MANASSAS — Stephanie Williams has been an active force in Latino communities for most of her life.
Before moving to Virginia in 1989 she had been an AmeriCorps VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America) member helping farmworkers in California as well as a teacher in South America.
Once moving to Prince William County however, Williams dove into several roles dedicated to bridging the gaps within the local Latino community. One such role was in creating the only local Spanish language television program in the county Panorama Latino.
The show began as a response to a tragedy, just a few days before Christmas in the early 1990s, a Hispanic family found themselves caught in a house fire that started in the basement. Only one member of the family, a young boy, lived while the rest of the family died in the flames.
“I believe that bringing information to the Hispanic community in their native or primary language is more impactful and beneficial in letting the people know what is going on in their community,” said Williams.
Panorama Latino began its original run in 1991 when Williams was approached by then Comcast Cable Vice-President Troy Fitzhugh about starting up a local Spanish language show that would bring news and information to the local Latino community. The program’s original run lasted from 1991 to 1992 but returned in 2001 and has continued to run for the last 19 years.
The show’s goals and topics range from health, fire prevention, law enforcement, education, immigration, among other subjects. The show has had various organizations such as the Social Security Administration, the American Red Cross, The Life With Cancer Family Center and several others come on and give information that is vital to the Latino community.
According to Williams, this helps with the assimilation process of newly arrived immigrants by giving them a way to learn about not just the local, state and federal laws but learning about community resources and activities.
The existence of such a show has proven vital to the growing Latino community and the community is indeed growing. According to the U.S Census, the total population of the Latino Community rose from 4.5% in 1990 to 20.3% in 2010 which would come to over 400,000 Latinos amongst the population of Prince William County. According to Data.com, that percentage has grown to 28% which has added another 100,000 Latinos to the county population.
Panorama Latino airs on Comcast Channel 2 Friday nights at 8:30 pm and can also be viewed on YouTube. Its latest episode will guest Prince William County Police Chief Barry Barnard and will air in September.
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Craving something smoky, savory, and downright delicious? Dixie Bones has been serving up authentic Southern BBQ since 1996, offering slow-cooked meats and homemade sides that capture the essence of comfort food.
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Join us for Open Mic Night at Eavesdrop Brewery! Whether you’re a seasoned performer or just testing the waters, this is your chance to share your talents.
Dates and Times:
Happening multiple times from January 16 to March 20, 2025! Check below for specific dates and times.
Location:
Eavesdrop Brewery
7223 Centreville Rd, Suite 115, Manassas
Don’t miss the fun – bring your friends and enjoy great performances while sipping on your favorite brews!
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Insidenova.com: A bipartisan coalition of Virginia lawmakers on Tuesday presented a series of bills aimed at addressing the rapid expansion of data centers, which have become a cornerstone of the state’s economy but have raised concerns about energy use, environmental impact, and equitable cost distribution.
Gov. Glenn Youngkin highlighted the industry’s importance during his State of the Commonwealth address Monday, noting that “data centers alone support 74,000 jobs, bring in $9.1 billion in Virginia GDP, and generate billions in local revenue.” He called for Virginia to remain “the data center capital of the world” while ensuring state support for the industry.
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The Center Square: Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin delivered the final State of the Commonwealth address of his term Monday after a delayed start to the 2025 General Assembly session, urging the state legislature to “keep Virginia winning” with bills it passes this year.
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Start 2024 on the right foot by prioritizing your mental health and well-being. At Peaceful Mind Solutions, we understand how challenging life can be—whether it’s managing stress from work, family dynamics, or navigating the complexities of the world around us. Our team is here to help you create balance and find the peace you deserve.
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Experience the passion and drama of Puccini’s “The Girl from the Golden West”.
Featuring special guest musicians from The Chesapeake Youth Orchestra, this performance brings Puccini’s masterpiece to life with an extraordinary cast.
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