Minority Majority 009: The Holiday Special

INTRODUCTION
Bienvenidos - Welcome to the special holiday edition of Minority Majority! In this festive issue, we first delve into the remarkable story of José Cuauhtémoc "Bill" Meléndez, the Mexican-American animator behind the iconic "Peanuts" holiday specials.

Next, we spotlight a selection of Latina-owned businesses, ranging from eco-friendly fashion to indulgent skincare products, perfect for last-minute holiday shopping.

Plus, learn how to make the delicious Christmas beverage, Coquito, and get the answer to last week’s trivia question.

CULTURA
Meet Mexican Animator Bill Meléndez: The creative force behind A Charlie Brown Christmas

José Cuauhtémoc "Bill" Meléndez, a Mexican-American animation pioneer, is renowned for his indispensable role in the creation of the "Peanuts" holiday specials, which have become an integral part of American holiday tradition.

Born in 1916 in Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico, Meléndez moved to the United States, where he eventually joined Walt Disney Studios in 1938. His work on iconic films like "Pinocchio" and "Fantasia" laid the foundation for his future achievements.

In 1959, Meléndez's path took a significant turn when he created commercials featuring "Peanuts" characters for the Ford Motor Company. This project marked the beginning of his lifelong collaboration with Charles M. Schulz, the creator of "Peanuts."

Schulz entrusted Meléndez with bringing his beloved comic strip characters to the television screen, a responsibility Meléndez embraced with both talent and sensitivity. Meléndez's most memorable contribution to animation and holiday culture is the 1965 classic "A Charlie Brown Christmas."

As the first animated Peanuts special, it broke new ground with its unconventional approach, including the use of real children's voices and a jazz score. Meléndez not only directed this special but also voiced the iconic characters Snoopy and Woodstock.

The success of "A Charlie Brown Christmas," which won both Emmy and Peabody awards, led to Meléndez directing over 70 Charlie Brown specials, cementing his and Schulz's characters' place in holiday traditions.

BUSINESS
Latina-Owned Businesses to Support During the Holiday Season & Beyond

For last-minute Christmas shoppers, those planning for Three Kings Day, or anyone eager to discover new brands, check out these Latina-owned businesses, curated by the #WeAllGrow Latina team. Offering everything from eco-friendly fashion to rejuvenating skincare, these businesses provide ideal gifts for these festive occasions.

Chica Mala

Begin your holiday shopping journey with Chica Mala, a Guatemalan-American enterprise, embracing eco-friendly fashion and home decor. Their range of slow-fashion apparel, vintage textiles, and artisanal ceramics not only adds a touch of sustainable elegance to your festive gifts but also supports rural artisan communities in Guatemala.

Sanara Skincare

Give the gift of self-care with Sanara's luxurious skincare products. Infused with the wisdom of Indigenous Latin American traditions, these natural skincare remedies cater to sensitive skin, providing a thoughtful and indulgent holiday surprise.

Libra Puzzles

For a present that brings joy and togetherness, choose from the beautiful jigsaw puzzles by Libra. Created in collaboration with Latino artists, these sustainably made puzzles offer a delightful blend of art, calm, and playful bonding, perfect for holiday gatherings.

Little Dreamers Publishing

Looking for an educational yet engaging gift? Little Dreamers Publishing, led by three Mexican sisters, offers bilingual workbooks and children's books. These resources foster STEM learning, art appreciation, and financial literacy, making them gifts and lasting educational tools.

Explore More Latina-Owned Businesses

Visit the full #WeAllGrow Latina guide for a list of 14 more Latina-owned businesses to support during this holiday season and beyond!

IMPACTO
Latino Talent Takes the Lead in Netflix's Top Viewed

Netflix's recent biannual engagement report showcases viewership data for the first six months of the year. Out of more than 18,000 titles, six of the top 25 feature a Latino lead or co-lead, including acclaimed shows and movies like "Wednesday," "La Reina del Sur," "FUBAR," "Manifest," "The Mother," and "Fake Profile."

This representation is bolstered by the performances of prominent actors such as Jenna Ortega, Kate del Castillo, Jennifer Lopez, Gabriel Luna, J.R. Ramirez, and Carolina Miranda.

According to Ana-Christina Ramón, a co-author of UCLA’s Hollywood Diversity Report, the latest viewership data from Netflix sends a definitive message: There is a strong audience desire for content that showcases Latinx creators and talent.

This is further evidenced by the high viewership of individual seasons of licensed TV shows with Latino actors. For example, "Suits" (featuring Gina Torres) and "Jane the Virgin" (starring Gina Rodriguez) have amassed significant viewership, with "Suits" reaching over 129 million hours viewed and "Jane the Virgin" continuing to draw attention despite being on the platform for several years.

Despite the demand, the UCLA Hollywood Diversity Report reveals a stark underrepresentation of Latinos in lead roles across broadcast, cable, and digital scripted shows. Similarly, the Annenberg Inclusion Initiative at USC found an alarming lack of Latino actors in lead or co-lead roles in popular movies, with even lower representation of Afro-Latinos.

The findings from Netflix's report and these studies underscore the importance of increasing Latinx representation in media. When Latino creatives are supported and their work is made known, audiences respond positively, showcasing that investment in Latinx content not only enriches the cultural landscape but also pays off economically.

EN LA COCINA

How to Make: Coquito

Coquito, a beloved Puerto Rican holiday drink, blends Indigenous Taíno, Spanish, and African culinary influences into a creamy, coconut-based beverage.

With its origins rooted in the island's rich history, Coquito has become a cherished tradition during Christmas celebrations, offering a delightful departure from traditional eggnog.

Its popularity has transcended Puerto Rico, gaining a global following and even inspiring creative contests and festivals dedicated to perfecting this festive beverage.

Try it this weekend with this simple recipe.

Ingredients:

- 2 cups of coconut milk

- 1 (8.5 oz) can of coconut cream

- 1 (12 oz) can of evaporated milk

- 1 (14 oz) can of sweetened condensed milk

- 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract

- 2 cinnamon sticks & cinnamon powder

- White rum to taste (I use 2 cups)

Instructions:

1. Mix the liquid ingredients in a blender. Add the cinnamon sticks and the mixture into bottles or a glass pitcher with a lid.

2. Chill it in the refrigerator for more than 2 hours, and serve it very cold with a sprinkle of cinnamon on top.

Enjoy your Coquito!

NUESTRO TRIVIA: Last Week’s Answer

Last week, we asked: In which Latin American country was the ancient city of Teotihuacán, known for its massive pyramids and sophisticated urban design, located?

The correct answer is…México!

Teotihuacán is located in the Basin of Mexico, northeast of modern-day Mexico City. It's in the State of Mexico, approximately 40 kilometers (25 miles) from the capital.

Established around 400 BCE, Teotihuacán was once one of the largest cities in the ancient world, reaching its peak in the first half of the 1st millennium CE. The site is renowned not just for its monumental architecture, like the Temple of Quetzalcoatl, but also for its complex layout and extensive use of mural art.

Recognizing its historical and cultural importance, UNESCO declared Teotihuacán a World Heritage site in 1987.

NUESTRO TRIVIA: This Week!

Question: What Latin American country is known as the birthplace of tango?

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

RIEGA LA VOZ

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