http://www.wral.com/apncnews/4851152/detail.html

RALEIGH, N.C. -- Hundreds of Latinos and their advocates gathered Sunday in what marked the first statewide meeting of dozens of Hispanic advocacy groups under one umbrella organization.

The groups, working under the umbrella N.C. Latino Coalition, discussed immigration reform, better housing for farmworkers and other changes.

"Today, we begin our work for a better quality of life for our community," said Javier Garcia, of the Greensboro-based Faith Action International House, during one of the opening speeches at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church.

The state's Hispanic population, which surged nearly 400 percent in the 1990s, has continued to grow. Estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau show Hispanic numbers grew 35 percent from 2000 to 2004, to 517,000.

Advocates called for more interpreters for Spanish-speakers at public health facilities and spoke of the importance of forging tighter partnerships between Hispanic leaders and the community college system.

The Durham-based N.C. Latino Coalition ties together 53 groups throughout the state dedicated to helping the Hispanic population.

Mauricio Castro, who helped organize Sunday's event, said it may become an annual meeting.

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Information from: The News & Observer, http://www.newsobserver.com

The Durham-based N.C. Latino Coalition ties together 53 groups throughout the state dedicated to helping the Hispanic population.