Get Involved: Dance, Create, and Make History! 

This week’s edition covers stories 
from October 24th to October 31st, 2024.
Today’s issue is 890 words, a 8-minute read.

Happy Halloween to our spooky readers!

Isabella here, writing to you on this chilly Thursday morning with all the news to keep you updated and relevant across all ages. Halloween parties may have kicked off last weekend, but people are still out and ‘aboot’ in their funniest and most classic costumes. Here are a few of my favorites:

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Dia de los Muertos: A Vibrant Celebration

Maybe you’re not a trick-or-treater and instead, celebrate Día de los Muertos on November 1st and 2nd. If you didn’t know, the Festival de Calaveras is celebrating its second weekend at the Cedar Cultural Center this Saturday with an amazing night of music featuring guest bands like Los Espiritus, Nortec, Ceci Bastida, Fea, Juan Pablo Villa, and Mardonio Carballo with Border Crossing. Plus, there will be VJ Booscapes, DJ Rey Azucar, and MC Larry Lucio! And yes, there will be calavera face painting too! I got my face painted at their first weekend and received tons of compliments on the skilled work. So, what are you waiting for? Go dance some Cumbia, Ska, and more!

Your Voice Matters: Early Voting in Minnesota

Okay, I get it. You might not be preoccupied with dancing, costumes, or treats—and that’s totally reasonable—because we have a huge day coming up next week: Election Day! This week is the final push to remind you that your vote matters this year and every year to come. In case you’re unfamiliar, if you live in Minnesota, you can vote early in person until Monday, November 4th (just before Election Day on November 5th). Voting early in Minnesota helps you avoid those pesky Election Day lines and lets you choose a time that’s more convenient for you. If you’re registered to vote, you don’t need an ID for early voting. If you’re not registered, be sure to bring an ID and a document with your current address if it’s your first time voting in the state or if your ID number can’t be verified. Want to know where you can vote in your county? Check out the details here. Most places are open early from 8 AM until 4 PM, and some are even open later, until 8 PM. Have you voted early yet?

Speaking Out: Unacceptable Comments in Politics

Now, let’s dive into some sad voter news. Some of you might have heard about the insulting incident at a Trump rally on Sunday night at Madison Square Garden. Stand-up comic Tony Hinchcliffe said, “I don’t know if you guys know this, but there’s literally a floating island of garbage in the middle of the ocean right now. I think it’s called Puerto Rico.” YIKES! Crude and offensive comments against Latinos, Jews, and Black people peppered his time on stage. While members of the Republican Party stated that they don’t consider Hinchcliffe’s comments to represent the values of the GOP, people across the country and the world spoke up for Puerto Rico, demanding respect. Superstars like Bad Bunny, Ricky Martin, Lin-Manuel Miranda, and JLo publicly supported Harris the very next day.

Also on Monday, ballots were set on fire and damaged in two ballot boxes in Portland (OR) and Vancouver (WA). Fortunately, 475 ballots were recovered in Washington state. Officials suggest there’s evidence that the ballot box fires are linked. Last week, a man set fire to a USPS mailbox in Phoenix (AZ). The motive behind these acts is still unknown. Oregon Governor Tina Kotek stated, “Voter intimidation or any criminal act to undermine the upcoming election is un-American and will not be tolerated,” according to Oregon Public Broadcasting.

Community in Action: CLS High School Leadership Program

The CLS High School Leadership Program met for its second month last Friday. The students visited Latine artist Gustavo Boada to create vibrant alebrijes and mojigangas sculptures at Midtown Global Market for CLUES’ Dia de los Muertos event on Saturday, November 2, from 12 PM to 3 PM. For many, it was a first-time experience exploring the vibrant tapestry of the market. They got to visit different vendors before working one-on-one with Boada. The visit allowed them to learn more about cross-ethnic markets and understand what our communities can achieve when we decide to break away from the mainstream. This intergenerational collaboration also helped them practice their leadership skills as they worked together on an art project while interviewing the artist about his experiences. We wrapped up our visit at Manny’s Tortas, enjoying some delicious tortas while reflecting on how our relationships with our ancestors and elders can help us better understand ourselves. How do you connect with your ancestors? Share your thoughts with us at newprensa@newpublica.com!

For more information on CLUES exhibitions and events, you can now follow @cluesartecultura on Instagram! For more details about their Dia de los Muertos event, see here.

Advocating for Change: Women’s Advocates

Even beyond Hispanic Heritage Month, it’s essential to shine a spotlight on organizations like Women’s Advocates. For 50 years, they have been at the forefront of protecting victim-survivors of domestic violence, particularly among women of color, who face disproportionately high rates of abuse. As they embark on an ambitious expansion to increase their capacity and services, Women’s Advocates continues to play a vital role in the Twin Cities, championing the cause of advocacy, shelter, and unwavering support for those in need.  

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, you can reach out to the Minnesota Statewide Day One Crisis Line at 1-866-223-1111 or text 612-399-9995, or contact Women’s Advocates directly at their 24/7 Crisis Line at 651-227-8284.

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Stay informed, stay connected. 

See you next week! 

–
Isabella and the NewPrensa team

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