by Nancy Marmolejo

Hispanic/Latinx Heritage month runs Sept 15-Oct 15. Want to celebrate?

Want to support?

Here’s how:

1- Call out bias and injustice when you see it.

2- Don’t assume there’s a single Latino identity. “Latino” is a complex term, filled with its own issues around colorism, racism, and classism. Take time to learn the many threads of history and culture of what’s considered “Latino”.

3- Support Latino artists and creators. Give credit where it’s due.

4- “I love tacos and margaritas” isn’t enough. Speak out against discrimination, unfair practices, exploitation, accent bias, etc.

5-Educate yourself on pay inequities Latinos face in the workplace, particularly Latinas who make 57 cents to every $1 a white male makes

6- Read up on the recent farmworkers march in California for workers rights. The rights of the people who pick and grow your food matter!

7- If just blue collar Latinos took a collective day off today, what would your life look like? Who would pick your fruits and veggies? Who would clean up after you? Who’d watch your kids, mow your lawn, cook your food? Honor and respect the hard work Latinos do.

8- Call out cultural appropriation and racist depictions of Latinos in film, TV, media, pop culture, etc.

9- Buy from Latino owned businesses, and yes that includes taco stands!

10- Hire and promote more Latinos into leadership roles, especially Latinas!

Gracias.

The post 10 Ways To Celebrate Latinx / Hispanic Heritage Month. appeared first on Daily Sofrito.

Being a fan of film, often has me looking in places outside theaters that only put out the cinematic releases. I learned long ago by attending film festivals like NYLIFF that you can enjoy quality films that may not be products of the Hollywood machine. 

There also is a serious conversation regarding our Latino stories not getting enough visibility in the global marketplace. They are few and far between…  and lately, it seems that anything that releases on a major platform does not have the shelf life it deserves despite having amazing community support. 

So this is where things are changing with a new platform that was recently launched by a women-led team called Canela.TV. This emerging network has an amazing selection of Latino-produced films and episodic series. It is available on both IOS, Android, Smart TV, Firestick, Roku, and any other platforms you get your apps from… boasting what I think is a game-changing feature… it is FREE. 

Considering that it’s a brand new platform, it has launched with a healthy amount of content and according to my sources will continue to add to the lineup. I recently shared this platform with some of my favorite bloggers who loved the fact that there was diversity in the types of stories told as well as in the countries who are producing. 

For all of you out there that have cut the cord when it comes to paying for premium cable… this is literally the best

out there (did I mention it is FREE?)

Do not take my word for it, share the app link with your Family… especially your elders who are always looking for the next big show or sporting event. Let them tell you how much they love Canela.TV….

Then come back here and let me know so I can keep sharing updates. 

About Canela Media

Canela Media is a leading digital media technology company offering brands a complete ecosystem to connect with multicultural audiences starting with its free streaming service, Canela.TV, which enriches the new generation of U.S. Latinos with free access to unique, culturally relevant content. In addition to TV content, Canela Music features a unique blend of Latin music programming, featuring various genres from Latin Pop, Regional Mexican, Classics, Romantic, and more.

Canela Media reaches more than 50 million unique Hispanics across its 180+ premium Spanish-language sites. Combined with the company’s proprietary data, Canela Media possesses in-depth knowledge and understanding of how to establish meaningful and culturally relevant connections with the new mainstream – U.S. Hispanics.

Headquartered in New York, Canela Media is ranked as the third largest Hispanic ad-focused company and the only female- and minority-owned certified digital company. For more information please visit http://www.CanelaMedia.com.

The post App Review: Canela.TV appeared first on Daily Sofrito.

Disclosure: This post is not sponsored. It does higlight a former sponsor Prudential Financial. The post does contain affiliate links that create a win/win. You get a perk and I get a commission of equal value for you using my code. I appreciate your support of this work.

HAPPY NEW YEAR… LETS TALK MONEY MOVES!

I have always been a firm believer in teaching things as I learn, building a community around that process and creating a peer teaching culture. I did this in the 90’s when I started Sofrito For Your Soul with other webmasters, in the new Millenium, I did it again thru platforms like LATISM and Hispanicize in the social media space… and today, I continue to do it with my new project Siembra Academy, a growth centered Facebook group I started at the beginning of the pandemic to help people pivot and inspire entrepreneurship.

For this reason, I feel compelled to share part of my financial journey… So for my lawyer’s peace of mind, I have to tell you that I am NOT a financial advisor, I am only sharing my personal experience in how I am finding abundance.

