Minority Majority 010: Celebrating Puerto Rico & Expanding Our Narrative in 2024

INTRODUCTION
Bienvenidos - Welcome to our first issue of 2024, a year where I plan to double down on expanding the reach and impact of Minority Majority.

As a nod to this, I'm proudly focusing the three main stories in this issue on Puerto Rico as a celebration of my Puerto Rican heritage, showcasing stories that embody the island's vibrant culture and resilience.

From the deep-rooted tradition of Don Q Rum to the rising stars in Puerto Rican cinema, and Orlando Bravo's philanthropic efforts, each feature is a celebration of the rich legacy and spirit of Puerto Rico.

As a New Year’s ask, if you’ve enjoyed reading the newsletter thus far, please forward it to a few friends, colleagues, or family members–gracias!

BUSINESS
Rum's Hidden Gem: The Rich Legacy of Puerto Rico's Don Q

Often overshadowed by the global fame (and marketing dollars) of Bacardi, Don Q is the hidden jewel of Puerto Rico, offering a superior rum experience rooted in deep family legacy & history stretching over 150 years through Destilería Serrallés.

Founded in 1865 by Don Juan Serrallés on a sugarcane plantation in Ponce, the brand is a symbol of enduring family tradition, now run by a sixth-generation Serrallés family member.

Named after the literary character Don Quixote, the brand reflects the Serrallés family’s quest for perfection in rum-making, a journey paralleling Quixote’s pursuit of an ideal world. The family chose the name DonQ in 1934 to symbolize their dedication to creating the "perfect" rum.

The rum's unique flavor is partly attributed to its exclusive use of water from the Río Inabón, a right granted by the 1898 Treaty of Paris. This special ingredient, combined with a meticulous distillation process, contributes to Don Q’s distinct quality. The brand also holds a place in popular culture, credited with inspiring the creation of the piña colada in 1954.

The Serrallés family's impact extends beyond rum production. They built Castillo Serrallés, a notable landmark (and now a Museum) in Ponce, and were known for their lavish social events. Following Hurricane Maria in 2017, Destilería Serrallés played a crucial role in relief efforts, organizing fundraising and support programs for affected communities.

Under Roberto Serrallés, who joined in 2004, the company has taken significant strides in environmental sustainability. Innovative waste management and energy conservation practices at the distillery demonstrate the brand's commitment to environmental stewardship.

Don Q’s history encapsulates not just a journey of rum-making but also a narrative of cultural significance, community involvement, and environmental responsibility, making it a proud emblem of Puerto Rican heritage and resilience.

CULTURA
Puerto Rican Directors Break Barriers in Hollywood and Global Cinema

Puerto Rican filmmakers made notable strides last year, signaling a promising future for the island's emerging talent. Despite economic challenges and limited resources given the island’s status as a U.S. territory, local directors have impacted global cinema with critically and commercially successful films.

Ángel Manuel Soto's "Blue Beetle" became a worldwide hit, demonstrating the commercial viability of Latino-led superhero films by grossing over $129 million at the box office.

Glorimar Marrero Sánchez's "La Pecera" earned a prestigious Goya Award nomination, marking a milestone first for Puerto Rican cinema.

Aristotle Torres's "Story Ave" gained recognition for its outstanding cinematography, and Kristian Mercado's "If You Were The Last" explored the romantic sci-fi genre with a notable cast, starring Zoe Chao and Anthony Mackie and is now available on Peacock.

In an interview with Axios Latino, the directors emphasized the importance of diversity in filmmaking and the need for minority representation among the executives who green-light projects. They also highlighted the challenges in securing funding and the often-limited belief in Latino-led stories.

Specifically in Puerto Rico, there's a call for the government to recognize the potential economic benefits of a thriving film industry and to provide more support and incentives for local filmmakers. Though Puerto Rico uses tax incentives to lure major productions, local filmmakers face funding obstacles as making films requires significant budgets, with the average Hollywood movie costing $65 million. Local Puerto Rican filmmakers in particular must raise and spend a minimum of $50,000 per feature film to qualify for any tax incentives.

This surge in Puerto Rican cinema, marked by both accolades and box office success, underscores the filmmakers' plea for increased support and recognition—highlighting a turning point that may very well redefine the future of film on the island.

