Casanova//McCann

What's happening: The Blackwell School in Marfa, Texas, once a segregated institution for Mexican American students, has been designated a national park, marking only the second such site in the U.S. dedicated to modern Latino history. This move follows years of advocacy by Latino activists to preserve sites related to racial segregation and injustice. President Biden signed the Blackwell School National Historic Site Act in 2022, and the land transfer required to formalize the park's status was completed last month. The Blackwell School, which opened in 1909 and closed in 1965, now includes the original adobe building and a 1927 classroom, showcasing photos and memorabilia that highlight the experiences of former students and teachers. The park aims to provide more resources to explore this often-overlooked chapter of American history. Notably, some Blackwell students appeared in the film "Giant," though they were unable to view it due to segregation in local theaters. A ribbon-cutting ceremony for the park is planned for mid-September. https://brnw.ch/21wMlsK #LatinoBuzz

What's happening: Victoria™ has launched its partnership with acclaimed Mexican singer-songwriter Carin León as the Official Cerveza Sponsor of his Boca Chueca U.S. tour, which begins on August 29. To celebrate this exciting collaboration, Victoria is hosting the Victoria Beer Summer 2024 Sweepstakes, offering fans the chance to win a VIP Concert Experience at León’s show in New York City on October 2, 2024. The grand prize includes concert tickets, airfare, hotel accommodation, and spending money. Additionally, fans can win exclusive Victoria-branded prizes, including a custom cooler that doubles as a speaker and a framed, autographed León poster. This partnership underscores Victoria’s commitment to celebrating its Mexican heritage and León’s dedication to Música Mexicana. https://brnw.ch/21wMlrF #LatinoBuzz

What's happening: Toy company Mattel has unveiled a Barbie doll inspired by the late Mexican singer Juan Gabriel as part of its Barbie Signature Music series. Dressed in a black and gold bolero jacket and bodysuit reflecting the mariachi outfits worn by the iconic performer, the doll celebrates Gabriel's nearly four-decade career and his 1990 concert in El Palacio de Bellas Artes. Known for his flamboyant style and love of Mexican culture, Juan Gabriel, born Alberto Aguilera Valadez, was a beloved figure in Latin American music before his death in 2016. The doll, featuring details like a bolo tie choker and a microphone, is available for $55 at Amazon, Walmart, Target, and Mattel Shop. https://brnw.ch/21wMjDC #LatinoBuzz

What's happening: The inaugural U.S. Latina GDP Report reveals that Hispanic women in the U.S. contributed $1.3 trillion to the GDP in 2021, a 51.1% increase from 2010. This represents a growth rate 2.7 times faster than that of non-Hispanic GDP over the same period. The report, funded by Bank of America and led by Professors Matthew Fienup and David Hayes-Bautista, highlights that Latina GDP now exceeds the economic output of all states except California, Texas, and New York. Key findings include a 32.9% increase in Latina labor force participation, compared to just 2.7% for non-Hispanics, and a 103% rise in the number of Latinas with a bachelor’s degree or higher, outpacing the 38.3% increase for non-Hispanic women. Additionally, real incomes for U.S. Latinas grew by 46.0% from 2010 to 2021, compared to 18.5% for non-Hispanic females. The report underscores the significant economic impact of U.S. Latinas, who are now responsible for 30.2% of the overall growth in the U.S. labor force despite representing only 9.3% of the population. https://brnw.ch/21wMjf8 #LatinoBuzz

What's happening: Latino voters are increasingly influential in U.S. elections, with their share of the electorate expected to grow from 10.6% in 2020 to 11.1% in 2024, particularly in swing states like Nevada and Arizona where they constitute significant portions of the electorate. A comprehensive study by ThinkNow and Culture IQ Group, which included a nationwide survey and in-depth interviews with 1,120 Latino voters, reveals several key insights into their political behavior. Common values such as patriotism and a belief in the American Dream are prevalent among Latino voters, though there is a noticeable generational shift away from religiosity among younger, English-speaking individuals. Economic issues and healthcare are primary concerns, along with social justice issues such as abortion rights and LGBTQ+ support. Attitudes towards immigration vary, with Latino Republicans favoring tighter border controls, while others support a path to citizenship. Media consumption habits show a strong reliance on television, though digital platforms like YouTube, Facebook, and TikTok are gaining prominence. Undecided Latino voters are characterized by a mix of traditional values and progressive views on social issues, presenting a complex challenge for political campaigns. These findings highlight the importance of understanding the diverse and evolving priorities within the Latino electorate for effective engagement in the 2024 election. https://brnw.ch/21wM9KM #LatinoBuzz

