Minority Majority 025: Latina Founder transforming TV, the Asian and Latino connection, and Lin-Manuel Miranda's Dad

INTRODUCTION
¡Saludos! Welcome to the milestone 25th edition of the Minority Majority newsletter. As I reflect on our 25th edition, I want to give a huge GRACIAS to everyone that has subscribed, shared, and spread the word–we're just getting started.

This week, we spotlight the transformative impact of Latina founder Isabel Rafferty Zavala in the TV industry with Canela Media. We delve into the rich cultural connections between Asian and Latino communities during AAPI Month. Additionally, we honor Luis A. Miranda Jr., father of Lin-Manuel Miranda, and his inspiring journey detailed in his memoir "Relentless."

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
Isabel Rafferty Zavala: Leading the Charge in Latino Media Innovation

Isabel Rafferty Zavala, the dynamic Latina founder and CEO of Canela Media, continues to make waves in the digital media landscape. In a significant move, Canela Media recently signed an exclusive agreement with Warner Brothers Discovery Conexión Latina, poised to reach an additional 16 million bilingual Hispanic adults in the U.S.

This partnership amplifies Canela Media's already impressive reach, underscoring Rafferty's commitment to connecting advertisers with a valuable and growing demographic. This latest achievement marks yet another milestone in Rafferty's inspiring journey from a determined entrepreneur to a leading figure in Hispanic media.

Born in Mexico City and raised in California, Rafferty's career has been marked by a relentless drive to innovate and connect with the Latino audience. Her professional journey began in TV sales, where she quickly recognized the potential of mobile technology among Hispanic consumers. This insight led her to pivot towards digital media, earning her the nickname "mobile queen" for her expertise in reaching Latino consumers via handheld devices. Rafferty's success with her first startup, Mobvious, which focused on mobile advertising, laid the foundation for her next big venture—Canela Media.

Launched in 2019, Canela Media quickly positioned itself as a key player in the digital media sector, providing free, ad-supported streaming content through Canela.TV. The platform's success was almost immediate, attracting millions of downloads despite launching during the challenging early days of the pandemic.

Canela Media's growth was fueled by a unique blend of culturally relevant content and strategic partnerships. The company's offerings include original programming, sports, news, music, and family-friendly content, all tailored to resonate with U.S. Hispanic audiences.

The recent partnership with Warner Brothers Discovery Conexión Latina is a testament to Canela Media's expanding influence. This collaboration not only increases Canela's reach to over 45 million monthly unique users but also solidifies its position as a premier platform for brands aiming to engage bilingual U.S. Hispanics. "This partnership underscores our commitment to delivering targeted advertising solutions that resonate deeply with diverse audiences," said Rafferty in a recent press release.

With this deal, Canela Media becomes a critical player in bridging advertisers with a high-value and often underserved market segment. Rafferty's vision extends beyond the U.S. Hispanic market. With plans to triple its content investment in 2024, Canela Media is eyeing expansion into various Latin American markets. The company's ambitious goals include growing its library of content and increasing its in-house production capabilities with new studios in Mexico and Miami.

This growth trajectory is supported by a robust roster of investors and a dedicated team, largely composed of Latinos, reflecting Rafferty's commitment to authenticity. In just a few years, Isabel Rafferty Zavala has transformed Canela Media into a powerhouse in Hispanic media, demonstrating that with vision and tenacity, it's possible to create a lasting impact. As she continues to push boundaries and expand Canela Media's reach, Rafferty remains a beacon of innovation and leadership in the multicultural media landscape.

CULTURA
Celebrating Asian-Latino Connections During AAPI Month

As we celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Month, it’s important to recognize the rich and complex connections between American Latinos and Asian Americans. These connections have been shaped by centuries of migration, cultural exchange, and shared experiences, contributing to a unique and vibrant community within the United States.

Understanding the Roots

The misconception that Latinos are a monolithic race overlooks the diverse origins and experiences that define our group. Latinos in the U.S. may have mixed Indigenous, Spanish, African, Jewish, Muslim, or Asian heritage due to historical events like colonization and migration. Recent Census data revealed that approximately 3% of Asian Americans identify as Asian Latino or Asian Hispanic, highlighting the significant presence of this intersectional identity.

Culinary Fusion and Cultural Exchange

One of the most tangible expressions of Asian-Latino connections is seen in culinary traditions. The blending of flavors and techniques, such as the fusion seen in Korean tacos, the influence of Chinese cooking on Mexican cuisine, or Japanese methods and ingridients used in Peruvian dishes, showcases a shared history that dates back to the Manila galleon trade and subsequent Asian immigration to Latin America. These culinary traditions are not just about food but reflect deeper cultural exchanges and hybrid identities.

Shared Struggles and Solidarity

The solidarity between Asian and Latino communities has been pivotal in advocating for civil rights and educational opportunities. A landmark example is the 1974 Supreme Court case Lau vs. Nichols, which mandated meaningful education for non-English speakers. This case, initiated by Chinese families in San Francisco, set a precedent that benefited English learners of all backgrounds, including Latinos.

Contemporary Connections and Advocacy

Today, many Latino-focused organizations like UnidosUS, work in coalition with Asian, Black, and Indigenous groups to promote racial equity and social justice. This collaboration is crucial in combating historical racism and addressing current issues like the recent surge in anti-Asian hate crimes or anti-immigrant rhetoric. By learning about and celebrating their shared history, Asian and Latino communities can build stronger bonds and advocate more effectively for their rights and recognition.