THE SAD TRUTH IS…

for many years, I have considered myself FINANCIALLY ILLITERATE. I worked my ass off, had pretty much everything on the American Dream checklist but for over 20 years, I drowned in debt. I did not get here by spending and living above my means. I simply got here by not having basic financial know-how that would have allowed me to make my money work for me.

I want to add, that what I just said does not reflect my work ethic, quality of work, or ability to do amazing things in my business. It just means I have been working so hard I have not learned how to grow my business and get it ready for long-term success independent of my contributions.

I realized this a few years back when Prudential sponsored the Hispanicize Positive Impact Awards.

I spent some time at the booth getting to know the team while working the event. I had the realest conversation in a circle of bloggers and a financial consultant that was there (I really wish I remembered his name). Long story short… we collectively realized we all were in the same (leaky) boat. I also want to add that there was a serious contrast when I talked to people that had done the homework and were in the process of taking on investors or selling their platforms. It actually made me feel like I failed… I mean I started my site at least 12 years before most of these people. Why am I so behind…?

So I dug deep… and here is what I found.

(Major Red Flag Alert )

A list of things, warning signs if you will of where I was at that given moment that kept me in this cycle of financial insecurity.

• No significant savings in the bank, essentially living check to check.
• Living in a home, we could not afford (property taxes in our village were high)
• Despite high taxes, school district sucked so the twins went to private school.
• Used credit cards to fill gaps in necessary spending for life essentials (really bad decision)
• Working my day job and running my business at night made me rely heavy on expensive takeout.
• Did not invest any money and actually pulled money out of a 401k after 10 years to save our home when I was sick and fell behind. This is a debt that currently haunts me years after moving out.

This also meant fewer vacations, family quality time, humble holiday seasons, and sending our kids to college with $0 savings relying completely on loans and financial aid which is crippling financially. This also adds stress because relationships suffer in a financial crisis. I lost friends because I could not afford to attend milestone events in their family (weddings, birthdays etc).

The worst part is that this story can repeat itself with my children and grandchildren if I do not do something fast. They need to learn everything I am learning before they start their families. In addition, it is not too late for me to create some security for them in my personal life planning.

I am sharing my story because there were a lot of things I had to figure out the hard way. There weren’t the resources we have today via the web to educate ourselves about investing, starting a small business or preparing for retirement.

My decision to share these resources is deeply rooted in teaching you what I am learning as I learn it.

When the pandemic hit, I realized that I had very little savings, a healthy amount of revenue streams but no discipline or direction in how to do it, I turned to some people I know and youtube videos to learn. I want to share my progression.

The first step was learning in some sessions with Prudential thanks to my friend Dorinda Walker.

Here is the resource I learned some basics on – https://www.prudential.com/financial-education back in 2017, when I worked as an ambassador for them at Hispanicize.

Still, I did not take much action.

The only stock I owned walking into this was the remnants of T-Mobile stock that I had from receiving a founders grant after a failed merger with AT&T. That stock is currently valued at 107% over what the initial grant was.

Here is how it shifted for me…

These are the apps that started me on a new journey of investment and financial literacy.

Acorns – Invest spare change, bank smarter, save for retirement and more.

I started with Acorns because I was spending a lot of money daily on business and travel. I thought it be interesting to use their round-up feature to see if I can “trick” myself into saving. It worked… it was not long before I was stashing over $300 a month. This got me very interested in potentially investing in companies I use in my daily life like Amazon and Apple.

Try Acorns and you’ll get a free $5 for your first investment! Click here to claim.

CashApp – The easiest way to send, spend, bank, and invest

I was already using Cashapp with friends and family, and they started marketing the stock and crypto offerings. I decided to cash out of my acorns and dip my toes in some stock. Here are my first-year results.

In a 6 month “experiment” I bought $742.70 in stock, sold it all for $969.43 making a profit of $226.83 (30.54%)

For those of you contemplating investing a few expendable dollars to test the waters, I totally recommend Cashapp especially if you need to gain access to the money quickly for emergencies.

Try Cashapp and you’ll get $5 to invest in your first stock or crypto coin. Click here to claim.

I used this to buy my first stake in Bitcoin after listening to the Wallstreet Trapper and the Earn Your Leisure podcast and that led to eventually discovering the Robin Hood App. The real game-changer for me.

