...serving the Hispanic/Latinx/Latine/Latino/Afrodescendientes/Indigenous-Latino and Asian-Latino communities.
“You guys, this is your world. This is your country. And what it becomes is going to be based on what you do with it.”
Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison THE NEW NORM PAGE 2
YOUTH COMMUNITY JOURNALISM PROGRAM: INSPIRING FUTURE LEADERS AT THE STATE CAPITOL PAGE 4 THE POWER OF COMMUNITY JOURNALISM PAGE 6
HENNEPIN COUNTY OPIOID AWARENESS PAGE 8
MULTIPLE MYELOMA AWARENESS In memory of Rubén Rosario PAGE 10
ESQUINA LATINA PAGE 11
COVID-19 was a global viral pandemic hoovering over the world. The silent invisible killer lurking in every human’s droplet. This post worldwide health epidemic is showing its indelible mark on each human being on this beautiful marble we call Earth.
In addition to its personal impact, it obliviated social gathering/ community engagement opportunities, which is my arroz con pollo aka bread and butter. The social distancing’s destruction of the foundation in community engagement was taking a toll on my mental health as it directly affected my ability to share vital resources. A friend defined slump as a ‘state of strategic adjustments’ helping me to turn my lemons into lemonade. I began to look at community engagement in a different light, a 21st century light bulb moment…technology.
I entered this new norm kicking and screaming all the way. Longing for the days of human interaction. Getting lost in the haze of staring into a screen and swiping. Six months in I understood the term ‘necessity is the mother of invention’. It was time to go with the flow. To adapt. To modify outreach techniques and most importantly to bring in the experts.
Al McFarlane of Insight News/Conversations with Al McFarlane led the way in my approach to this new normal through the ingenuity and creativity of media. Guiding me through the overwhelming transition into the world of social media platforms, making it a fun and exciting adventure helping to launch my own social media platform Carmen Robles and Associates LLC Conversaciones de Salud web show featuring community-based conversations.
Another colleague, Richard Aguilar of Latino American Today Newspaper encouraged me to create an ‘e-newsletter’. Now he’s encouraging me to go into print, and so we are. First issue scheduled for Sept. 6th at our Five-Year Anniversary of bringing awareness on the crisis of opioids/fentanyl/children’s mental health. Details to follow…
by Carmen Robles
What began as a grassroots informational campaign has taken roots. The September 26, 2019, Latino focused opioid conference sponsored by the MN Department of Human Services and The Opioid Response Network, brought together an elite team of professionals and a diverse group of individuals committed to the mission of eradicating this epidemic. This included ALMAS a group of student health advocates from Two Rivers High School. ALMAS students were peer-to-peer mentors to students at 6 schools where we had a Jovenes de Salud afterschool enrichment program bringing awareness on tobacco industry targeting of youth. Validating the importance of youth-to-youth engagement.
Fast forward to September 2024, the momentum continues. The challenges of a global health pandemic coupled with
becoming the epic center of civil unrest forced massive shutdowns causing self-isolation and social distancing. Community engagement evolved into a technology form of partner exchanges. Conducting community activities remotely became the nuevo normal (the new norm.)
Who better to usher in the next stage in the fight against drugs? In becoming the voice for the voiceless? Who else can move mountains when they have access to mentors, are motivated, determined, dedicated, committed to finding solutions? A young person with GANAS (basic temperament and the motivations that guide a person’s life) that’s who! Youth like the Strong Mind Strong Body Foundation Community Youth Journalism Institute Media Team.
The illustrious Youth Community News Team, Summer Class 2024 will be covering all aspects in the production of our Conversaciones de Salud 5-year anniversary show. Giving a new voice in the search for solutions, in the grassroots movement of healthy minds and healthy bodies. Los Jovenes de Salud Media Team.
Sept 6th, 2024 is our 5th year opioids awareness anniversary ‘Passing the Baton’ Jovenes de Salud News Team
• September 15 – October 15 is national Hispanic Heritage Month
SOBERING FACTS:
A 2017 report from CDC states:
*The largest percentage increase in overdose death rates involving synthetic opioids was in Hispanics aged 45–54 years (433%; from 1.5 to 8.0).
*The largest percentage increase in synthetic opioid–involved overdose death rates (379%; from 1.4 to 6.7) occurred among Hispanics aged 25–34 years.
*Among Hispanics, the percentage of opioid-involved overdose deaths involving synthetic opioids ranged from 47.9% in medium/small metro areas to 67.2% in large fringe metro areas.
“The fight is never about grapes or lettuce. It is always about people.” Cesar Chavez
This past month, our Youth Community Journalism Microinternship Program embarked on an extraordinary journey to the Minnesota State Capitol. This visit provided our young journalists with a unique opportunity to engage with influential leaders, including Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison and Representative Maria Isa Perez Vega. Their mission was to shed light on issues such as opioid misuse, homelessness, and immigration, while also exploring how these topics intersect with public health and safety.
