Latinas are known for a variety of things - from harmful stereotypes about being “spicy” or “toxica” to friendlier and newer interpretations of our attitudes as empowering and independent. However, with the rise of Latinas in media, politics, and more, it’s time to tackle the worst part of it all: being considered a trend. We saw it happen with Hailey Bieber’s “brownie lips” to TikTok’s infamous “spa water” - Latinas are trendy to the white non-Latine world right now. Our food, outfits, and music have always had an influence on the world around us without the credit. It’s past time...
Don’t think of Puerto Rico only when natural disasters occur or because Bad Bunny has a hit. Think of us in terms of our people, our cultura, and our plight as a modern colony of the United States. As Latines, we’re far more alike than we think, and that connection goes far beyond borders to form the amazing diaspora of all of our communities together. Pa’lante, mi gente!
You may be familiar with the famous “Adelitas” or "Soldaderas", they are known as the women who fought alongside men in the Mexican Revolution. But did you know there is a woman behind the nickname? Her name was Adela Velarde Pérez born on September 8, 1900 in Chihuahua, México. She was said to be friendly, bold, brave, and smart. At just 13 years old, she became part of “La Cruz Blanca” where she learned medical skills against her father’s wishes.
There are sudden moments where I catch a scent and my memory takes me back to moments of joy. Sometimes it's the scent of dirt after a strong lluvia. Other times, it's not completely joyful and it's usually the scent of clean floors and my memories of Fridays spent deep cleaning our home. But no matter what, I end up thinking about my childhood. It takes me to a place of uncertainty of the future, yet comfort of the home my parents built for us. We grew up in a humble home. There were little to no luxuries, but there was...