Robin Hood – Investing For Everyone, Commission-free investing

This is where my story gets interesting, during the pandemic, I decided to invest all the money I was saving by not eating out at restaurants three times a day and start investing it in stocks of companies I really liked. I did everything from buying fractionals of stocks I could not afford full shares of, solidifying full positions, buying into ETFs, experimenting with new Etherium based crypto coins, buying options, and building some dividend-producing investments. My current portfolio at its height was up 57% and in the current market correction is still holding strong at 9%.

Join Robinhood with my link and we’ll both get a free stock Click here to claim.

Coinbase – Simply and securely buy, sell, and manage hundreds of cryptocurrencies

My latest experiment is with new coins like Matic, Shiba Inu, and Cardano. I am currently down in this experiment but the current Wall Street correction during the holidays has affected the crypto market but the outlook is very good by all accounts. I will say that crypto is not for impatient or novice investors. I learned a lot by watching Chris Sain and learning how to ride the waves of a volatile market.

I share this so that you too can begin your journey of investing in a way that makes sense for you. The only thing I will tell you is to start off with pocket change so you can see micro results and gain confidence. The most important thing to remember is that even though I am currently experiencing great gains… anything over 5% is a big win.

Sign up for Coinbase using my link and we can each get $10 in Bitcoin. Click here to claim.

Today, I am actively looking for opportunities to build a stronger portfolio

Just before I wrote this post, I invested in a project thru a platform called SEED AT THE TABLE called Row House Publishing that is disrupting and raising the volume of voices that matter. I am excited about the future now.

Next challenge is already in process –> Investing in Real Estate. Stay tuned for the update.

As I am,

George

Your friendly neighborhood Jibaro.

Book a cultivation call by visiting bit.ly/siembraacademy

The post Making Money Moves: This Is How I Turned Spare Change Into An Investment Portfolio. appeared first on Daily Sofrito.

This has become my absolute favorite post of the year and for good reason. Ever since I decided to ditch the old resolution ritual for three guiding words to focus my energy on… the results have been phenomenal. I did not hit every goal but the quality of my life has progressively improved since 2015.

That said, I wanted once more to share it with you (earlier than usual)  in the hopes you will join me and shift your life for the better.

I stopped participating in the New Year ritual of making a list of “resolutions”.

I am, however, a firm believer in self-improvement and I came across a blog post in 2014 by one of my personal favorite influencers, Chris Brogan. It was a simple post with little or no explanation as to why he was choosing 3 words instead of resolutions… but I instantly got it, and so it began.

I want you to understand the concept of this exercise, so here is how Chris explains it in his words (published in 2014)

How to Choose Your Three Words

Lots of people pick words that remind them to take a certain action, or to be a certain way. Over the years, I’ve used both methods. Sometimes, my words are a verb. Other times, they’re a bit more complex. The idea is to use the words as triggers for actions you intend to take, and maybe other actions you seek to avoid.

[source: http://chrisbrogan.com/my-3-words-2014/]

Here is my annual report card based on last year’s words.

SIEMBRA – CULTIVA – COSECHA

(SOW – CULTIVATE – HARVEST)

SIEMBRA

If political unrest, hurricanes, earthquakes, and pandemics have taught me anything is that social media has us all in “hoarding” mode. For years we placed value on followers & fans but for the sake of numbers and not much else. Even those of us who may be very engaged have realized that it is not easy to be present with the audiences we say we want.

In some ways… I am stepping back, on purpose to reconnect with people I really liked from my days doing the “influencer” hustle. I am taking time to engage with them on a deeper level to collaborate on bigger projects.

I am also taking time to intentionally connect with those people whose work I admire to create energetic exchanges that are mutually beneficial.

We have never been able to eat the fruit of the seeds we plant today so SIEMBRA is all about getting ready for seasons to come.

SIEMBRA is all about having something meaningful to CULTIVA[R]

This year was super challenging with all of my business being 100% remote yet another year and people fatigued with online everything. I struggled having plans to launch live events across my portfolio and having to back pedal.

However, I capitalized on the downtime during my travels to reimagine some things… and planted new seeds that will lead to major collaboration in 2022. The biggest accomplishment will have been a full year of building out the framework for what Siembra Academy will become. The outlook is great as long as I wether the storm and adapt to the climate.

CULTIVA

Cultiva is what we do with the seeds we plant, nourishing them so that they can create abundance. Having a network is not enough, I believe I must promote those in my circle so that they can grow exponentially. I have always done this and have never asked for reciprocation but that changes this year. I must also cultivate abundance for myself, If I continue to help others without helping myself, I will eventually not have a strong platform to help others with. Making sure that I grow, provides more opportunities for others to grow with me.

