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E-newsletter #13 - January 2009
Latest News from Robert Renteria

Coming Full Circle.

It has been nearly one year since From the Barrio to the Board Room was released. This past month I have reflected on how this book has impacted my life. To be able to witness first hand from my own eyes the impact it has had on people regardless of age, race, religion, or economic background has been inspiring and humbling all at the same time. I initially wrote this book with Corey Blake because I wanted to show people that with hard work, determination and education you can live the American Dream, despite where you come from or how old you are or what your skin color is. Those are only perceived obstacles that we are conditioned to buy in to.

But what I have come to realize, after speaking with countless groups, counselors, gang members, and troubled youth, is that those who are benefiting the most from these stories are the people that are literally living their life in the barrio now. They’re on the streets trying to survive. They are now, who I was then.

Coming full circle has allowed me to realize that it’s not how hard you get knocked down, but it’s about how many times you can get back up and keep going.

As President Obama said in his inauguration address, "Starting today, we must pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and begin again the work of remaking America." Today our country is filled with a renewed hope and a vision for brighter future.

I am hopeful that together, we can reach those who need us the most - the people who simply just need to believe in something in order to survive.

Peace,
Robert Renteria
Robert@fromthebarrio.com
312.933.5619




Hispanic Heritage Celebrates Our Youth
I will have the honor of being the keynote speaker at the Annual Hispanic Heritage Advisory Community Breakfast on Thursday at Long Island Sound, 1920 E New York St. in Aurora. Many scholarships will be awarded as a way to honor our outstanding students and leaders. In addition, Jesse Torres will be given the Peter J. Perez Award for exemplifying leadership and commitment to the Hispanic Community. These kids are an inspiration to others and I’m thrilled to be a part of it! Take a look at other upcoming events where I’ll be speaking



Stopping Gang Violence Before It Starts
I recently met with a team of teachers and administrators from the Chicago Public Schools to talk about stopping gang violence before it even starts. I’ll be working this spring and fall with four schools in Chicago, talking with the kids and using From the Barrio to the Board Room as a tool to show how drugs and violence are not the answer to being successful in life. If you would like to be involved or donate books to support the kids in Chicago’s schools, email me at robert@fromthebarrio.com.



One Rapper's Perspective of Barrio
Poet and hip hop artist DELUX: The Light absorbed From the Barrio to the Board Room and gracefully created a spoken word performance based on the book. I’m in awe (and humbled). Take a listen here.


Lion's Club Orders Books on the Spot
I had the pleasure of speaking with the Lion’s Club in Aurora a few weeks ago and the energy of this group and their desire to reach out and help others is just incredible. We chatted about the challenges our youth face today and what we can do to help. They will be purchasing books to donate to an organization whose mission is the same as ours – to help kids and adults alike live the American Dream. I am so thankful for groups and organizations like this that are helping others. Are you one of those groups? If so, let’s work together! Email me at robert@fromthebarrio.com.


Get Your Copy
Click here to order From the Barrio to the Board Room and see what everyone is talking about.

And take the Barrio Challenge! You don’t have to be rich to make a difference! Donate books in small numbers or large. Forward this newsletter. Be part of the solution by standing with me and actively doing something together today!



Partners in reaching out to our youth:

Midwest Laundry equipment company supplies all brands of used commercial coin and non coin operated washers and dryers across the United States and abroad. For more information call 312-933-5619

Our youth are facing tremendous struggles and difficult odds. School shootings and gang violence are affecting all of us. But this is our moment. This is our time. Our time to take a new path for the children we love in this country we love. Everyone deserves a fair shot at chasing the American Dream! I am prepared for this challenge. I am prepared to make a difference. Together we can change the world!

PASS IT ON!
Know some book lovers? Do them a favor and forward this e-mail.

For more information about Robert Renteria and From the Barrio to the Board Room,
Click here or contact Corey Blake at Writers of the Round Table Press.

Writers of the Round Table Inc.
1670 Valencia Way
Mundelein, IL 60060
224.475.0392
www.writersoftheroundtable.com