Jay Bildstein

ArizonaApartheid.com



On April 23rd, bill SB 1070 was signed into law in Arizona, criminalizing undocumented people in that U.S. state. Estimates put the number of undocumented residents there, many from Mexico, at about 500,000.

This law is unjust. It creates apartheid. One definition of apartheid is, "A policy or practice of separating or segregating groups." The world is undergoing great economic upheaval. Times like these bring out the best and worst in people. 1070 is an example of the worst.

For decades, Mexican people have migrated to the U.S. seeking work. The vast majority of these human beings are hard workers, doing their best to feed their families. They must not be punished. Though U.S. federal law prohibits undocumented immigration, it seems many companies and individuals were happy to have an industrious labor pool willing to do backbreaking work for very low pay.

1070 does not retroactively address those entities that reaped the benefits of that work. Homes were built, gardens tended, children cared for, meals cooked, lands cultivated and art created. The workers who performed these essential labors are now scapegoats.

1070 classifies undocumented human beings as criminals. It sets the stage for racial profiling, establishes an underclass and is hypocritical. People of conscience must work together, peacefully and legally, to see it repealed. In its place, a fair path to citizenship must be provided.

To that end, ArizonaApartheid.com was created. There, you will find English/Spanish songs Land of the Free/Tierra de la Libertad -available as free downloads- sung by mega-talent Alexandra Taveras. Ms. Taveras currently tours with Marc Anthony and Jennifer Lopez, toured with Thalía, had a number one duet with Tito Nieves and worked with late music legends Tito Puente and Celia Cruz.

The songs were written, composed and produced by highly regarded, Latin Grammy nominee José Luis Pagan who has worked with Thalía, Alejandra Guzmán and Marc Anthony, among others.

Chris Apostle, a former vice-president at Sony Music Entertainment, now running his own shop and, recently, Thalía's tour manager for the Latin Grammys, serves as one of the executive producers and as the recording's coordinator. He is one of music's good guys, with a heart as big as his talent.

Bridget Zeuner, a web-based community expert, living in Arizona, is onboard as an executive producer, lending her considerable skills, as well as her bravery. Chris Yandek of CYInterview.com, a superb interview journalist, is ceaselessly supporting the project and focusing his energies on spreading the word.

We have received support on Twitter from phenomenal, singer/songwriter Shontelle Layne -now #17 on the pop charts with her song Impossible- and have gotten Twitter-love from recording artist Mya - last year's runner-up on Dancing with the Stars.

Xalapa based artist Emmanuel Sotelo Navarro created the excellent artwork for the music. Arizona based Christina Wilson, a burgeoning filmmaker, has come onboard to direct a video, as well as share her insights.

Remedios Sullivan, co-founder of Both Sides, has taken charge of translating and disseminating the message to the Spanish speaking world. I have worked to organize ArizonaApartheid.com and am humbled to serve as an executive producer with the world class talent mentioned.

We are on a journey to see 1070 repealed. All human beings must be treated with equality and dignity. We ask your help. Please go to www.ArizonaApartheid.com, download the free music and friend us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter and the other platforms linked on the site. Thank you.

As always, you can reach us at bothsidesdx@hotmail.com. We look forward to hearing from you.