I plan on being intentional in asking others to provide testimonials, co-signs and to recommend people that align from a values perspective so that the growth I provide creates a culture of paying it forward.

CULTIVA is all about energetic exchanges that lead to the COSECHA

Some major opportunities have arisen, both with people in my cohort and outside to do things on a bigger scale. I have started putting together these elements and have invested in both the platform I will be using for courses as well as a solid booking platform. I also went ahead and seperated the UrbanJibaro brand and have decided to focus on building Siembra Academy independently as I have with Capicu Culture in the past. You are going to see my efforts here come to life as I double down on my committment to cultivate new creators for the Sofrito For Your Soul and start reshaping what the next 25 years and beyond look like.

COSECHA

This has been the piece that has been missing for quite some time, the harvest. I mean, the harvest always happens but it was disproportionately skewed because of my habit of giving, and not positioning myself to receive.

There has been a mind shift with me and I am shedding the feelings of discomfort when it comes to being abundant. Highlighting my accomplishments is not bragging and anyone who feels that I am, probably doesn’t belong around me. This year, I do have a financial plan that provides me the life I deserve to live and also invests money for me to be able to rest when I decide that I want to settle down, relax and become a spectator.

COSECHA is about all about the abundance I earned doing good in the world.

I probably focused on this most just because the other two words have become second nature within my years of community building. This was the area I need the most help with and through coaching, self-teaching, research, investing, and experimentation I feel like I have made major headway.

The result, I raised my rates, secured longer-term projects, and most importantly I have done the work needed to enjoy some of the moments in between on a deeper level. I have also laid the foundation for a investment portfolio that I am fully engaged with, so that I can become debt free across the board.

I am really proud of 2021′ harvest.

After the results of 2021, I was so tempted to go another 12 months with the same words to see what else I can do but I decided to challenge myself to hold on to these in spirit and move on to the next three.

So… here are My Three Words for 2022!

Remind – Reinvest – Reconnect

Remind

2022 will mark the 25th Anniversary of Sofrito For Your Soul. That said, I believe that with Siembra Academy being such a priority in the next few years, it is time to remind people who I am, what I have done, and what I mean to the culture. This means telling stories about accomplishments I may not have shared for fear of sounding like I am bragging. I believe certain reminders will show people the depth of my career and that will be a strong case study for me as a teacher as I look to help build more creative entrepreneurs.

On a personal level… I need to look in the mirror and appreciate who I have become as well as who I aspire to become. Reminding myself that my work matters is necessary, even if nobody else says it out loud.

Reinvest

It is no secret that as Social Media has taken over, there has been over-indexing on social vs the blog that started it all. That has always been on my mind… and I tried to fix it a few times but never really committed.

This is the commitment right here, I plan on reinvesting my energy, creativity, and money into celebrating the 25th anniversary. I also want to create interest in adding way more creators to the fold. The blog does not have to be everything to everyone but like me, I want it to remain a resource, a bridge if you will in new creators’ journey. Reinvesting also means taking my gains from my portfolio and diversifying my mix of investments to include Real Estate, Crypto, Stock, and Independent investments.

In my health journey, this means, doubling down on all the things I did to get healthier so that I can liberate my body from medication naturally. I have made great strides over the year but I can still do better and I will.

Reconnect

This pandemic has been hard in so many ways but the one way that has impacted me the most is the space between me and some of the people I love. It also includes people I have worked with for years and have neglected to create real memories/friendships outside of these collaborations. I take responsibility and say, this has been one of the hardest years of my life from an emotional standpoint… I lost many friends, family members, and even my Mom in a very short window of time which continuously reminds me that life is precious.

Reconnecting for me means that distance will no longer be a reason why I do not try to connect with those that matter most to me. It may mean repairing relationships that have been damaged by things that in retrospect do not matter. Finally, it may mean not being as accessible to people who do not necessarily deserve my attention.

THAT SAID, WILL YOU JOIN ME IN CREATING THREE WORDS THAT WILL SET YOU UP FOR SUCCESS?

I have one last chance for you to get 1on1 coaching to not only develop your three words but the plan on how you will start living intentionally to design the life you want.

Register here – http://bit.ly/my3words2022

WHAT WILL YOUR THREE WORDS BE?

Let me know in the comments section or on social using the #mythreewords hashtag.

Get all the details of this and all my current news —>> https://lnk.bio/urbanjibaro

These are the three words that will drive me to have the biggest year of my life and I promise to bring you along for the ride.

Follow me on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram and get updates on what is happening with me.  

