Minority Majority 024: Olympic Sailor to Founder, Rise of Sierreño Music, & Sylvia Mendez

INTRODUCTION
¡Saludos! Welcome to the 24th edition of the Minority Majority newsletter.

This week, we explore the vibrant journey of Manuel "Mac" Villarreal, from Olympic competition to pioneering the nutritious food movement with Eat My Greens. We also tune into the compelling rise of Sierreño music, a genre blending traditional corridos with modern influences, captivating audiences worldwide. Additionally, we honor the enduring legacy of Sylvia Mendez, whose fight for desegregation in the 1940s helped pave the way for civil rights advancements in education. Each story highlights the resilience, creativity, and impact of our community.

So, grab your afternoon cafecito, settle in, and if you enjoy, please forward the newsletter to friends or share it on social media! With your engagement and support, we continue to illuminate these inspiring stories each week. ☕️

BUSINESS
Sailing Into the Soup Business: The Journey of Mac Villarreal

Manuel "Mac" Villarreal's journey from Olympic sailor to founder of I Eat My Greens is a tale of transformation, driven by a quest for nutritional excellence. Back in 2000, while training for the Sydney Olympics, the Mexican native realized that his dietary choices were directly influencing his performance and overall health.

This revelation became even more pertinent as he transitioned to life as a father of three, confronting the common struggle of integrating more vegetables into his family's diet. In 2020, amid personal and global upheavals, Villarreal launched I Eat My Greens.

The company began producing a line of fresh, plant-powered soups designed to make vegetable consumption appealing and accessible to the busy modern consumer. These soups, ranging from Black Bean & Chipotle with Cacao to Zucchini & Cilantro with Cauliflower, are crafted in small batches using whole food ingredients without added sugars, fillers, or preservatives.

Villarreal’s entrepreneurial path mirrors his athletic one, marked by resilience and grit. Just as sailing demanded adaptability and persistence, so too has his business journey. Each challenge in developing and distributing his product line teaches him new lessons in patience and perseverance.

Looking ahead, Villarreal is excited about expanding I Eat My Greens' impact. The growth of the business not only means broader distribution but also a greater ability to support the farmers and communities involved in the production process. Furthermore, the company champions sustainability and social responsibility, contributing to community well-being through educational programs and partnerships with organizations like Feeding San Diego.

Through I Eat My Greens, Villarreal continues to spread his passion for healthy eating, changing perceptions about vegetables one tasty soup at a time. His story is not just about selling a product; it's about inspiring a shift towards more nutritious and mindful eating practices, making a lasting impact on the way people view and consume food.

CULTURA
From Regional Rhythms to Global Hits: The Rise of Sierreño Music

Sierreño music, a genre deeply rooted in the Mexican corrido tradition dating back to the 1800s, is experiencing a surge in popularity that rivals global phenomena like K-Pop. Originally narrating tales of life, love, and conflict, Sierreño has evolved while maintaining its storytelling heart, resonating powerfully with a new generation.

This resurgence is driven by young Mexican American artists who blend traditional themes with contemporary issues, bridging cultural gaps and connecting with broader, diverse audiences.

The genre's rise to prominence can be seen in milestones such as the sierreño anthem "Ella Baila Sola" by Peso Pluma and Eslabon Armado, which not only reached number four on the Billboard Hot 100 but also exceeded a billion streams on Spotify. These achievements underscore the genre's growing mainstream appeal in the United States, a country with a significant Mexican diaspora that finds a voice in the music's narratives.

Sierreño's allure among Gen Z listeners, particularly those of Mexican heritage, stems from its authentic expression of the Mexican American experience. The music's lyrics often blend Spanish and English, reflecting the bilingual, bicultural realities of many young listeners.

Artists like Ariel Camacho, who passed away at just 22, have left a lasting influence on the genre by modernizing the sound without diluting its rich cultural essence. Camacho’s use of the requinto, a twelve-string guitar, has inspired a wave of musicians who see the instrument as a bridge between past and present musical styles.

The genre's simplicity, often featuring minimal instrumentation such as traditional acoustic guitars and a bass, allows for an intimate musical experience that appeals to young artists and audiences alike. This stripped-down setup facilitates a direct, heartfelt connection to the music, making it accessible and relatable.

Digital platforms have played a crucial role in Sierreño’s ascent, enabling young musicians to produce, share, and promote their music on a global scale. This has not only expanded Sierreño's reach but also allowed it to evolve dynamically with contributions from an array of talented young artists.

As Sierreño continues to grow, it not only preserves but revitalizes the corrido tradition, ensuring its relevance and resonance with new generations, both within and beyond the Mexican American community. Thus, Sierreño music stands as a vibrant testament to the enduring power of cultural expression and adaptation in the global digital age.

