Minority Majority 022: The Latina behind Bonita Fierce Candles, the importance of "The Long Game" Film, & Dr. Martha Bernal's Pioneering Legacy

INTRODUCTION
¡Saludos! ¡Saludos! Welcome to edition 022 of the Minority Majority newsletter.

From Melissa Gallardo’s entrepreneurial journey with Bonita Fierce Candles to the inspiring story of resilience in "The Long Game," and the groundbreaking contributions of Dr. Martha Bernal in psychology—each story highlights the creativity, strength, and enduring impact of our community.

So, grab your afternoon cafecito, dive in, and if you enjoy, please forward the newsletter to friends or share it on social media! With your support and sharing, we grow and continue to bring these impactful stories to light every week. ☕️

BUSINESS
Lighting the Way: Melissa Gallardo's Journey from Hobbyist to Entrepreneur

Melissa Gallardo, a Salvadoran-American entrepreneur, transformed her candle-making side hustle into Bonita Fierce Candles, a flourishing business that marries heritage with aroma.

Melissa's professional journey began in the corporate media world of New York, where she aimed to build a career. However, as the world slowed down during 2020 and Melissa found herself with extra time, she was drawn to candle making. Creating candles became a comforting hobby that soon uncovered a gap in the market: the absence of home fragrances that truly represented Latino heritage.

Driven by her Salvadoran roots and the broader Latino community, Melissa launched Bonita Fierce Candles to capture the essence of the Latino spirit in every scent. Each candle—be it the warming 'Cafecito Con Leche,’ the Sunday-cleaning with Mami ‘Lavender Fabulosa,’ or the festive 'Coquito'—is crafted to evoke cherished memories and honor the richness of our traditions and culture. Her products are more than just fragrances; they are a bridge to the past and a celebration of identity.

Running Bonita Fierce Candles for Melissa involves more than just creating and selling products. She shares the highs and lows of her entrepreneurial journey with candid honesty, from logistical challenges to the joys of creative breakthroughs. This openness not only strengthens her brand's authenticity but also inspires others in our community to consider their entrepreneurial paths.

@bonitafiercecandles

seeing my mom and sister's reaction to my candles in @Barnes & Noble means so much to me 🥹 #barnesandnoble #barnesandnobles #bonitafiercec... See more

Bonita Fierce Candles has evolved from a side hustle to Melissa Gallardo's full-time commitment, with her candles now available online and stocked on the shelves of multiple retailers, such as Urban Outfitters and Barnes & Noble. Bonita Fierce Candles also made history, by becoming the first Latina-owned candle brand to be carried and sold at Nordstrom, setting a significant milestone in the retail industry.

Melissa Gallardo’s story is a testament to innovation and cultural pride. By turning her passion for candle making during a global slowdown into a thriving business, she has not only filled a niche but has also paved the way for greater representation in the industry.

As Bonita Fierce Candles continues to expand, Melissa remains dedicated to her mission of bringing Latino culture to the forefront of the home fragrance market, inspiring other entrepreneurs to follow their passions and embrace their heritage.

CULTURA
Swinging Against Segregation: The Story of 'The Long Game'

"The Long Game", recently released in movie theaters, stands as a powerful testament to Latino representation in cinema, both on-screen and through its narrative. This film brings to life the inspiring true story of the San Felipe High School golf team—a group of Mexican American teens in 1950s Texas who, despite facing systemic racism, win the state championship.

Led by Jay Hernandez, known from the reboot of “Magnum P.I.,” the cast also includes Dennis Quaid and Cheech Marin, adding depth and resonance to a story rooted in real-life struggles and triumphs. Jay Hernandez portrays J.B. Peña, a Mexican American war veteran and school superintendent, who, after being rejected from a local golf club due to his ethnicity, decides to form a high school golf team.

This decision sets the stage for an extraordinary journey from mere caddies to state champions, encapsulating the spirit and challenges of the era. Directed by Julio Quintana and based on Humberto G. Garcia’s "Mustang Miracle," the movie meticulously portrays the adversities these young athletes overcome, both on and off the green.

"The Long Game" is significant for its entertainment value and contribution to a broader dialogue about race, identity, and resilience. It challenges viewers to reflect on the progress made since the 1950s and the road still ahead in achieving true inclusivity and representation. Hernandez, also an executive producer, in an interview with NPR emphasized the film’s relevance, noting that the American story is also a story of its immigrants—rich and diverse.