Like this post, text me and tell me so… 917-708-5118

The post My Three Words: I Am Ready For 2022! appeared first on Daily Sofrito.

Mi gente… I am proud to partner with AARP in NYC, Orlando & Puerto Rico to help raise awareness about this beautiful experience that they have curated to showcase our heritage this holiday season.

So let’s gather our family and friends to learn about a musical genre that emerged 400 years ago!

Join AARP FL, NY, PR, and attendees from across the U.S. and the island to learn more about Bomba, traditional dance, and musical art expression based on Puerto Rican heritage and African roots.  

Through the lens of Bomba, we’ll hear from practitioners and artists on the mainland and in the diaspora. Interviews and footage will capture the impactful history, lived experiences, rhythms, movements, instrumentation, and song of this cultural and spiritual art form.

We will also showcase the stewardship of Bomba, a tradition through dedicated multigenerational commitment within families and communities in New York City, Orlando, and Puerto Rico — mapping out the presence of this centenary art and culture form in the Americas.

This program features BombaYo!, Pablo Rivera from Afro Legado & Barbara Liz Cepeda from Escuela de Bomba y Plena Tato Cepeda.

Celebrate Bomba and meet the communities in New York City, Orlando, and Puerto Rico dedicated to keeping the culture alive for future generations.

Join @cafeconlecheAARP, @AARPNY, @AARPPuertoRico this Thursday, Dec 16 at 5 PM ET/ 2 PM PT to explore the deep history and artistic expression of Bomba.

Register Here For Full Access

AARP En Vivo Contigo^SM | Emerging Stronger – Together

AARP brings communities of all ages together through salud, dinero y amor – a community of Latinos, a community of neighbors (vecinos), a community of people supporting one another. We believe there is so much to celebrate and be grateful for at any age. AARP is hosting virtual events across the country every day of the week on topics from cooking to caregiving, fitness to finances – AARP has a virtual event for just about every interest. 

Learn more online by visiting aarp.org/nearyou. #AARPEnVivoContigo

The post Sights & Sounds of Heritage: Bomba! appeared first on Daily Sofrito.

I recently designed a curriculum around digital identity for rising high school students for a Summer Bridge program in NYC.

Inspired by one of these sessions, I decided to make a handout available to parents wanting to help their tweens/teens think about how they will show up in the world. This exercise is designed for them to commit to only creating content that is kind and helpful while highlighting the unique attributes they possess.

In a world where there is a constant focus around creating content and creating personal brands, I believe this to be a useful conversation starter to explore all aspects of the social media experience and hopefully reposition them to always put their mental health first as well as highlighting all the things conducive to the career goals they are currently developing.

I am making this resource available as a free printable download and hope that you will share your footprints with me.

(you can email screenshots / testimonials them to engage@sofritomediagroup.com)

There is also the option of donating to the Siembra Initiative project that provides training/guidance to over 200 artists, activists, and entrepreneurs of color since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Important things for both parents and children to note:

• Anyone can live a beautiful happy life without participating in social media.
• Anyone underage should significantly minimize the personal info they share.
• Forget about follower counts & likes – practice social media wellness
• Before posting anything, be familiar with each platforms privacy settings.
• Be able to have an honest discussion about cyberbullying. Here is a link to get you started

For more information about Siembra Academy, visit bit.ly/siembraacademy

The post Siembra Initiative: Are your kids dipping their toes in social media? Here is an exercise that can help them do so responsibly. (Free Download) appeared first on Daily Sofrito.

I will admit, today I feel less Latina then I did yesterday. Than I did the day before. Than I did the day before that.

Each day keeps chipping my Latinidad away like water to stone. What does this are the ways that Latinos tell me I’m not part of them.

In the Heights is a movie, based on the hit Broadway musical, that centers around the life of four young folks (and the neighborhood) from Washington Heights. The story is about finding a home, a place in the world, survival, and thriving as the world changes around you.

I saw the first eight minutes of In the Heights a couple of days before it’s theatrical release. I had never seen the musical but heard so many things about it. I knew one song, “96,000”, and was a fan of it. The trailers were out for months. I was ready for it and excited to see it in the theaters, leaving my pandemic cave for something that resembled normal.

I heard about a story from the making of the movie. Before a certain take of In the Heights, actor Anthony Ramos would shout, with all his might, “This is for the culture!”

But in those eight minutes, something bothered me. The short snippet told me in no uncertain terms that people who look like me are not part of the Latino narrative.

This rally cry pumped up the mostly Latinx cast and dance crew to dig deep and to give it their all. For the people. For the pueblo. For the love of being Latinx in America.

