Your Guide to a Busy September Weekend ☀️

This week’s edition covers stories 
from September 12th to September 18th, 2024.
Today’s issue is 1050 words, an 9-minute read.

Good morning, lovely readers,

Isabella writing to you today with a packed issue filled with exciting news. Listos? Preparados? Vamos! 

It wouldn’t be a NewPrensa newsletter if I didn’t start by celebrating the best time of the year: Hispanic Heritage Month. It’s the perfect time for Latinos to showcase their talents and intelligence while the spotlight is on them. While Target might have your corny bilingual t-shirts with flowers, Latinidad is so much more than that. We are a diverse community with countless facets and dreams.

CLUES recently inaugurated their “Presenting Latinidad” art exhibit, featuring artists from various backgrounds and showcasing a wide array of artistic mediums. The exhibit represents the state’s diverse demographics and heritage, as artists explored the meaning of Latinidad, evoking themes of identity, migration, and heritage. If you missed CLUES’ annual Fiesta Latina last Saturday, you might have missed the beautiful art and the chance to chat with the artists. Plus, you would have missed out on those delicious Chamoyadas! Don’t worry, though. The exhibit will be open until November 18, 2024, at the CLUES Art Gallery in St. Paul.

I also want to give a shout-out to everyone who stopped by our NewPrensa table. Thank you to all our readers for your continued support!

In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, I’d like to share one of my favorite infographics this week:

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| A Powerful Voice for Change: Liza Colón-Zayas’ Emmy Speech

As a dedicated fan of “The Bear,” I was thrilled to see Liza Colón-Zayas become the first Latina to win the Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series for her role as sous chef Tina Marrero. In the show’s third season, released on June 26th, Colón-Zayas leads the episode “Napkins,” which delves into the backstory of her misunderstood character. She also acted alongside her husband (both in the show and in real life), the Puerto Rican actor, David Zayas.

Despite her husband’s advice to write a speech, Colón-Zayas surprised everyone with a powerful speech acknowledging her fellow nominees and addressing Latinas with the most important message of all: “Vote for your rights.”

Tuesday was National Voter Registration Day, and I hope you took the opportunity to register. Here are three key things to remember:

• Register to Vote (or Update Registration): You can register online, and use the same link to update your address or name if you’ve moved.
• Sign Up for Permanent Mail Ballots: Select “absentee ballot” on the registration application to receive ballots by mail for all future elections.
• Check Registration Status & Vote in Person: Use the online tool to confirm your registration status. You can also register in person when voting early or on Election Day (proof of residence required).

| A Message from our VP of Public Affairs

• Friday, September 20th | 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
  Minneapolis Parade to the Polls: Click Here to Join 
  St. Paul Parade to the Polls: Click Here to Join 
  Join early voters, elected officials, performers, and community leaders in Minneapolis or St. Paul for Minnesota’s first Parade to the Polls! Bring your friends and family!
• Tuesday, September 24th | 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM
  Latino Heritage Month Rally: Click Here for event details and to RSVP! 
  Celebrate heritage with Rep. María Isa Pérez-Vega and other DFL leaders at CHS Field, gearing up for elections!
• Friday, September 27th | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
  Latinos for a DFL Majority: Click Here to Join 
  Support MN House DFL candidates and help protect the DFL majority. ¡Contigo, ganaremos este noviembre!

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| Barriers to Business: Hispanic Entrepreneurs in the Twin Cities

Despite Minnesota’s overall business-friendly reputation, Hispanic entrepreneurs face significant challenges in the state. A recent WalletHub study ranked Minneapolis and St. Paul among the worst cities for Hispanic entrepreneurs.

Key challenges include:

• Limited access to affordable funding: Hispanic entrepreneurs often struggle to secure loans from traditional banks, leading them to rely on higher-interest options.
• Lack of support networks: While Minnesota has a strong business community, Hispanic entrepreneurs may feel excluded due to language barriers and cultural differences.
• Economic disparities: Hispanic residents in Minnesota often face lower incomes, higher unemployment rates, and limited access to education, which can hinder their ability to start and grow businesses.

To address these challenges, experts recommend increasing access to financial services, fostering stronger support networks, and promoting economic opportunities for Hispanic communities. Read the full story here.

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| Your September Weekend Guide: Twin Cities Events

The Twin Cities have been buzzing with activity these past months, and September is no exception. Last weekend, we had the CLUES Fiesta Latina, St. Paul’s West Side celebrated Mexican Independence Day, and LEDC hosted their annual Taco Tour on Lake Street. This weekend, I have a few spots for you to check out:

• Open Streets West Broadway – September 21st, 11 AM – 5 PM (West Broadway Ave from Lyndale to Penn)
  Covering 17 blocks, with over 250 participants and vendors, with over 3,000 attendees, this event looks to celebrate its community and allow its neighbors “to experience city streets as public spaces where communities thrive.” 
• Powderhorn Porchfest – September 21st, 4 PM – 10 PM (17th Ave South between 32nd and 34th Street) 
  13 local creatively brilliant bands showcasing Hip Hop, R&B, Surf-Psyche-Punk, Country, Americana, Singer-Songwriter, Latin Folk, Alternative, Reggae Funk, Pop, Jazz Fusion, and more! Food trucks, beer gardens, and activities for all ages spanning 2 city blocks. 
• Lebanese Festival – September 21, 12 PM – 7 PM and September 22, 11 AM – 6 PM (602 University Ave NE) 
• Youth Baseball Clinic – September 21st, 10 AM – 11:30 AM (Lakeside Lions Park 7840 Pleasant View Dr, Spring Lake Park, MN 55432)
  BORIKEN Cultural Center is joining forces with the Minnesota Twins Community Fund to host a bilingual Youth Baseball and Softball clinic in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month! Register here. 
• Twin Cities Veg Fest – September 22nd, 2024 10 AM – 4 PM (Harriet Island Park, St Paul) 
  Enjoy eating plant-based food from more than 25 food trucks and vendors, & shopping from over 75 vendors with animal, health, and climate-friendly goods and information. There are presentations, live music, and activities for all ages.
• Twin Cities Arab Film Festival – September 25th – 29th (The Main Cinema and the Walker Art Center) 
  Mizna celebrates 25 years with the 18th Twin Cities Arab Film Festival (September 25-29). The festival features films from Palestine and Sudan, addressing the region’s challenges. Mizna also launches a special print journal, “Mizna: SWANA Literature + Film,” exploring the intersection of film and writing. Selected films will be available online.

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Stay informed, stay connected. 

See you next week! 

–
Isabella and the NewPrensa team

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