As it debuts in theaters, "The Long Game" does more than recount a historical victory; it champions the ongoing importance of Latino stories in shaping the narrative of American culture and the arts. Through its compelling portrayal of real-life heroes, the film encourages a new generation to recognize and celebrate the diverse fabric of America.

IMPACTO
Honoring Dr. Martha Bernal: The First Latina Psychologist in the U.S.

Last week on Apr 13, 2024, the Google Doodle of the day honored what would have been the 93rd birthday of Dr. Martha Bernal, a trailblazing Mexican American psychologist who became the first Latina to earn a Ph.D. in psychology in the United States. Dr. Bernal's profound contributions to children's clinical work and multicultural psychology have left an indelible mark on the field.

Meet Dr. Martha Bernal: Born in San Antonio, Texas, in 1931, Dr. Bernal was raised in a Mexican cultural household and faced significant challenges in her educational journey. Encountering discrimination and discouragement from pursuing advanced courses due to her ethnicity, she experienced a sense of shame about her heritage.

Despite these barriers and initial familial resistance to leaving El Paso for further education, Dr. Bernal’s determination propelled her forward. She earned her master’s degree from NYU Syracuse and bravely navigated racism and sexism throughout her graduate studies at Indiana University, where she achieved her historic Ph.D. in 1962.

Dr. Bernal’s early career focused on children's behavior and development. Later, she dedicated her efforts to enhancing diversity within psychology, significantly influencing training programs, recruitment methods, and research opportunities aimed at increasing ethnic minority representation in the field. Her leadership in creating the National Hispanic Psychological Association in 1979 underscored her commitment to these causes.

Throughout her career, Dr. Bernal was honored with numerous awards, including a prestigious National Research Service Award from the National Institute of Mental Health. Her legacy is a testament to her resilience and dedication to making psychology a more inclusive discipline. Dr. Bernal not only paved the way for future generations of minority psychologists but also ensured that the field of psychology itself grew richer and more reflective of the diverse society it serves.

As we reflect on her accomplishments and celebrate her through the Google Doodle, Dr. Martha Bernal's legacy continues to inspire a commitment to equity and inclusion within and beyond the field of psychology.

EN LA COCINA

How to Make: Alfajores

Alfajores are delightful sandwich cookies popular across Latin America, particularly famous in Argentina, Peru, Chile, and Uruguay. Here’s a simple recipe to make your own Alfajores at home.

Ingredients:

• For the cookies:

  • 1 cup (200g) all-purpose flour

  • 1 cup (200g) cornstarch

  • 1/2 cup (100g) sugar

  • 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, at room temperature

  • 2 egg yolks

  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

  • 1/2 tsp baking powder

  • 1/4 tsp salt

  • Zest of 1 lemon (optional)

• For assembly:

  • Dulce de leche, as needed (about 1 to 2 teaspoons per cookie)

  • Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

  • Shredded coconut for rolling the edges (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the dough:

   • In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg yolks and vanilla extract, and mix until well combined. Stir in the lemon zest if using.

   • Sift together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms.

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

2. Bake the cookies:

   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

   • On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Using a round cookie cutter (about 2 inches in diameter), cut out the cookie shapes and place them on the prepared baking sheet.

   • Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are just beginning to turn golden. Remove from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

3. Assemble the Alfajores:

   • Once the cookies are cool, spread a generous teaspoon of dulce de leche on the flat side of one cookie. Place another cookie on top, flat side down, to make a sandwich.

   • If desired, roll the edges of the Alfajores in shredded coconut or simply dust them with powdered sugar.

4. Serving:

   • Serve immediately, or store in an airtight container. The cookies will soften slightly as they sit, which makes them even more delicious.

These Alfajores are a perfect treat to enjoy with coffee or tea. Enjoy crafting these delicious treats!

NUESTRO TRIVIA: Last Week’s Answer

Last week, we asked: Ecuador is one of the world's largest exporters of which fruit?

The correct answer is: Bananas

Ecuador is one of the world's largest exporters of bananas. The country's tropical climate and fertile soil create ideal conditions for banana cultivation, allowing it to thrive and become a major part of the economy.

Ecuador supplies about one-third of all bananas traded internationally, making it a key player in the global market. The banana industry is vital for Ecuador, employing hundreds of thousands of people throughout the country.

As a result, bananas are not only a staple food locally but also a significant export that drives economic growth and development in Ecuador.

NUESTRO TRIVIA: This Week!

Question: Who was the first Latina to win an Oscar?

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

RIEGA LA VOZ

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