What's happening: Maria Canals-Barrera, known for her roles as Theresa Russo on “Wizards of Waverly Place” and Connie Torres in the “Camp Rock” films, has been a pioneering Latina presence on American television. Reflecting on her impact, she expresses pride in being one of the first Latina mothers on TV, stating, "Being one of the first Latina mothers on American television has been an incredible honor." With the recent announcement of a “Wizards of Waverly Place” reboot, Canals-Barrera will reprise her role as an abuela, highlighting the show's ongoing commitment to cultural authenticity. She emphasizes the importance of portraying a diverse range of Latino experiences in media, advocating for more inclusive storytelling that represents the full spectrum of the Latino community. https://brnw.ch/21wM9iq #LatinoBuzz

What's happening: The "Fortnite Festival" returns for its fifth season, featuring Colombian music star Karol G as the headliner. Running from August 16 to November 2, the event includes a premium reward track with exclusive Karol G-themed items and a limited-time playable concert, "Karol G MSB Fortnite," from August 23 to 26. Players can dive into a five-part visual journey through Karol G’s career and enjoy new tracks like "Oki Doki" and "Provenza – Remix," all within a vibrant, neon-themed in-game experience. This season continues Fortnite's tradition of showcasing top musical talent, following previous headliners such as Metallica and Lady Gaga. For Hispanic fans, it’s a special celebration of their culture and a unique chance to experience a beloved Latin artist in a groundbreaking way. https://brnw.ch/21wM9eB #LatinoBuzz

What's happening: Miami Dade College’s innovative program, designed to help immigrants obtain U.S. teaching licenses, offers a promising solution to the teacher shortage crisis. This initiative not only provides immigrants with valuable economic mobility but also addresses the pressing need for more diverse educators in classrooms, where Latino students make up nearly 30% of the population but the majority of teachers are white. The program supports immigrants with foreign bachelor's degrees and work permits by improving their English skills, translating and evaluating their university transcripts, and assisting with state certification applications. It even allows individuals with non-education degrees to teach subjects in their area of expertise. The entire process can be completed within 10 months, offering a fast track to teaching careers. Although other states are beginning to consider similar programs, a unified effort is lacking. Elizabeth Zamudio of UnidosUS highlights the importance of promoting such programs and ensuring they come from credible sources to avoid past pitfalls of fraudulent offers. Meanwhile, education leaders across the U.S. are experimenting with various strategies to combat long-standing teacher shortages, including temporary hires and "grow-your-own" programs that focus on local recruitment. https://brnw.ch/21wM9bb #LatinoBuzz

What's happening: The Kamala Harris presidential campaign has launched a pioneering bilingual WhatsApp channel aimed at engaging Latino voters, marking the first time a presidential campaign has utilized this platform specifically for this demographic. The channel, introduced with a video message from campaign manager Julie Chavez Rodríguez, will provide behind-the-scenes campaign updates and culturally relevant content. Given that 54% of Hispanic adults use WhatsApp, the campaign views this initiative as a strategic move to counter misinformation and connect with Latino voters, who play a critical role in shaping the election outcome. This effort reflects a broader recognition of the unique media consumption patterns and political influence of Latino communities. https://brnw.ch/21wM7rd #LatinoBuzz

What's happening: New data reveals that Latinos and Native Americans are disproportionately killed by police compared to white Americans and are significantly younger at the time of their deaths. A mapping initiative by Campaign Zero shows that nearly 13,400 people have been killed by law enforcement in the U.S. since 2013, with Hispanics and Indigenous people accounting for about 22% of these deaths. https://brnw.ch/21wM23z #LatinoBuzz