The Ñ Beat: June 18, 2016
CHICAGO (WLS) -- The Ñ Beat is an Emmy award- winning show that turns the spotlight on Chicago's vibrant Latino community... from the medical and educational fields, to the culinary scene... and the entertainment business! ABC7's Stacey Baca is the host. Correspondents include Michelle Gallardo, Roz Varon, John Garcia and Rob Elgas
Andrew Salgado
There's no question Country music is one of the most popular musical genres today. But it is easy to see, there isn't much diversity among the ranks of today's Country artists. But the Chicago son of a Puerto Rican father and Italian mother is trying to change that... -and- make a name for himself. Andrew Salgado is his name. He moved to Nashville to pursue his dreams and recently, signed to a record label. In fact, his album, 'Absolutely Everything' is out now! Andrew beat out 6000 competitors to become the first ever 'Pepsi Southern Original' in 2013. It was a nationwide search to find the country's next big country act. He has since opened for Toby Keith, Carrie Underwood and Clint Black.
For more information:
Fidel Rodriguez/ArtSpace8
Fidel Rodriguez is convinced he was born an artist. From a childhood in Venezuela, this talented painter has made stops in the Dominican Republic, Italy and Mexico before finding a home in the United States. He's worked as a graphic designer and set designer along with lighting dance companies. He's now Director and Co-owner of ArtSpace8, a two floor gallery at 900 N. Michigan building.
For more information:
ArtSpace8
900 N. Michigan Ave.
Chicago, IL
312-241-1607
Via Lima
Stacey Baca hosts this entire episode from this new dining destination... Via Lima. While Chicago has restaurants from all cultures.... Peruvian food is probably one of the least represented on our restaurant scene. However, a Peruvian native is doing something about that! Eni Cadena initially thought she wanted to open a boutique in her building in the North Center neighborhood but well into the planning process, Eni decided to switch gears and pay tribute to her Peruvian roots and open a restaurant, serving specialties from her homeland. Many of those recipes were passed down from her mother, who actually had her own restaurant back in Lima. Eni's mother helped fine-tune the recipes for Via Lima... but sadly, did not live to see her daughter's dream become reality. Via Lima opened just one year ago but has already garnered a coveted Bib Gourmand honor from Michelin. The Bib Gourmand distinction recognizes exceptional gourmet food at reasonable prices.
For more information:
Via Lima
4024 N. Lincoln Ave.
Chicago, IL
773-348-4900
Solorio Academy High School
Even if you don't have high-school aged kids, you've probably heard about the fierce competition to land a spot in Chicago's 'Selective Enrollment' High Schools. But recently, it's actually a new CPS high school in a largely Latino neighborhood that's managed to carve out an impressive reputation of its own...-without- that Selective Enrollment 'caviat'. Eric Solorio Academy High School is located in the Gage Park neighborhood and its students regularly confront violence and poverty but despite those odds, the 6-year old public school boasts a 100-percent college acceptance rate, top CPS attendance numbers and Schoolhound.com just named Solorio Academy the number one neighborhood high school in the state of Illinois that is exceeding expectations. The school offers more than 30 AP and Honors courses and dozens of extracurricular activities, in an effort to make their students as competitive as possible when it comes time to apply to college. Most all of the students are first-generation college applicants.
For more information:
Solorio Academy High School
5400 S. St. Louis Ave.
Chicago, IL
773-535-9070
Build On
Build On began as an international group on a mission to build schools in third world countries..but has since spread out into big cities all across the US, Chicago among them. In fact, right here in Chicago, 4-thousand students at 11 different high schools volunteer for the group. They help in senior centers, schools, homeless shelters... all with the hope of bringing about real change in their communities. ABC7's Michelle Gallardo introduced us to two passionate young people who've truly embraced BuildOn's mission.
For more information:
José R. Sánchez/Norwegian American Hospital
While Chicago is home to a few of the country's top ranked medical centers just five years ago one local hospital in Humboldt Park was on the brink of shutting its doors until one man stepped in, determined to breathe new life into a facility that desperately needed hope. José R. Sánchez, President and Chief Executive Officer of Norwegian American Hospital, is Chicago's only Latino hospital CEO. In his short time here, Sanchez has not only turned around the finances at Norwegian American.. but he has confronted the health care challenges in Humboldt Park, Austin and West Town neighborhoods with innovative solutions like a Mobile Pediatric Dentistry Van. Last year, the van provided care to 1,200 kids in-need. Not only do they offer dental care, they have a free church-based health clinic that provides much-needed screenings.
For more information:
Norwegian American Hospital
1044 N. Francisco Ave.
Chicago, IL
773-292-8200