IMPACTO
Before Brown v. Board: How Sylvia Mendez Pioneered Desegregation in American Education

Sylvia Mendez, an American civil rights icon and nurse, played a central role in a landmark legal case that set the stage for ending school segregation in the United States. Born on June 7, 1936, in Santa Ana, California, Mendez's life took a pivotal turn in 1944 when she was denied entry into a "whites-only" school, sparking her family's historic fight for equality.

Her parents, Gonzalo Mendez, a Mexican immigrant, and Felicitas, from Puerto Rico, challenged the segregation of Hispanic children in California schools by initiating the Mendez v. Westminster case. With the help of civil rights attorney David Marcus, they argued that segregating Mexican-American students was not only a violation of the equal protection clause of the Fourteenth Amendment but also detrimental to their education and self-esteem.

In a groundbreaking 1946 decision, the federal court ruled in favor of Mendez, marking a crucial victory that prompted California to become the first state to desegregate schools in 1947.

This case not only influenced the seminal Brown v. Board of Education Supreme Court decision in 1954 but also highlighted the critical role of the Latino community in the civil rights movement. Thurgood Marshall, who later argued Brown, used arguments from Mendez to bolster his case, illustrating the interconnected struggles against racial discrimination.

After her monumental legal victory, Mendez continued her education in an integrated school, later pursuing a career in nursing. She graduated with degrees from Orange Coast Community College and California State University at Los Angeles, dedicating over 30 years to serving at the Los Angeles County University of Southern California Medical Center. Her commitment extended beyond her nursing career as she spent her post-retirement years educating others about her family's legal battle and its implications for civil rights.

In 2011, President Barack Obama recognized her contributions to American society by awarding her the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Sylvia Mendez not only represents a pivotal figure in civil rights history but also embodies the ongoing fight for justice and equality, inspiring new generations to continue the work her family began. Her story is a testament to the power of resilience and advocacy in forging a more inclusive future.

EN LA COCINA

How to Make: Ecuadorian Shrimp Ceviche

Ecuadorian Ceviche is a refreshing and zesty seafood dish perfect for hot days or a nice appetizer at your next dinner party. Here's how you can make it at home:

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs fresh shrimp, peeled and deveined

• Juice of 10-12 limes, enough to cover the shrimp

• 1 red onion, thinly sliced

• 2 tomatoes, diced

• 1 green bell pepper, finely chopped

• 1-2 hot peppers (such as jalapeño or serrano), minced (adjust to taste)

• 1 bunch cilantro, finely chopped

• Salt and black pepper to taste

• 1 orange (optional), juiced

• 1 cup tomato juice (optional, for a slightly different version)

• 1 tbsp olive oil (optional)

• 1 cup popcorn or plantain chips, for serving

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Shrimp:

   • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the shrimp and cook just until opaque, about 2-3 minutes. Immediately remove from heat and plunge the shrimp into ice water to stop the cooking process. Drain once cooled.

2. Marinate:

   • In a large bowl, combine the cooked shrimp, lime juice, and optional orange juice. Ensure the juice covers the shrimp. Let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes.

3. Add Vegetables:

   • Remove the shrimp from the fridge and add the sliced red onion, diced tomatoes, chopped green bell pepper, minced hot peppers, and chopped cilantro. Mix well to combine.

4. Season:

   • Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Add the tomato juice and olive oil if using. Stir well.

5. Chill:

   • Let the ceviche chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to an hour (more time, más sabor!) before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.

6. Serve:

   • Serve chilled, garnished with additional cilantro if desired. Ecuadorian ceviche is traditionally accompanied by popcorn or plantain chips on the side for a satisfying crunch.

This recipe highlights the classic Ecuadorian approach to ceviche, emphasizing the freshness of the seafood balanced with the acidity of lime and the brightness of cilantro. It’s a delightful, light dish that's perfect for sharing.

NUESTRO TRIVIA: Last Week’s Answer

Last week, we asked: Which Uruguayan city is known as the 'Monaco of South America'?

The correct answer is: Punta del Este

Punta del Este is renowned for its luxurious ambiance and stunning coastal views, mirroring the opulence and charm of Monaco. Situated on the southeastern tip of Uruguay, it attracts a glamorous international crowd with its high-end resorts, upscale restaurants, and bustling nightlife.

The city's beaches are divided into the Brava and Mansa, catering respectively to surfers and those seeking calmer waters. Additionally, Punta del Este is a cultural hub, featuring numerous art galleries, the famous sculpture "La Mano," and vibrant seasonal festivals.

This city not only serves as a premier vacation destination but also reflects the dynamic social and cultural tapestry of Uruguay.

NUESTRO TRIVIA: This Week!

Question: What is the national dance of the Dominican Republic?

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

RIEGA LA VOZ

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