During the visit, Attorney General Keith Ellison shared an inspiring message with the youth. His words resonated deeply, emphasizing the role young people play in shaping the future. As Ellison stated,
“As attorney general, I talk to the governor sometimes. I talk to members of Congress sometimes. I even was talking to the president not too long ago. The vice president, Kamala Harris, is a friend of mine. None of them people are as important as you. You are more important than all of them. Because none of them, not one of them, can claim that they are going to be leaders of our society for the next 50, 60, 70, 80 years. But all of you can say that. All of you can say that. You guys, this is your world. This is your country. And what it becomes is going to be based on what you do with it." These words were a powerful reminder that our youth are the leaders of tomorrow, tasked with the responsibility of creating a world that reflects their values and dreams.
Attorney General Ellison further highlighted the importance of supportive adults in the lives of young people, noting, “A caring adult is the most important thing to help you be successful. And you have two very caring adults. (Refering to Carmen Robles and Eric Ortiz) You’re very lucky for that.”
This visit to the State Capitol exemplifies the mission of the Youth Community Journalism Microinternship Program and our umbrella initiative, Jóvenes de Salud. Our goal is to empower youth to take action for education, health, social justice, and economic wealth through media. By engaging with influential figures and tackling significant issues, our young journalists are not only building their skills but also shaping their communities and future leaders.
Other Partnerships and collaborations: Xavier Vazquez from Centro Tyrone Guzman and Leonor Villasuso from La Voz Latina.
The young journalists also had the privilege of discussing the opioid crisis with Ellison, understanding its impact on the community, and exploring legislative solutions. They learned that the office of the Attorney General is committed to serving each Minnesotan by addressing these critical issues and ensuring public safety.
In addition to his engagement with the youth, Attorney General Ellison has been vocal about his support for the Harris-Walz ticket. He praised Minnesota Governor Tim Walz's selection as Kamala Harris's nominee for Vice President, highlighting Walz's significant contributions to Minnesota, such as implementing free school meals for all students, enacting paid leave policies, and advancing measures to reduce gun violence. Ellison's statement underscores his confidence in the leadership and dedication of both Walz and Harris, emphasizing their roles as true public servants.
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Healing begins with opportunities, and opportunities promote growth.
That's why we developed the Youth Community Journalism Institute at the Strong Mind Strong Body Foundation. We want to provide equitable access to journalism opportunities. We have seen growth already.
In March, we launched a journalism afterschool program with middle school students (6th-8th) at Ella Baker School in Minneapolis. We taught them the fundamentals of community journalism and started an online newspaper called Ella Baker News.
This summer, some of the students from Ella Baker participated in a six-week, paid youth community journalism microinternship at SPEAK MPLS, a community media center in Minneapolis. The program was led by the Youth Community Journalism Institute, in collaboration with Jóvenes de Salud at Carmen Robles and Associates LLC. We started with seven students (ages 12-15) and finished with nine from five different schools in and around Minneapolis. Over half of the students spoke Spanish and English.
Our youth community journalists did field reporting at local places such as Mercado Central, Centro Guzman, Target Field (home of the Minnesota Twins), on the streets with community members in south Minneapolis near downtown, with the executive director of Clean Elections Minnesota, at Centro Guadalupano, and at the Minnesota
State Capitol interviewing Attorney General Keith Ellison and House Rep. Maria Isa Peréz-Vega (District 65B).
The program culminated with youth producing a live, 90-minute community news show called "Youth Community Journalism." The show was broadcast on Minneapolis public access TV channel 75 on Comcast and live-streamed on Facebook.
The first episode was "Problems and Solutions in Minneapolis." The show covered many topics in English and Spanish with field reports, in-studio guest interviews, and pre-produced segments.
Our youth community journalism team did a wonderful job. The show wasn't perfect. But the imperfections are how we all learn.
Community journalists at any age can learn by doing. Students loved the youth community journalism microinternship program. They want more opportunities and more students to join the program. The National Association of Hispanic Journalists (NAHJ) offered free NAHJ membership for one year to all nine students in our youth community journalism microinternship program.
One parent described the program as a "vocational, fun and useful activity."
This family recently came to the United States from Venezuela, and her son, a 15-year-old student, just completed his first year in the U.S. at Edison High School in Minneapolis. During our summer journalism boot camp, the student worked on his English and also spoke Spanish to community members. He wants to continue with our community journalism program during the school year. His mother was a journalist in Venezuela, and we plan to help her find opportunities to continue practicing journalism in the U.S.
We will continue producing the monthly "Youth Community Journalism" TV show with youth. We will also have monthly community events, based on the issues discussed on the show, to build community and create community solutions.
Our first community event is Aug. 17 at Cedar Field Park in Minneapolis. It is a community solutions festival, and we have partnered with the Star Tribune to have a news kiosk that delivers and gathers community news at the festival.
This is the power of community-centered journalism. This is the power of youth. This is the power of youth putting community-centered journalism into action. We can inspire more students and communities to do the same.
