Eugenio's Blog!

I spent last week attending the National Farmworker Law Conference in The Queen City of Charlotte, North Carolina. The week started off horribly when I missed my flight Monday afternoon, but fortunately it ended wonderfully, with a renewed confirmation of my strong loyalty to the South and Southern culture.

The Conference is a great way for advocates to discuss case strategies, legal challenges, and legislative changes. The farmworker panels were incredibly interesting, and it was awesome to hear good people talk about the progressive approaches they’re taking in addressing the needs of their clients. The passion to obtain immigrant justice was clearly apparent from the participants.

The discussions were exciting and motivating, no doubt, but I absolutely fell in love again with the South . . . the sweet tea, the “sirs,” the grits, the genuine concern for my well-being, the calming tone in people’s voices, the 80 degree weather in November—it was all just too great. In addition, it was an unbelievable political week with the elections and the resignation of Secretary Rumsfeld. Like a devout Southerner, I paid homage to the Museum of the New South, which opened in 2001. The exhibits were decent, but surely nothing compared to the Museum of the Confederacy. I'm such a Southern snob.

Despite the nickname of the city, however, I did not see one person in drag. I think this merits a revisiting.