2009 National Ethnic Media Awards Winners

Arts, Sports & Entertainment (In-Language)

Winner

"A Mixture of Languages"
Leslie Froelich, Mundo Hispánico

Runner Up

"Off-Track Betting Stations"
Boon Hon Choo, World Journal

Arts, Sports & Entertainment (In-Language)

Winner: Leslie Froelich, "A Mixture of Languages," Mundo Hispánico (Atlanta, Georgia)

Growing up in Cleveland, Ohio, and not speaking a word of Spanish until she learned it in high school, Leslie Froelich never imagined she'd soon be writing for Nuevo Sumario newspaper in Cordoba, Argentina, then find herself covering finance, business, real estate, heath, and lifestyle at Mundo Hispanico, Atlanta's largest Spanish-language newspaper.

It was in the newsroom, overhearing colleagues from Venezuela, Columbia, Mexico, Puerto Rico and across Latin America, where Froelich first became fascinated by the sounds of Spanglish, the hybrid language of English and Spanish embraced especially by younger Latinos in the United States.

"One day I heard people talking about the craziest Spanglish phrases they've ever heard. I heard someone say, 'Voy a vacumear la carpeta.' (I am going to vacuum the carpet.) The literal translation in English would be 'I am going to vacuum the folder.'"

A story began to brew. Froelich most wanted to know if the collision of Spanish and English was generally viewed as a bad thing — a devaluing of the Spanish language — or a good thing — a natural evolution of words that help create a common framework especially among newcomers.

"I thought I was going to find more of a balanced mix of responses, particularly among academics, that Spanglish is ruining the Spanish language, obstructing it, when really, most felt it was a reflection of where the country is headed."

Living in Atlanta for the past three years and working at Mundo Hispanico has given Froelich the chance to immerse herself in the numerous issues affecting the Hispanic population in Georgia, including immigration reform and the controversy surrounding driver's licenses.

In March of 2009, she was recognized by the National Association of Hispanic Publications (NAHP) for her articles "Mentiras que roban" (best business article) and "Un Mix de idiomas" (best cultural article).


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Testimonials

About NAM's First National Ethic Media Awards
Washington, D.C., 2006

Hillary Rodham Clinton

I want to congratulate the honorees who are receiving the equivalent of the “Pulitzer Prize.” Every generation brings so many voices to the debate. Ethnic media represent the way the new Washington needs to connect to the new America.

Len Downie, Executive Editor, Washington Post

I was very pleased that I could be at the awards ceremony. New America Media is a very significant journalistic organization and you are doing important work.

Michael Jack, VP of Diversity, NBC Network

Congratulations for pulling off such a successful event. It is not easy to do anything for the first time, but you managed to do just that. The well deserving recipients truly appreciated the acknowledgement.

Brant Houston, Executive Director, Investigative Reporters and Editors, Inc.

Thanks for including us in this great project.

Lorena Hernandez, Bay Area Director of Communications, Comcast

Congratulations on the successful National Ethnic Media Events in DC!

Juliet K. Choi, National Partnership Development Senior Associate, American Red Cross

Congratulations on a beautiful inaugural Ethnic Media Awards – and kudos for getting Senator Clinton to show!

Julie H. Sun, Corporate Relations and Housing Outreach Manager, Freddie Mac

We were very happy to be engaged.

Pat Lawson Muse, Anchor, NBC4

Congratulations for pulling off such a successful event. Many of the stories that generated awards were so moving. The well de- serving recipients truly appreciated the acknowledgement.

Anna Lefer, U.S. Programs Program Officer, Open Society Institute

Congratulations on a hugely successful awards ceremony. After scanning the crowd of journalists and executives from ethnic and mainstream media, elected officials, international dignitaries and diplomats, and DC insiders, it is quite clear that NAM is a part of the political fabric down in DC.

Pam Larson, Executive Vice President, National Academy of Social Insurance

Being part of NAM’s gathering and associated events was a true honor and thrill for us! . . . You’ve got a real eye for the future -- and for making a better “present” for many people, too!

Ellen Hume, Senior Research Fellow, UMASS Boston

Congratulations to everyone. Our delegation just met here at UMASS Boston to recount how inspiring the NAM awards and work- shops were. Everyone is glowing.

Jon Funabiki, former deputy director of the Media, Arts and Culture with Ford Foundation

New America Media truly has changed the nation by bringing the power of ethnic news media into focus and making people take notice. NAM has changed the course of history.