But what culture was Ramos talking about? What culture was on display in In the Heights? Who was allowed to represent a culture, one of many, that have been despised and vilified in America in one of the biggest media mediums – movies?

Who is allowed to be Latinx?

And this is the apex of the problem I have with In the Heights.

Let’s be frank first. It’s a good movie and I will not deny it. It has what it needs to be a good movie. The music is infectious. It always has been and always will be. The story is beautiful. It is one step above a survival story, it’s a handbook on how to thrive when you lose your way. And haven’t we all lost our way?

There are so many Latinisms in the movie that if you blink, you’ll miss 20 of them – the food, the dancing, los dichos, los boleros.

The direction by Jon M. Chu was stellar and highlighted another Latin American tradition, storytelling through magical realism. It’s in our blood and it’s how we pass on our essence, the story becomes more than magic and beyond realism. This is a transition that we learn from

The abuelos, who learned it from their abuelos, who learned it from theirs. A storytelling tradition that is often duplicated but somehow hits harder when it comes from la communidad.

Yes, it’s a beautiful movie but it is also a movie where it’s business as usual. Because this should have been for all of us. It should have been every single one of us dancing in the streets, on the sides of buildings, yelling it from the roofs how good we look with Hollywood spotlights bouncing off our skins.

This was supposed to be our Black Panther moment, our moment from the culture for the culture, something that shakes the foundations and bust open doors for future movies. For all of us to finally show who we are.

But if you’re darker than a paper bag, you’re not allowed into the block party. And here’s a reminder, as big as a movie screen that you, Afro Latinos, will never be allowed to the party unless…

· you’re dancing in the background.

· you’re an extra.

· you’re doing something exotic like combing through kinky hair.

In an interview with The Root, Jon M. Chu said about casting for the speaking parts that, “At the end when we tried to cast, we cast the people that were best for those roles.”

This phrase should sound familiar. This is the same phrase that is repeated when someone who is qualified or beyond qualified doesn’t get a job. This is the excuse that lets hiring managers off the hook from looking for and hiring diversity hirers. This is the justification the hides the sins of colorism. This phrase is just as bad as “there were no diverse candidates for the position.”

Yeah, okay.

From that interview, creator Lin Manuel Miranda, was missing. Yes, Miranda who is so proud of being Puerto Rican he bleeds banderas de la isla daily. After a weekend of conversation, he released a statement.

Read Lin Manuel’s Statement Here

“I can hear the hurt and frustration over colorism, of feeling still unseen, in the feedback, he wrote on Twitter. “In trying to paint a mosaic of this community, we fell short. I’m truly sorry. I’m learning from the feedback, I thank you for raising it and I’m listening.”

And here is where the disappointment begins. Hamilton, his latest Broadway hit, was a diverse cast. It was a cast that looked like America. And yet, as In the Heights was taken from stage to screen, the opportunity to scale up, to fix the wrong and to use the lessons learned from casting Hamilton, wasn’t taken. Even with more than 10 years after the musical opened on Broadway, it’s as if nothing was learned.

But a lyric was changed to avoid mentioning the former president.

I have to assert my dignity in small ways to tell the world that I exist. That my ancestors not only existed but created a base for this Latinx culture to not only survive but thrive. It was my ancestors that gave the clave that made up the backbone of the soundtrack. It’s my ancestors’ creations that were bubbling in Abuela’s pots and pans. When my ancestors had nothing, they had each other. To live. To survive. They had the forethought to make something from nothing.

They created community. They created a home when they were ripped from theirs and forced to a faraway and strange land, stranger than Standford University was for Nina. The heights from the movie happened centuries before the first piragua guy shaved their first ice ball.

Essentially part of the essence of what makes In the Heights for the culture and about the culture came from African ancestors, whose decedents we only want in the background like that black grandma hidden in the closet or attic. And, as always, we are divorced from it all and divorced from the celebration of what was created.

I don’t want to go where I’m tolerated but where I’m celebrated and In the Heights reminds me that I’m not celebrated among my own. And, I suspect, I’ll catch hell for this blog post for not supporting, not saying enough good things, for being a traitor to the culture. People will message me about how wrong I am, calling me all kinds of names that would make the saints blush. I suspect some will want to take my brown card.

But if we are to hold people like American Dirt writer Jeanine Cummins accountable for perpetuating Latino stereotypes, we need to hold our own people’s feet to the fire for continuing the practice of colorism when they damn sure know better. When they damn sure will do better in the future.

