.
What event in these 7 years hasimpacted the work Latin Opiniondone?
Being representative of communicators Baltimore-Washington in the Annual Conference Communicator Abroad organized by MexicanForeign Ministry in Mexico City in2006 through MexicansInstitute in the exterior.
The Latina marketing has evolved in the recent years, what difference Latin Opinion with your competitors?
What distinguish us are our honesty, ethics,accuracy, and reasonableness.
What values are necessary for the progress of our community?
Education,education and more education not to mention perseverance. Many people say thatimmigrants suffer, but in reality we don’t, we work hard and perseverant tokeep up.
What do you attribute, Erick Oribio, Latin Opinion success?
To the Divine Providence, working together with those who have madeLatin Opinion aproject of their own willing topromote an alternative difference.
Who would you dedicate this celebration?
To my mother, Julieta Quintana de Oribio, my father CarlosOribio, my siblings and my girlfriend.
Chronology of achievements and distinctions
1998 – Baltimore Mayor, Kurt L. Schmoke recognizesErick Oribio as yearvolunteer for his work in the program community radio ‘Impacto Latino .’
2000 – Maryland Governor, Parris Glendening recognizesErick Oribio for his leadership for the operations and campaignsin the Hispanic / Latino community / from the Governor’sOffice Census 2000.
2002 – MarylandGovernor, Parris Glendening recognizesMr. Oribio for implementation, andsuccessful completion of Spanish votingsystem in our state.
2003- The Washington Postrecognizes Erick Oribio as a worthwhile person ‘worthwatching ‘for his work in the radio program «Viva Prince Georges.”
2004 – PrinceGeorge’s County Health Departmentrecognizes Erick Oribio outreach work.
2005 – BaltimoreMayor, Martin O’ Malley recognizesLatin Opinion its valuable contribution in commemorationin its first anniversary.
2006 – PrinceGeorge’s County government recognizesErick Oribio for his community work.
2007 – GovernorO’Malley recognizes ErickOribio for his valuable contributionto improve the quality of life for Prince George’sCounty residents
2008- Hispanic Lawyer Association named Erick Oribio, yearcommunicator.
2009 – Baltimore Public School System recognizes Erick Oribio for his educational contribution to the Hispanic student in the community for theirbenefit.
2010 – Marylandgovernor, Martin O’Malleyrecognizes Latin Opinionfor its continuing efforts and achievements of community order in theregion.
Questionsand answers
1. Facebook or Twitter
Facebook in theUnited States and Twitter in LatinAmerica
2. Thenorth or south
Caribbean Sea
3. Day ornight Dawn
4. Single or Married Engaged
5. Regettonor vallenato Whatever comes
6. Vodkaor Cuba Libre Scotch
7.Orioles or Nationals Both
8. Sushior Gallegan empanada Paella or good seafood
9.Football or Baseball Soccer
10.Lamborgini or Ferrari Ohh Jesus, any of the two..
11. Yourbest secret guarded
Exercise
12. NewYork or Washington Washington
13. Thequality more valuable in a woman … Intelligence…
14.Movie theater or theater The Seventh Art
15. Miami or Latin America ‘In Between …’