COLORLINES - Jorge Rivas

Jorge Rivas

Multimedia Editor / Pop Culture Blogger
Los Angeles, CA

Jorge Rivas is multimedia editor and pop culture blogger for Colorlines.com. A firm believer in the power of visual communications to inform and move people into action, Jorge uses multimedia presentations to help readers build stronger connections to stories. Jorge has covered the public housing crisis in a post-Katrina New Orleans, the effects of deportation on families, and brought live images of the President Obama's inauguration to Colorlines.com readers.

Born and raised in Los Angeles, Jorge started in broadcast as an intern at the age of 16 and since worked in the entertainment industry and on international advertising campaigns. Jorge received his B.A. in Raza Studies from San Francisco State University where he studied immigration, healthcare perspectives and the interrelationship of culture, community, and the internet. Prior to joining Applied Research Center (ARC) and Colorlines.com in 2005, Rivas worked on a living wage campaign in Brooklyn, NY through the Minority Activist Apprenticeship Program (MAAP).

Jorge uses his media and ethnic studies background to deconstruct representation of people of color in pop culture, illustrating how pop culture can shape opinions, perceptions and even public policy. Jorge's work has appeared on Elle.com, Essence.com, Racialicious, The Root, Alternet, and Feministing.

Check out Jorge's media appearances here.

Follow Jorge on Twitter at @thisisjorge.

Hidden in the Open: A Photographic Essay of 140-Years of Black Male Couples

by Jorge Rivas on January 10 2012, 7:22PM

A Houston historian has collected over a hundred images spanning 140 years of black couples.

Topics: Celebrate Love, Gender & Sexuality, /NOW Blog

Beyoncé Baby Absurdity #3: Touré Says Blue Ivy’s Song is ‘Hip Hop’s Greatest Love Song’

by Jorge Rivas on January 10 2012, 5:25PM

One of the greatest love songs in hip-hop history? We’re taking a poll.

Topics: Arts & Culture, /NOW Blog

Cecilia Muñoz, Obama’s Liaison to Latinos, Gets a Big Promotion

by Jorge Rivas on January 10 2012, 3:20PM

Some civil right groups are praising the move but Muñoz also faces criticism because of the Obama administration’s record number of deportations.

Topics: /NOW Blog, Politics

North Carolina Panel: Sterilization Victims Should Get $50K

by Jorge Rivas on January 10 2012, 12:55PM

If the legislature approves the panel’s recommendation it will mark the first time a state compensates victims of a once-common public health practice called eugenics.

Topics: Health, /NOW Blog

‘The View’ on Slave Homework: ‘They Knew What They Were Doing’

by Jorge Rivas on January 10 2012, 12:25PM

Sherri Shepherd calls it what it is, racism.

Topics: Arts & Culture, /NOW Blog

Melissa Harris-Perry Deconstructs Stereotypes to Colbert [Video]

by Jorge Rivas on January 10 2012, 11:41AM

MSNBC contributor and political analyst Melissa Harris-Perry was a guest on Monday’s ‘The Colbert Report.’

Topics: Arts & Culture, History, /NOW Blog

Univision Introduces Us to Mitt Romney’s Cousins in Chihuahua, Mexico [Video]

by Jorge Rivas on January 10 2012, 11:30AM

Univision visited Casas Grandes, Chihuahua, a Mormon community that some 50 of Romney’s cousins call home.

Topics: GOP Primary, /NOW Blog

22 Fashion Designers Launch ‘Runway to Win’ To Secure Obama Reelection

by Jorge Rivas on January 10 2012, 10:51AM

Marc Jacobs, Narciso Rodriguez and Jason Wu are among the designers creating fashions for Obama.

Topics: Arts & Culture, /NOW Blog

Atlanta School Sends 8-Year Olds With Math Homework About Beating Slaves

by Jorge Rivas on January 10 2012, 8:03AM

Nine third-grade math teachers in Gwinnett County, Georgia sent a class of mostly black and Latino students home with questions about beating slaves and picking fruit.

Topics: /NOW Blog, Schools & Youth

Daniel Hernandez Saved Congresswoman Gifford’s Life And He Still Insists He’s No Hero

by Jorge Rivas on January 9 2012, 7:31PM

When everyone else ran for cover, Hernandez went to take care of her Gifford.

Topics: Celebrate Love, /NOW Blog