April 16 – April 22, 2020
Edition 103
Coronavirus Updates
The Sahan Journal has posted a mini-guide for all things financial assistance related to coronavirus in Minnesota. If you have questions related to how to pay for your medical bills, apply for unemployment, and much more, this is a solid resource. This article is in Hmong, Spanish, and Somali, too.
Unemployment isn’t the only thing on the rise because of coronavirus – incidents of domestic abuse have been steadily increasing throughout the country. Communities across the United States are reporting increased demands on victim service providers. Senators Amy Klobuchar, Tina Smith, and others are asking for $430 million in the next coronavirus relief package that will go to domestic abuse survivors, Allison Stevens with the Minnesota Reformer, reports.
On Monday, the JBS pork company announced they would indefinitely close its processing plant in southwest Minnesota, just two days after state officials announced that more than two dozen employees in the plant have tested positive for coronavirus. The state has offered coronavirus testing to all JBS workers, but not everyone is coming forward; namely, undocumented workers. However, according to Health Commissioner Jan Malcolm, immigration status will not be a barrier to receiving support from the health department.
The coronavirus crisis is yet another barrier that will make it harder for communities of color to participate in the census, including Latinos. Minnesota could lose a seat in the U.S. House if the 2020 census shows our population is not keeping pace with states growing much faster. Fortunately, we have plenty of advocates who are answering questions about the census and helping folks fill out their forms, such as our friends at Comunidades Latinas Unidas en Servicio (CLUES).
Local News
Still shot of Cedar Riverside. Credit: Richard Tsong-Taatarii | Star Tribune
Today marks the first day of Ramadan, and the City of Minneapolis has approved the Muslim call to prayer to be broadcast five times a day in the Cedar-Riverside neighborhood in Minneapolis. Designed to encourage Muslims to maintain safe distancing, this arrangement was approved by Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, working in collaboration with Minnesota’s Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) and the Dar Al Hijrah Mosque.
Do you know any students having difficulty adjusting to virtual learning because of English is their second language? They’re not alone – Latino families in the Robbinsdale School District have been working together to overcome common problems affecting Latino families during this time, including language barriers, access to technology, and more.
Fondo del Barril
The new Land O’Lakes packaging. Notice anything different? It doesn’t contain its iconic American Indian mascot for the first time in nearly a century. Credit | Minnesota Reformer
We can all agree that having a particular ethnic group as a mascot is a trend that needs to end, and it seems like Land O’ Lakes finally received the message… Nearly 100 years later. Land O’Lakes has finally removed the American Indian woman on its packaging. The change is welcome one, as mascot imagery like this has negative effects on the social identity development and self-esteem of American Indian young people. However, Land O’Lakes has mysteriously made zero statements on why they removed the mascot from their packaging, and the entire website has no mention of the prior mascot. The question is: why? Max Nesterak from the Minnesota Reformer, reports.
The annual Latin Alternative Music Conference is offering online panels, workshops, showcases, and networking opportunities – all free of charge! Past artists and panelists include Calle 13, Mon Laferte, Ana Tijoux, Julieta Venegas, Jorge Drexler, and more up-and-coming Latin acts. Don’t miss this free opportunity from June 9 – 13.
Café Libre
- Oscar Rodriguez interviews Margarita from Dominic Tax Services, talking about the latest information on taxes related to COVID-19.
- Melisa Lopez Franzen interviews Dr. Leo Saavedra, emergency doctor at North Memorial.
- Alberto Monserrate interviews Senator Patricia Torres Ray
Minnesota Latinx Insights
About
Hi, I’m Aya. Lead Communication Specialist at NewPublica by day, and typing this article in my jammies at night. Have articles you would like to share or general suggestions? Feel free to shoot me an email at info@newpublica.com. Or subscribe below to keep up with all the latest news.