In the Heights is just the latest in a long line of media erasing Afro-Latinos from a culture the ancestors helped create. And because of this I feel less Latina every day.

I wonder what West Side Story is going to look like? Are we all going to be big mad if they get it wrong or just be happy we’re singing and dancing on screen?

Icess Fernandez Rojas is an educator, writer, podcaster, and a former journalist. She is a graduate of Goddard College’s MFA program.

Her work has been internationally published in Queen Mobs Lit Journal, Poetry 24, Rabble Lit, Minerva Rising Literary Journal, and the Feminine Collective’s anthology Notes from Humanity. Her Houston-based story, “Happy Hunting”, was recently published in the Houston Noir anthology.

Her podcast, Dear Reader, is based on the popular blog of the same name. Her nonfiction/memoir work has appeared in Dear Hope, NBCNews.com, HuffPost and the Guardian. She is a recipient of the Owl of Minerva Award, a VONA/Voices of Our Nation Arts Foundation alum, a Dos Brujas Workshop alum, and a Kimbilio Fellow. She’s currently working on her first novel and finishing her memoir, Problematic. 

Follow her on Twitter: @Icess and at her website: http://icessfernandez.com.

The post When They Forget About Us… Again. appeared first on Daily Sofrito.

“The Impact of COVID-19 on Latina Adolescent Mental Health” – a virtual townhall about the impact of COVID-19 on Latina teens at-risk of suicide and solutions to reduce the issues that resulted in the health disparities that led to the Hispanic population being severely impacted by the pandemic. Hosted by Comunilife, the nonprofit organization that developed and operates Life is Precious (LIP), the first and only suicide Latina adolescents’ suicide prevention program in the nation.  Featuring noted speakers including keynote remarks by Dr. Jane Delgado (President and CEO of the National Alliance for Hispanic Health), Dr. Myla Harrison, Acting Executive Deputy Commissioner Mental Health, NYC DOHMH, and federal, New York State and New York City Elected Officials.

WHEN?

Thursday, May 13, 20216:00 – 7:00pm (EST)

WHERE?

Zoom**Sign-up is required. Event link provided upon signing-up. 

To register, 

click here – https://cts.vresp.com/c/?ComunilifeInc./9c1f51b4a5/TEST/b057d295f4

WHO?·       

Dr. Rosa M. Gil, Founder and CEO of Comunilife and Life Is Precious·       Dr. Jane Delgado, President and CEO of The National Alliance for Hispanic Health·      Dr. Myla Harrison, Acting Executive Deputy Commissioner Mental Health, NYC  Department of Health and Mental Hygiene ·      Nydia Velazquez, U.S. Congress Member·      Catalina Cruz, NY State Assembly Member·       Carmen De La Rosa, NYS Assembly Member·       Nathalia Fernandez, NY State Assembly Member·       Diana Ayala, NYC Council Member·       Carlina Rivera, NYC Council Member   ·      Latina teens enrolled in the Life is Precious program and their mothers

BACKGROUND

CDC statistics continue to show that Latina adolescents remain among the highest suicide-risk populations in the United States.  In observance of Mental Health Awareness Month, Comunilife, the nonprofit organization that established Life is Precious, the first and only suicide prevention program for Latina teens, will host a Townhall meeting to discuss how COVID-19 has impacted Latina adolescent mental health; search for solutions to the health disparities that have disproportionately impacted Hispanics and other communities of color during the pandemic; and how targeted and successful programs such as LIP can save lives. Comunilife invites the community at large and the press to sign-up and attend the virtual discussion. 

ABOUT COMUNILIFE:

For 32 years, Comunilife has been committed to providing vulnerable communities with housing and culturally sensitive supportive services. We believe that no one should be without the housing and supports they needs to lead a healthy and meaningful life. With programs that include supportive and affordable housing, medical respite services and Latina adolescent suicide prevention activities, Comunilife served more than2,700 low-income and vulnerable New Yorkers in 2020. 90% of our clients are African American or Latino; and 50% have Spanish as their primary (or sole) language. All struggle with profound challenges including chronic homelessness; HIV/AIDS and other major medical issues; serious mental illnesses and substance abuse. Comunilife develops programs to meet emerging community needs and gap in services as evidenced by our Medical Respite and Life is Precious Suicide Prevention Programs. 

