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HISPANIC NETWORK MAGAZINE www.hnmagazine.com
COVER STORY
countries and regions, and not painting all Latinos with an overly broad and singular brush. And that can start with expanding the roles we see as Latino characters. I think about the movie New Year s Eve," he says , I played the love interest of Abigail Breslin. Shes Caucasian and also a totally nice person and terrific actress. But the role I played wasnt written as a Latino boyfriend, per se. Just because a character isn't defined as be- ing a person of color doesnt mean a person of color cant play them. Across any realm, my message to the per- son in charge of casting in a movie, a hiring manager in an office or an authority figure in a medical building: Be conscious and go beyond your possible racial bias, he says. When there is a person in front of you, think about their skillset, enthusiasm and dedica- tion. Freeing the candidate of the hiring per- sons preconceived ethnic/racial assumptions would be the ultimate equalizer. During election season, many critics noted the way the Latino vote was courted by both parties, either by engaging with Latino voters as a stereotyped culture, or worse, not at all. Austin worked to impart the importance of the Latino vote by working with Voto Latino, a grassroots political organization focused on educating and empowering young Latinx vot- ers. Voting is a fundamental of our constitutional republic and people, especially young people, should learn about the issues and make their voice heard at the ballot box, says Austin. He chose to align with the non-partisan organization because of how they encourage Latinos to exercise their rights and promote election-related engagement, like volunteer- ing at the polling place. Regardless of race, we are Americans. So I think its great that Voto Latino is increas- ing awareness about the importance and the process of voting. When it comes to philanthropy, Austin says its about deciding what you are passionate about and committing to being a part of the change you want to see. I encourage people to think about causes that are important to them and see how they can get involved, he says. As a young person himself, Austin says youth-based services are close to his heart. My Friends Place is a great organization in Hollywood whose mission is to end youth homelessness, Austin says of the organiza- tion that serves 1,400 young people a year. Ive also been active with the Boys &
(L-R) The executive producers and the cast of Wizards of Waverly Place Executive Producer Peter Murrieta, actors David Henrie, Maria Canals-Barrera, Selena Gomez, Jennifer Stone, Jake T. Austin and Executive Producer Todd J. Greenwald attend the D23 Expo presented by the Walt Disney Studios at the Anaheim Convention Center.
PHOTO BY JOHN M. HELLER/GETTY IMAGES PHOTO BY VIVIEN KILLILEA/GETTY IMAGES FOR MY FRIEND'S PLACE
Chrishell Hartley, Ashlee Marie Preston and Jake T. Austin attend Ending Youth Homelessness: A Benefit for My Friend's Place at Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles, California.
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