Raíces y Ritmos: Stories of Heritage and Change

Latin America is watching Venezuela not as a distant crisis, but as a test case: can a people that has voted, protested, and sacrificed for change actually see its choice respected, or will power once again override ballots.  The 2024 Venezuelan presidential election has been widely denounced as fraudulent by opposition leaders, independent observers, and many governments, who argue that the official result bears little relationship to the reality at the polls.  That is why seating the genuinely elected Venezuelan president is not an act of interference; it is a long-overdue recognition of a democratic mandate that the regime has tried to smother with control of courts, security services, and electoral machinery. Over seven million Venezuelans have already left their homeland, creating one of the world’s largest displacement crises and straining neighboring Colombia, Peru, Brazil, and beyond.  Every month that an illegitimate government clings to power deepens that humani...

  Illustration by Kume Pather Pay no attention to what you hear in the news, this is the reality for many: Veronica clutched her daughter’s hand tighter as they walked down the cracked sidewalk. The sun had barely risen, casting a dull orange glow over the neighborhood, but she felt no warmth. The air was thick with fear, an invisible fog that had settled over their community in recent days. “¿Mami, por qué caminas tan rápido?” Sofia’s small voice broke through Veronica’s racing thoughts. She forced a smile. “No quiero que llegues tarde, mi amor.” That was a lie. She wasn’t concerned about being late; her thoughts were dominated by the shadows lurking on the streets, the sirens that had become a constant soundtrack, the black SUVs that had been circling their neighborhood. It hadn’t always been like this. Not long ago, she found comfort in knowing that some places like the church, school, the hospital were a sanctuary, protected by law. Places where families like hers could breathe...

  When we talk about the American Dream, Latinx entrepreneurs often embody its essence. They build businesses that not only contribute to the economy but also shape the cultural fabric of the U.S. I find it impossible to ignore how immigration policies particularly those introduced in President Trump's second term will reshape the landscape for these entrepreneurs. Here’s my take on what’s happening and why it matters. Latinx Entrepreneurs: The Backbone of Growth Latinx-owned businesses are a powerhouse and it’s transformative. From construction to retail and hospitality, Latinx entrepreneurs fill vital gaps in the economy. They create jobs, provide services, and fuel local communities. Beyond numbers, they represent resilience and creativity, especially given the hurdles they’ve faced historically. Yet, their success stories aren’t unfolding in a vacuum. They’re deeply tied to the immigration policies that shape their workforce, customer base, and opportunities. This is where the ...