ABOUT LIFE IS PRECIOUS:

Comunilife’s Life is Precious Program, which opened in 2008, provides non-clinical services to girls’ ages 12 to 17, who are at-risk of suicide, in the Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, and Manhattan. LIP’s activities, which include academic support, creative arts therapies, music lessons, wellness activities and concrete family services, are designed to reduce the risk factors associated with Latina adolescent suicide. In response to the COVID pandemic, all of LIP’s lifesaving core services moved online, in March 2020, with program staff checking in with the teens and families daily. New family centered concrete services were developed to meet emerging COVID related family, economic, social and medical needs. 

MEDIA CONTACT:Illyse Kaplan: (201) 803-4585 / ikaplan@comunilife.orgwww.comunilife.orgwww.comunilifelip.org

The post “The Impact of COVID-19 on Latina Adolescent Mental Health” – A Virtual Townhall. appeared first on Daily Sofrito.

Hey everyone, it’s spring (and not a moment too soon) As promised on our last podcast… this newsletter is being revamped to include community focused resources and it will start posting to its new home on our Main Blog, our Daily Sofrito Facebook Group and transcribed to audio format for the Social Sofrito Podcast.

As always please share this very important community resource with everyone you think needs it… I appreciate what you do to help me get the word out.

[This post was created as a paid partnership with Fannie Mae]

Remember the day you closed on your home? 

That moment when you felt like you were on top of the world? 

All your hard work and sacrifice and you finally have a place to call home.

Then the pandemic happens. 

Before you know it, your home is now your workplace and possibly even a classroom. While you’re trying to keep your family safe, the last thing you want to think about is struggling to pay your mortgage or rent.

If you or someone you know has been impacted economically by COVID-19, you are not alone. Fannie Mae is Here to Help with free and easy to use resources and tools to help keep you in your home if you need financial relief. 

Whether you’re a homeowner or a renter, check out Fannie Mae’s “Here to Help” page at KnowYourOptions.com to learn more about your relief options.

As I am,

George Torres

Founder,

Sofrito Media Group

Check out my #SocialSofrito InstaStories daily at http://www.Instagram.com/UrbanJibaro

(ps. we will never share your emails with anyone)

About The Siembra Initiative

Siembra Initiative is a grassroots program of Sofrito Media Group that creates free or low-cost training opportunities for entrepreneurs, small businesses, nonprofit organizations, art circles, and community activists to increase their social footprint and elevate influence online.

If you have any questions or you wish to donate to the Siembra Initiative to help cover the costs of technology, please email us at SiembraInitiative@sofritomediagroup.com

The post It’s Spring Again… appeared first on Daily Sofrito.

Just over a year ago, the pandemic began and life as we know it changed forever. For some, it can feel like the whole world is upside down.

COVID-19 created real hardships for many… hardships like a job loss or business shutdown that may have made it difficult for you to afford your rent or mortgage payment. 

Fannie Mae knows that understanding your options for mortgage or rent relief is tough even during normal times, which is why they created their Here to Help website to help you understand your financial relief options, no matter if you rent or own.

I’m partnering with Fannie Mae to help spread the word about these resources so you can explore your options to help you stay in your home.

Are You a Homeowner?

If you think you might be at risk of missing a mortgage payment, the first and most critical step is to find out who is servicing your loan. Don’t know? Use the Fannie Mae Mortgage Loan Look Up Tool on their Here to Help website to find out.

If Fannie Mae owns your mortgage loan, you may qualify for programs that can provide payment relief like a forbearance plan or loan modification. You’ll also have access to live personalized assistance from HUD-approved housing counselors through the Mortgage Help Network.

Check out KnowYourOptions.com to learn more about what a forbearance plan is, what happens after-forbearance and how to get started.

Are You Renting? 

Resources are also available for the millions of renters who’ve been impacted by COVID-19. 

Those in Fannie Mae-financed properties can get free assistance from HUD-approved housing counselors to help navigate financial challenges caused by COVID-19, including things like financial coaching and budgeting.

Take a look at Fannie Mae’s Renters Resource Finder, which can not only help you determine if you live in a Fannie Mae-financed property, but also makes it easy to learn what other support might be available to renters like you.

To better understand protections and assistance that may be available to you, visit KnowYourOptions.com.

At the end of the day, Fannie Mae is Here to Help.

Whether you rent or own, I hope that you’ll take advantage of the resources at KnowYourOptions.com if you’ve fallen on tough times due to the pandemic. Please feel free to share this resource with friends and loved ones that may be going through similar circumstances. 

As I am, 

George Torres 

Your favorite Jibarito

The post Hit Hard Financially Due To COVID-19? Here are some ways you can remain in your home even if you can’t currently make your mortgage or rent. appeared first on Daily Sofrito.