Minority Majority 003: Dia de Los Muertos, Latino in AI, and Hurricane Otis

INTRODUCTION
Bienvenidos - This week, we dive into the history and practices of Día de Los Muertos, reflect on the resilience of Mexico post-Hurricane Otis and how you can help, as well as spotlight Latino-led startups leveraging AI in a variety of fields.

Also, check out our new EN LA COCINA section, where we plan on sharing a different Latinx food recipe from a variety of Latin American countries every week.

Your presence here amplifies these narratives - thank you for being here. Read on and don’t forget to share with a friend!

CULTURA
What is Día de Los Muertos?

Día de los Muertos or Day of the Dead - is a significant cultural celebration in Mexico, honoring the lives of the deceased. The holiday, rooted in indigenous traditions dating back thousands of years, merges Catholic practices and Mexican mysticism. Celebrations commence around October 28th, with each day dedicated to honoring different groups of souls, culminating on November 2nd.

Central to the celebrations are the ofrendas, or altars, where photographs of the departed, along with their favorite foods, drinks, and symbolic items, are carefully arranged. Traditional items such as marigolds, sugar or chocolate skulls, and pan de muerto (a special type of bread) are commonly used in the celebrations. The marigold’s bright petals symbolize the sun, guiding the souls back home.

The event has gained global popularity and has become a significant tourist attraction, featuring parades, displays of ofrendas, and other vibrant festivities. Despite its growing commercial and global appeal, the essence of Día de Muertos remains a deeply intimate family tradition, reflecting remembrance, honor, and the perpetual connection to lost loved ones. In a broader sense, the holiday exemplifies Mexico’s resilience and ability to embrace and celebrate life in the face of death and adversity.

While Day of the Dead is widely recognized as a Mexican holiday, variations of this celebration can be found across Latin America, including in countries like Guatemala, Ecuador, Bolivia, and Peru, each adding their own cultural nuances to this rich tradition.

IMPACTO
How to Help Mexico in the Aftermath of Hurricane Otis

Ayuda a Mexico - Hurricane Otis, a Category 5 storm, has left Acapulco in a state of devastation. The storm, which is the most powerful to hit Mexico's Pacific Coast, resulted in at least 39 deaths and left the city isolated. With power and communication lines severed, residents are struggling to find water and food, with many stores looted.

World Central Kitchen (WCK), founded by chef José Andrés, is one of the main organizations contributing to relief efforts. WCK's strategy involves using helicopters to navigate the widespread destruction, allowing them to quickly deliver food and water to those in dire need. WCK is mobilizing additional staff and resources to escalate their response to the urgent needs.

To support, you can donate to WCK or check out this list of organizations compiled by CNN: Help Hurricane Otis Victims

BUSINESS
Latino-led Startups Innovate with AI in Music, Fraud Prevention, and Weather Forecasting

Latinos in AI - Three Recipients of the Google for Startups Latino Founders Fund were recently featured for their unique uses of artificial intelligence (AI) in their businesses.

Sunhouse, founded by the Esparza siblings—Tenoch, Tonantzin, and Tlacael—in Queens, New York, is redefining the role of AI in music. They believe in AI as an enhancer of human creativity, not a replacement. Sunhouse's technology aims to augment the human potential for creative expression, ensuring that music remains a deeply human art form.

Overwatch Data, led by Zara Perumal in Boston, Massachusetts, is at the cutting edge of cybersecurity. As the digital landscape becomes increasingly complex, Overwatch Data uses AI to empower companies to defend their digital assets and stay ahead of trends.

In San Diego, California, Carlos Gaitan's Benchmark Labs is leveraging AI to transform agriculture. Their technology provides farmers with advanced tools for pest and disease monitoring, yield estimation, and precise weather forecasting. This not only leads to better resource management, saving pesticides, fertilizers, and water, but also ensures the well-being of agricultural workers by alerting them to hazardous conditions.

EN LA COCINA

How to Make: Pan de Muerto

A staple dish savored during the Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos) festivities is the "Pan de Muerto" (Bread of the Dead). This delightful bread commonly takes on the form of skulls or circular loaves adorned with bone-like shapes. Besides being a symbolic culinary delight, it's traditionally placed on altars as an homage to dearly departed loved ones.

Get the Recipe Here.

RECURSOS

• 12 Resources for Hispanic Entrepreneurs - SCORE provides a variety of resources tailored for Hispanic entrepreneurs, including mentoring, workshops, and business guides.

• Facing History and Ourselves: Latinx History, Art, and Culture - Explore a collection of materials and teaching strategies to educate on Latinx history, art, and culture. It's an excellent tool for educators and anyone interested in learning more about the rich cultural heritage of the Latinx community.

NUESTRO TRIVIA: Last Week’s Answer

Last week, we asked: Which Latin American country is known as the "Land of Lakes and Volcanoes"?" The correct answer is…Nicaragua!

Nicaragua is often referred to as the "Land of Lakes and Volcanoes" due to its distinctive geophysical features. The country is home to the largest lake in Central America and has multiple volcanoes such as Ometepe and Mombacho.

NUESTRO TRIVIA: This Week!

Question: Which pre-Columbian civilization is known for its intricately carved stone spheres?

Reply with your guess! Answers revealed in the next newsletter!

RIEGA LA VOZ

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