THIS WEEK'S FIVE:

Join me in reading this edition of the Es Mi Cultura newsletter (I'll tell you more about this soon) and learning about the history of Africans in El Salvador, a country that's mostly thought of as being predominantly "Mestizo." The women profiled in this issue share how they came to learn of their African lineage and how they identify now.

One myth that many believe is that since El Salvador is the only Central American country to not have a Caribbean coast, no existence of African people came into the country. Of course this is absolutely false. The earliest traces of African presence in El Salvador, according to Salvadoran historian Marvin Aguilar, goes back to 1528..

This past Monday was Indigenous Peoples’ Day, recognizing that Native people are the first inhabitants of the Americas, including the lands that later became the U.S. As we know by now, our history books were whitewashed and as children we were taught that Columbus "discovered the New World" and civilized the locals, when in reality he decimated millions of Native people and forced survivors into assimilation. This is why today universities and schools around the country are reconsidering "Columbus Day" and teaching students the truth. Here's another piece to read if you want to learn more this history and about “Taíno: Native Heritage and Identity in the Caribbean,” a new exhibition co-produced by the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian and the Smithsonian Latino Center.

In honor of Latinx Heritage Month, Bustle compiled 33 profiles of women and nonbinary individuals who they say are "advocating and representing the best of Latinx culture and shining light on the oft-forgotten issues facing the community by speaking out on topics that deserve following." There are certainly sooo many more women who deserve to be included here as well, but you are sure to find inspiration. I was so honored to be included on the list - thanks Bustle for my writeup! 🌹

This is incredible. If you don't read the piece at least watch the video, it's really emotional. These young men are using technology and their immigration experiences to connect families who are separated by countries and continents. Alvaro Morales, 26 yr old Peruvian-born former economic consultant, and Frisly Soberanis, a 24 yr old Guatemala-born video artist, are the creators of the Family Reunions Project, an initiative that uses virtual reality to "take" family members in the U.S. back to their homes and towns in Latin America through the use of immersive video.

This is a 20 minute audio profile of Sonia Sotomayor by NPR's Latino USA. I've mentioned this in the past but Sotomayor has 2 new memoirs she recently released for young people, and she discusses why she wrote books for a younger audience and how the events of her youth and young adult life shaped her view of the world. She says "I believe people, and that includes children, that live in difficult circumstances need to know that hope is possible."

SPOTLIGHT SERIES:

This week I attended a live recording of the "Latinos Out Loud" podcast at Univision's studios (thank you Natalia!). It's a weekly show with sketch comedians Rachel La Loca, Juan Bago, JFernz and Frank Nibbs featuring improv bits, pranks, character segments, and guest interviews. I've started listening in the mornings and it's a great way to start your day with a laugh. My favorite episode so far was with journalist Maria Hinojosa. Find out more here: subscribe on iTunes or check out the podcast website, follow on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Thank you for checking out this week’s issue of The Latinx Collective. If you’ve enjoyed it, tell me how you feel - you can reply directly to this email with feedback, or use the thumbs below. If you enjoy it - have friends, coworkers, family or allies sign up on the website so they can join you in celebrating the impact the Latinx community is making. You can also share it on social -the accounts are here and here - tag me so I see it. besitos!