So, remember, as we celebrate AAPI Month, let’s honor the diverse and interconnected histories of Asian and Latino communities. Our shared experiences and contributions enrich the cultural fabric of the United States, reminding us of the power of unity and diversity.

IMPACTO
Lin-Manuel Miranda's Father: Luis A. Miranda Jr.’s Political Activism and Legacy

One morning in 2017, Luis A. Miranda Jr. — a prominent Democratic political strategist and the father of "Hamilton" creator Lin-Manuel Miranda — experienced a heart attack while driving in New York City. Despite the urgency, he humorously delayed his ER visit to find a more affordable parking spot. This incident is emblematic of Miranda's relentless and pragmatic spirit, which he chronicles in his new memoir, “Relentless: My Story of the Latino Spirit That is Transforming America.” The memoir details his journey from a young activist in Puerto Rico to becoming a significant figure in U.S. Latino political activism and philanthropy.

Miranda’s activism roots trace back to his youth in Vega Alta, Puerto Rico. In 1974, he moved to New York City with aspirations of earning a Ph.D. in political sociology. However, his path took a turn as he immersed himself in activism and politics. His career highlights include serving in Mayor Ed Koch’s administration and founding the Hispanic Federation, an influential Latino advocacy group. The Federation played a crucial role during Hurricane Maria, distributing over $53 million to nonprofits in Puerto Rico.

Miranda’s impact extends to his role as a political strategist in New York, where he worked on the Senate campaigns of Hillary Clinton, Chuck Schumer, and Kirsten Gillibrand. His efforts also helped Adriano Espaillat become the first Dominican American elected to Congress. Miranda emphasizes the importance of not taking Latino voters for granted, advocating for genuine engagement and understanding of their needs.

His memoir also highlights personal struggles, such as the devastation of Hurricane Maria, which destroyed his parents’ home. Despite these challenges, Miranda's story is one of resilience and dedication to uplifting the Latino community. He reflects on his identity as "Lin-Manuel’s dad" with pride, recognizing the platform and resources his son’s success has provided to support their community and causes they believe in.

Luis A. Miranda Jr.'s memoir, "Relentless," offers a profound look at his life's work and the indomitable spirit that has driven his contributions to political activism and Latino empowerment in America.

EN LA COCINA

How to Make: Puerto Rican Tostones Rellenos de Churrasco

Delight your taste buds with Puerto Rican Tostones Rellenos de Churrasco, a flavorful dish that combines fried plantains with skirt steak and fresh vegetables.

Ingredients:

For the Tostones:

• 4 green plantains

• Vegetable oil (for frying)

• Salt (to taste)

For the Churrasco:

• 1 lb skirt steak (churrasco)

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 lime, juiced

• 1/4 cup olive oil

• 1 tsp oregano

• Salt and pepper (to taste)

For the Filling:

• 1 small red onion, finely chopped

• 1 small green bell pepper, finely chopped

• 1 small red bell pepper, finely chopped

• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

• 1 avocado, diced

• 1 lime, juiced

• Salt and pepper (to taste)

Instructions:

Preparing the Tostones:

1. Peel the plantains and cut them into 1-inch thick slices.

2. Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat.

3. Fry the plantain slices for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they are golden but not fully cooked.

4. Remove the plantains from the oil and place them on a paper towel to drain excess oil.

5. Using a tostonera (a special press for tostones) or the bottom of a heavy glass, flatten each plantain slice to about 1/2 inch thick.

6. Return the flattened plantains to the hot oil and fry again for another 2-3 minutes on each side until they are crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels. Sprinkle with salt.

Preparing the Churrasco:

1. In a bowl, mix the minced garlic, lime juice, olive oil, oregano, salt, and pepper.

2. Marinate the skirt steak in this mixture for at least 30 minutes.

3. Heat a grill or skillet over high heat.

4. Cook the marinated steak for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until it reaches your desired level of doneness.

5. Remove the steak from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into thin strips.

Preparing the Filling:

1. In a bowl, combine the finely chopped red onion, green bell pepper, red bell pepper, cilantro, and avocado.

2. Add lime juice, salt, and pepper to taste, and mix gently.

Assembling the Tostones Rellenos:

1. Take each tostone and create a small indentation in the center.

2. Place a few strips of the grilled churrasco in the indentation.

3. Top with the fresh vegetable filling.

Serve the Tostones Rellenos de Churrasco warm, and enjoy the delicious blend of crispy plantains, savory steak, and fresh veggies!

NUESTRO TRIVIA: Last Week’s Answer

Last week, we asked: What is the national dance of the Dominican Republic?

The correct answer is: Merengue

While many might think its Bachata, the national dance of the Dominican Republic is the merengue (Also, my favorite type of dance)! Merengue music, characterized by its lively tempo and the use of instruments such as the accordion, tambora, and güira, provides the energetic backdrop for the dance.

The dance itself involves a series of quick, coordinated steps, with partners often dancing closely together. The origins of merengue can be traced back to the early 19th century, reflecting a blend of African and European influences.

Recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, merengue continues to play a vital role in Dominican identity and festivities.

NUESTRO TRIVIA: This Week!

Question: Who is the famous Chilean poet who won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1971?

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

RIEGA LA VOZ

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