IMPACTO
Turning Success into Service: Orlando Bravo's Mission for Puerto Rico

Orlando Bravo, known as "Wall Street’s Best Deal Maker," is leveraging his considerable success (as the first Puerto Rican-born billionaire) for philanthropic endeavors in Puerto Rico through the Bravo Family Foundation. Founded amidst the devastation of Hurricane Maria in 2017, the foundation has swiftly moved from immediate humanitarian aid to fostering long-term economic revitalization and opportunities for the island's youth.

With over $100 million committed since 2019, the Bravo Family Foundation hones in on three pivotal areas: nurturing budding entrepreneurs with resources to excel, fostering social community leadership to drive local self-sufficiency, and igniting the entrepreneurial spirit in youth, particularly from public schools and underserved communities.

The next steps for the foundation include scaling the impact of its programs and encouraging more significant venture capital investments in Puerto Rican startups.

In his advice to up-and-coming entrepreneurs, Bravo stresses the role of fortune in success: "It’s 90-plus percent luck…but besides the luck? Step by step, pasito a pasito." Beyond luck, Bravo underlines the importance of daily detail-oriented discipline.

Bravo's strategy exemplifies how private individuals and corporations can create substantial change by aligning their core competencies with philanthropic goals.

Checkout the full profile of Orlando Bravo and his foundation conducted by the Hispanic Executive here.

EN LA COCINA

How to Make: Uruguayan Beef Empanadas

Empanadas are made throughout various Latin American countries with different flavors, recipes, and techniques. Traditional Uruguayan beef empanadas are often baked golden-brown with a flaky crust, typically filled with a savory mixture of ground beef, onions, and spices, and include ingredients like hard-boiled eggs and olives for added flavor. The recipe below makes about 12 Empanadas.

Ingredients

For the Filling:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 large onion, finely chopped

• 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped

• 500g ground beef

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• 1/2 teaspoon cumin

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1/2 cup green olives, chopped

• 3 hard-boiled eggs, chopped

• 1/2 cup raisins (optional)

For the Dough:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 150g unsalted butter, chilled and cubed

• 1 egg, beaten

• 1/2 cup water (approx.)

Instructions

Prepare the Filling:

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

2. Add onion and bell pepper, sauté until soft.

3. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned.

4. Stir in paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook for a few more minutes.

5. Remove from heat and let it cool. Once cooled, mix in olives, eggs, and raisins if using.

Make the Dough:

1. In a large bowl, mix flour and salt.

2. Add the cubed butter and work it into the flour with your hands or a pastry cutter until it resembles coarse crumbs.

3. Add the beaten egg and mix.

4. Gradually add water, kneading until a smooth dough forms. You may not need all the water.

5. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill for at least 30 minutes.

Assemble the Empanadas:

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).

2. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/8 inch thickness.

3. Cut out round disc shapes using a large cookie cutter or a small bowl.

4. Place a spoonful of the beef mixture in the center of each disc.

5. Fold the dough over to form a half-moon shape and press the edges to seal. Crimp with a fork for a traditional look.

Bake the Empanadas:

1. Place the empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

2. Brush the tops with a beaten egg for a golden finish.

3. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.

4. Serve and Enjoy! Let the empanadas cool for a few minutes before serving.

Enjoy these delicious empanadas as a snack, appetizer, or a main dish. They're perfect for sharing with family and friends!

NUESTRO TRIVIA: Last Week’s Answer

Last week, we asked: What Latin American country is known as the birthplace of tango?

The correct answer is…Argentina!

Tango, a dance of passion and complexity, originated in the late 19th century in the working-class neighborhoods of Buenos Aires, Argentina. It was a melting pot creation, blending African rhythms, European music, and Argentinean folk dances.

While Tango also has roots in Uruguay, where it developed in tandem with its Argentine counterpart, it is more widely recognized as a quintessential part of Argentine culture and history.

Initially marginalized by society, Tango was embraced in the Parisian scene in the early 20th century, leading to its international acclaim and acceptance back in Argentina.

The Golden Age of Tango, between the 1930s and 1950s, saw the dance evolve with orchestras, singers, and refined styles, making it a symbol of Argentinean culture. In the 1950s, political and social changes led to its decline, but it resurged in the 1980s, fueled by renewed interest and nostalgia.

Today, Tango is recognized by UNESCO as part of the world's intangible cultural heritage, celebrated for its artistry, deep emotional expression, and as a bridge connecting diverse cultures.

NUESTRO TRIVIA: This Week!

Question: What unique stone, only found in the Dominican Republic, is known for its blue-green color and is often used in jewelry?

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

RIEGA LA VOZ

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