Hispanic Heritage Month 2023 E-Newsletter Special Editon [SEPT]

HISPANIC HERITAGE TH 2023

Conversaciones de Salud by Carmen Robles

Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month 2023

From September 15th to October 15th, National Hispanic Heritage Month, a time dedicated to honor the generations of Hispanic Americans who have positively influenced and enriched our nation and society.

Hispanic Heritage Month is marked by a multitude of events, from festivals and art shows to conferences and community gatherings. It's an opportunity to come together and recognize the exceptional achievements of Latinos across the country.

This month also holds special significance as it coincides with the independence days of several Latin American countries. Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Mexico and Chile . This year's theme, "Building Prosperous and Healthy Communities," underscores the importance of unity and growth within the Latino community.

Hispanic Heritage Month through the years:

The original Jovenes de Salud leaders at Harding HS Class of 2008 Michelle Amparan (left) and Griselda Cabrera (right) . Today Michelle is a Captain in the US Army. She is stationed in Hawaii and is part of The Philanthropy Project at Harosky Homes Realty helping Ohana...giving back to the community.

Griselda, an advocate for Minnesota's Latino community, went to Hawaii for her honeymoon this month and connected with her pal, Michelle. Outstanding Latina women!!!

Conversaciones de Salud

Minnesota Latinos en

proudly honors the remarkable commitment, tireless efforts, and dedication of individuals whose work directly impacts the Latino community in Minnesota. Your time, energy, and talents are the driving force behind positive change, and your continuous efforts to promote health and well-being inspire us all.

Your stories are not just narratives; they are empowering testimonies that exemplify the profound impact individuals can have on their communities. Your dedication serves as a beacon of hope, and your work sets an exceptional standard for us all

We extend our heartfelt thanks to those who work tirelessly to make Minnesota's Latino community everyday.

Meet Carmen Robles, Conversaciones de Salud

Originally from Brooklyn, NY and of Puerto Rican decent Carmen Robles calls St Paul, Minnesota Home A mother and grandmother Carmen is an accomplished journalist, entrepreneur and a recognized Twin Cities government/community activist. She is an artist, writer, director and broadcaster for Afro-Latino affairs. Carmen is an engaging motivational and inspirational public speaker with her own consulting firm. Her background in public relations, multicultural marketing and youth development with Jovenes de Salud has garned her national recognition.

I'M A RICAN's 2nd printing of the book will be available through Amazon Dec. 2023

In her book "I'M A RICAN!', Carmen shares her collection of articles published in Insight News, La Prensa de Minnesota and American Latino Today newspapers. The book is sprinkled with entries from her personal journal documenting her battle with breast cancer and her love story with Puerto Rico.

'I'M A RICAN' is dedicated to her brother, Luis Mario Robles, Jr.

Inlovingmemory...

Vangeline (Vangie) Ortega, community leader, advocate and activist, passed away unexpectedly on January 6th after a 20+ year-long battle with Lupus. Vangie was an educator, health advocate, community activist, Kidney Foundation volunteer, Buddhist, confidant, friend. She loved music, food, the theater, politics, travel, dance and photography to name a few. She would extend her hand in service and friendship to all and believed in the goodness of mankind. While she had no functioning kidneys, endured 8 hours of dialysis three times a week was prone to countless infections, her generous heart and authentic spirit fueled her relentless energy to educate everyone on the health related issues. A legacy we will continue in honor of her memory.

Click here to see “The Gift of Life by Vangeline Ortega”

June26,1950-January25,2016

Vangeline (Vangie) Ortega

July 1, 1961 – January 6, 2015

“I’m A Rican” my brother Luis Mario Robles, Jr. use to say with his strong Brooklyn accent and a bit of swagger and attitude for effect. We came from a household of hangman and scrabble gaming and recognized early on that there is a Rican in every American. We discovered the word Rican is engrained into the very core of the name of this nation’s citizen, the American.

My brother, a Vietnam veteran who never received the respect he deserved for serving his country, loved coining the phrase “I’m a Rican. I’m an Ame-RICAN.”

Luis was a lover of books & puzzles, baseball, and Carlos Santana. He was funny and was a spectacular dancer. Reminded me of John Travolta in Saturday Night Fever. Salsa or Motown it was all the same to him. He was smooth! He command the dance floor. He was a Chica magnet.

Until the very end, my brother, Luis Robles, was proud of his military service, even when he was spat at. A Navy man, his ashes are in the Veterans War Memorial in California.

Mi querido hermanito Luis Mario Robles, Jr. the original “I’m A Rican.” You have left your footprint on this earth. Your legacy of love, compassion, good will towards all humans, your sense of humor and beautiful spirit lives on!

Hector Garcia

In September 2023, we bid farewell to a remarkable individual, Hector Garcia. Hector, a Mexican immigrant who became an American citizen, left an mark on our community. Former Director of the Minnesota Latino Affairs Council, former Vice President International & Domestic Emerging MarketVice President International & Domestic Emerging Market at Wells Fargo Bank and entreprenuer CEO of MEX-US Global, LLC. A dedicated advocate and great human being. Rest in Peace querido amigo!

LuisMarioRobles,Jr.

Celebrating Independence Day on September 15th

On the 15th of September, a vibrant celebration takes place across Mexico, marking a pivotal moment in the nation's history: Mexico's Independence Day Often confused with Cinco de Mayo, this holiday holds a unique significance and is a source of immense pride for Mexicans.

In the United States, Cinco de Mayo is a well-known celebration of Mexican culture. However, Mexico's Independence Day, celebrated on September 16th, carries even greater historical weight. It commemorates the remarkable event in 1810 when Father Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, a courageous priest, made a rallying cry for Mexico's liberation from Spanish colonial and the ringing of the church Dolores ignited what woul Independence.

For Mexicans, September 16th is a day of unbridled joy and patriotism. The entire nation comes alive with vibrant parades, mariachi concerts, and a dazzling display of the Mexican flag's tricolor. Streets are adorned with decorations in green, white, and red the colors of the Mexican flag. Families and friends gather to celebrate with delicious traditional foods like tamales, chiles en nogada, and pozole.

A special tradition on this day is the "El Grito de Dolores" (The Cry of Dolores), where the President of Mexico reenacts Father Hidalgo's call for independence. From the balcony of the National Palace in Mexico City, the President rings the same historic bell that Father Hidalgo rang over 200 years ago. This iconic moment is televised and watched by millions across the country.

Mexican communities around the world join in this celebration, honoring their homeland's struggle for independence. From the United States to Europe and beyond, people of Mexican heritage come together to mark this momentous occasion with cultural events, music, and traditional Mexican cuisine.

As the echoes of "¡Viva México!" resound throughout the country and the world, September 16th stands as a powerful reminder of Mexico's enduring spirit, resilience, and its unyielding commitment to freedom and independence.

Join us for the 3rd of 3 virtual multicultural conversations on fentanyl, opioids, narcan, and our children's health, where we're JOINING FORCES TO FIGHT THIS CRISIS TOGETHER. Taking place on September 28th, this event will feature the perspectives of young people and national resources like ORN (Opioid Response Network) and DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration), as well as local resources such as the St. Paul Police Department. Don't miss this conversation!

Reverend Victor A Martinez