The HUE-MAN Partnership, led by Clarence Jones, and the Hawthorne Huddle, directed by Diana Hawkins, are at the forefront of the fight against opioid misuse in Hennepin County, Minneapolis. Alongside Carmen Robles, director of Conversaciones de Salud, these dedicated leaders are working to combat the opioid crisis within the community. Through collaborative efforts, education, and community outreach, they aim to raise awareness, provide resources, and support those affected by opioid misuse. We thank them for their commitment and tireless efforts to create a healthier, safer community for all.
Explore Hennepin County's opioid response resources! Check out two important documents:
Naloxone Training & Community Events: Learn about life-saving naloxone training sessions and community events happening near you.
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Harm Reduction & Recovery Meetings: Discover weekly harm reduction, syringe services, and recovery meetings available in the community.
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Note: Events and services are open to the public. For a complete overview, please contact the respective organization.
This issue brief presents recent data on prevalence of opioid misuse & death rates in the Hispanic/ Latino population; contextual factors & challenges to prevention & treatment; innovative outreach & engagement strategies to connect people to evidence-based treatment; and the importance of community voice.
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Datos sobre el fentanilo
Hay dos tipos de fentanilo: el fentanilo farmacéutico y el fentanilo fabricado en forma ilegal. Ambos se consideran opioides sintéticos (fabricados en un laboratorio). El fentanilo farmacéutico es recetado por los médicos para tratar el dolor intenso, especialmente después de una operación y en las etapas avanzadas del cáncer.
Sin embargo, los casos más recientes de sobredosis relacionadas con el fentanilo están vinculados al fentanilo fabricado en forma ilegal, que se distribuye en mercados de drogas ilegales por su efecto similar al de la heroína.
Do you know how to help someone you suspect has overdosed on opioids? This interactive 45-minute online course will provide you with the knowledge and confidence you need to respond to a known or suspected opioid overdose emergency.
In this course, you will learn:
• To recognize the signs and symptoms of an opioid overdose.
• The appropriate care to provide based on the person’s breathing and level of responsiveness.
• How to give naloxone using several different products to reverse the effects of an opioid overdose.
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‘Fetal fentanyl syndrome’: How fentanyl exposure is stunting babies’ development
More babies are being born with severe birth defects. Scientists believe this increase may be due to mothers using fentanyl during pregnancy. Hospitals identified at least 30 newborns with a condition now called “fetal fentanyl syndrome.” This syndrome causes defects such as cleft palates, unusually small heads, drooping eyelids, webbed toes and underdeveloped joints.
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In memory of
February 19, 1954 – July 10, 2024
Multiple myeloma is a blood cancer that develops in plasma cells in the bone marrow—the soft, spongy tissue at the center of your bones. In healthy bone marrow, normal plasma cells make antibodies to protect your body from infection.
In multiple myeloma, plasma cells are transformed into cancerous cells that grow out of control, crowding out the normal cells that help fight infection. These malignant plasma cells then produce an abnormal antibody called M protein, high levels of which are a hallmark characteristic of multiple myeloma.
As myeloma cells multiply in the bone marrow, they crowd out normal cells, meaning that there is less room for—and decreased numbers of—red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. Reduction of blood cells can cause anemia, excessive bleeding, and decreased ability to fight infection. The buildup of M protein in the blood and urine can damage the kidneys and other organs.
Myeloma cells may activate other cells in the marrow that can damage your bones, which can cause bone pain and weakened spots on bones (called osteolytic lesions). This bone destruction increases the risk of fractures and can also lead to increased levels of calcium in the blood (hypercalcemia).
In memory of Rubén Rosario, a remarkable journalist and cherished member of our community, we dedicate this article on Multiple Myeloma Awareness. Rubén’s unwavering commitment to truth and justice left a profound impact on many lives, both through his words and actions. As we honor his legacy, we also recognize the importance of raising awareness about Multiple Myeloma—a disease that took him from us too soon.
Elvira Álvarez Castillo de Ciego
El
En febrero de 2018, los Estados Miembros de la OEA adoptaron una resolución mediante la cual se estableció la Semana Interamericana de las y los Afrodescendientes en las Américas, para con ello recordar el legado de la esclavitud y la trata de esclavos, así como sus consecuencias en la vida de los afrodescendientes y, al mismo tiempo, promover que haya un mayor conocimiento y respeto de la diversidad del patrimonio y cultura afrodescendientes y sus aportes al desarrollo de la sociedad.
Conforme al espíritu de esa resolución y como una forma de celebrar el Decenio de las y los Afrodescendientes en las Américas, la OEA se ha dado a la tarea de realzar la influencia de los afrodescendientes en la formación de nuestras sociedades, presentando a reconocidas figuras que a lo largo de la historia se han destacado por sus aportaciones en el campo de las artes, la cultura, los deportes, la política, los derechos humanos y la ciencia, tanto en el ámbito nacional como continental, y que a través de su trabajo han contribuido a sus
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For the ancestors: Bomba is Puerto Rico’s Afro-Latino dance of resistance
Witness the unstoppable joy of dancing bomba, Puerto Rico’s Afro-Puerto Rican dance of resistance Nativo americano, ¿qué significa y a quiénes se les llama así?
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