By Alyssa Guevara SUCCASUNNA, New Jersey —Hollywood has always had trouble properly representing the Latin community in ways that showed a positive light of the culture that feels genuine. For example, there was controversy over Ronni Hawk being cast as a Latina in Netflix’s “On My Block,” despite the fact she isn’t Latina. Another example…
By Laura Donnelly AUSTIN, Tx. — Do you like creepy stories? An intensity that builds like a slow heat? All with a nod to dark histories in Mexico’s interior? “Mexican Gothic” reads like cinema, as in, I cannot wait until this story becomes a movie! On the cover of “Mexican Gothic,” we see a beautiful,…
By Dana Garibaldi MCALLEN, TX. — As a theater student and enthusiast, I know my fair share of Broadway musicals, which I hold near and dear to my heart. One of my personal favorites is “In The Heights” — a four-time Tony Award-winning musical that tells the story of a vibrant and predominantly Latino community…
By Amanda Landa AUSTIN, Tx. —As a Mexican-American, I genuinely believe I never got to grow up appreciating the Mexican side of my heritage. There were delicious breakfast tacos from my grandma, the Tejano music bass booming in my Dad’s pickup, and my home of Eagle Pass, Tx., a typical border town. Yet, I didn’t…
By Laura Donnelly AUSTIN, Tx.—Actor Raúl Castillo is best known for his roles in “We the Animals,” “Atypical,” “Looking” and “Vida.” Before he was seen on the big screen, he grew up in the Rio Grande Valley in the city of McAllen, located in South Texas. In the below interview, Castillo discusses his upbringing, culture…
HARLINGEN, Tx.—L.A.-based Mexican-American musician MONOGEM, also known as Jen Hirsh, grew up in a family that not only loved music but celebrated it. Specifically, Hirsh’s abuelita would play the timeless bolero track “Bésame Mucho” by Consuelo Velázquez on repeat throughout the house. “I have the most beautiful memories of my abuelita singing and admiring the…
By Dana Garibaldi MCALLEN, Tx.—Though this year has been full of many twists and turns, the Latinx community remains strong. It is providing a significant contribution to the economy. According to an article by Nielsen, Latinx consumers currently yield $1.5 trillion in annual buying power, and Latina-majority businesses have seen at least 87% growth over…
By Natasha Ford AUSTIN, Tx.—In Laura Taylor Namey’s second novel, “A Cuban Girl’s Guide to Tea and Tomorrow,” Namey creates a world full of love, support, friendship, and, of course, food. For me, this book was a long, warm hug from my family. It was cozy, while also being honest about grief and loss. It…
By Natasha Ford “Hannah’s War” is a gripping cat-and-mouse tale of love, war, deception, and espionage. It is a spy thriller full of suspense, and high-stakes. Jan Eliasberg does a wonderful job bringing a true story to life and highlighting America’s most complex moments in history. The story switches between Dr. Hannah Weiss’ history and…
Latinitas mission is to empower all girls to innovate through media and technology. We envision a future where courageous leaders emerge from every community, breaking barriers and forging paths to success. As a non-profit 501c(3) organization, our focus is on creating opportunities that enable girls to discover their voices, develop media and technology skills, and lay a solid foundation for their future.
Learn more at www.latinitinasonline.org
