The United States of Latinas
Hello! My beautiful creators…wow what a year 2020 was. In many ways, things are still the same and yet we have every opportunity to make 2021 completely different. Life does have a way of being a great paradox. So, should we expect anything less from the universe?
I wanted to take a beat to check-in. SO many new faces since launching just last March. In the beginning days of this blog, I created a few informative/motivational pieces for you all and then really cruised the rest of the year by highlighting your stories.
It is a profound understatement to say you all were a saving grace of consistency in an otherwise uncertain time. I knew I was always one email, one DM away from meeting another amazing Latina from somewhere in the world who was working hard against all odds to make it happen. If you haven’t met the inspiring women of this blog, I encourage you to read back through their stories - you won’t be disappointed!
Now to the main attraction: The United States of Latinas. I thought to include stats and facts for you all, because there really is power in numbers. That said, there is so much political jargon behind defining what Latina is in America that I will just say this: Latinos already account for 52% of the population and that’s not counting Latinos who mark themselves as white on the census. Meaning, now more than ever - it’s time we continue to stay strong in our connections to our heritage and each other. I write this to tell you, that as lonely as it may feel at times we are far from it.
In 2020 we know we had a ton of loss, as Covid disproportionately affected the Latino community in record numbers and my heart goes out to all touch by this devastation and those who continue to fight this battle for themselves or with their families.
On the other side, we had so many wins as Latina women in particular. Two notable developments were the passing/approval of the National Women’s Museum and the American Latino Museum. I implore you to read more about both and stay connect, they will need all the continued support we can offer!
Beyond that, the Latina community proved itself to be resilient AF. I saw so many women launching their own businesses whether out of necessity, or because timing allowed. Latinas everywhere truly stepped up as creators and leaders, not letting the pandemic keep us down. I attribute our resilience to the fact that we have always had to maintain a life full of hardships and unforeseen obstacles. As women, and especially as minority women, society is not stacked up to see us succeed. Yet we find power in sisterhood, in our spirituality, and in our faith that we can and will continue to thrive because that is the only option.
If you find yourself at a crossroads in life, you have two choices: stay stuck or make jefa moves. You decide.
In 2021 I will continue to introduce you to Latina creators who are pushing the boundaries of societies expectations, inspiring us with their ganas, and creating on their own accord.
If this is you, please email me steph@latinascreate.org.
* If you submitted on 2020 but were not featured please reach back out and I will work to get to all of you!
