Abuelas en Acción: A Multicultural Podcast for Our Common Good

Abuelas, Marie and Dr. Rosemary, speak about our new series, Pláticas de la Vida. Pláticas de la Vida places compassion as the centerpiece for talks about joy and strength as well as our generational histories of pain and sorrow. The mass murder of innocent children and their teachers in Uvalde, Texas urgently reminds us of the need to sit down, with our loved ones, at our kithen tables to speak frankly about our sorrows, our grief, our traumas. The esteemed poet, Naomi Shihab Nye, says “Before you know kindness as the deepest thing inside, you must know sorrow as the other deepest thing.”Support the show

Emilly Prado speaks with the Comadres about her new book, Funeral for Flaca. Emilly writes so powerfully about identity, culture and familia as a Latinx growing up in a white Northern California community . Ms Magazine calls Funeral for Flaca, "Utterly vulnerable, bold, and unique.” Support the show

Rachael Banks, Oregon's first Black Public Health Director, has made incredible strides in building strong partnerships between the State of Oregon Health Authority and communities of color! She talks about Oregon's priorities and plans for climate equity.Support the show

Andrea Hamburg is an environmental public health professional who talks about climate and health and the disproportionate impact on BIPOC and low income community members. She also talks about the importance of using an environmental justice framework to ensure climate and health equity for all!Support the show

Latinx comic writer and novelist, Aaron Duran, talks about his new comic series Season of the Bruja, He also talks about his querida abuela and the important role she has played in the person and writer that he is today! Aaron says, "If you want to see a badass Latina fight demons with magic, this is your book”. We wholeheartedly agree!Support the show

Our guest is Dr. Vivek Shandas, Professor of Climate Adaptation and Director of the Sustaining Urban Places Research Lab at Portland State University. For the past 10 years, Dr. Shandas has been studying racist housing policies across the United States and the impact of these injustices on communities of color. He is passionate about climate justice and offers concrete steps that municipalities and families can take to mitigate climate extremes. Support the show

Today we are talking with Portland City Commissioner Carmen Rubio who made history as the first Latinx City Commissioner and oversees the historical climate justice ballot initiative. The Portland Clean Energy Fund was passed by voters 2 to 1; made possible by Black, Indigenous and people of color. Carmen talks about her journey to her elected position and about the importance of having people of color in public service and in leadership roles. Carmen and Portland are models for meeting the challenges of climate change through green jobs and safe homes for all residents, especially those who are on the frontlines of the climate crisis.Support the show

Angel Medina challenges us to educate ourselves about the history of the food we eat. He talks about the indigenous origins of Mexican foods and how his Portland restaurant, Republica, celebrates food through Latinx history and culture.Support the show

Osmani Alcaraz-Ochoa, Executive Director of VOZ Workers Rights and Education Project, talks about environmental and climate justice for day laborers. Day laborers are the "Canaries in the Mine." Climate change is impacting these vulnerable workers and will impact us all without equitable climate action policies.Support the show

Elizabeth Lopez-Hernandez, Climate & Health Equity Program Coordinator and Community Health Worker talks about climate equity. She talks about the impact of climate change on Latinx and the importance of equitable climate action policies to protect all community members.Support the show

Priscilla Solis Ybarra talks about Latinx Environmentalism and how it differs from white mainstream environmentalism. Dr. Ybarra is the author of Writing the Goodlife: Mexican Literature and the Environment. “Goodlife writing embraces the values of simplicity, sustenance, dignity and respect. The values in goodlife writing implicitly integrate the natural environment as part of the community, and thus cultivate a life-sustaining ecology for humans.” Latinx Environmentalism reflects our lives, our histories, our cultures and provides us with hope for the future of our planet!Support the show

Dr. Nicole Guidotti-Hernandez speaks about identity and language. She explains why the term Latinx is a better reflection of Latino diversity: “Latinx recognizes a gender spectrum and also a racial spectrum, and a sexual spectrum to confront internalized anti-Blackness, anti-Indigeneity, and homophobia."Support the show

Dr. Michael Mendez, Assistant Professor of Environmental Planning and Policy at the University of California, Irvine,talks about the inequities that took place during the 2017 Thomas Fire in Ventura County, California, where recovery resources were primarily directed toward wealthier residents ignoring the needs of undocumented and indigenous workers. He discusses "slow violence," the ongoing exposures and vulnerabilities of Latinx communities, to human-caused environmental degradation or climate change. Dr. Mendez is the author of the award-winning book, "Climate Change from the Streets: How Conflict and Collaboration Strengthen the Environmental Justice Movment."Support the show

Erandi Trevino, Mom's Clean Air Force/Ecomadres talks about the impact of air pollution on the health of Latino families and community organizing that is making our voices heard for clean air policies. Latinos are more likely to be exposed to air pollution. New research shows that exposure to elevated levels of air pollution is linked to worse health outcomes from COVID-19.Support the show

Dr. Rosemary and Marie talk about the opportunities and challenges ahead as we strive for climate equity. Excessive heat in Arizona and the West severely impacts the most vulnerable. We know that climate justice intersects with immigration, health and racial inequities. The COVID pandemic provides us with the opportunity to develop equitable policies for climate change that include the most vulnerable. Support the show

Heriberto Bolanos talks about climate justice and the urgency of taking action now on behalf of the wellbeing of our communities and future generations. Heriberto shares his thoughts on the intersection of climate change, immigration, racial and social justice. Heriberto's life journey is an inspiration for all!Support the show

Dr. Ruth Zambrana, renowned Latina researcher talks about structural and racial inequities for Latinos. Her groundbreaking book, “Understanding Latino families : Scholarship, Policy and Practice, published in 1995 provided social and demographic profiles of Latinos. She talks about what has changed since 1995 and what has not.Support the show

Dr. Ruth Zambrana, renowned Latina researcher talks about structural and racial inequities for Latinos. Her groundbreaking book, “Understanding Latino families : Scholarship, Policy and Practice, published in 1995 provided social and demographic profiles of Latinos. She talks about what has changed since 1995 and what has not.Support the show

Dr. Rosemary and Marie talk about the challenges of the pandemic and the importance of naming our experiences and feelings. The pandemic has changed our lives. Mindfulness helps us acknowledge how hard things are in the moment. Self-compassion will transform our lives and those of our loved ones.Support the show

Ayla Rosen, HIV/STI Sexual Health Manager talks about the stigma associated with sexual health within Latinx communities. Ayla and the Familias en Accion, team are working to bring this important issue to communities in Oregon. She also talks about the upcoming 12th annual Latino Health Equity Conference which will be held virtually.Support the show

Over the past year, women have borne the brunt of the employment fallout sparked by the pandemic with the impact even more severe among women of color. Lisette Orellana Engel from National Crittendon talks about the challenges facing Latinx mothers during the pandemic. Women of color are more likely to work as essential workers and are overrepresented in sectors that are hardest hit by the pandemic. And in addition, women are overwhelmingly responsible for care — taking care of children and family members.Support the show

Zoraya Uder, Promotora de Salud, from Familias en Accion talks about the impact of the pandemic on Latino families. The COVID pandemic has continued for over one year hitting Latino communities harder, as they are more likely to contract, be hospitalized and die from COVID-19. Families are suffering the economic and health consequences of COVID-19.Support the show

Anthony Veliz, Founder of the Oregon Latinx Leadership Network (OLLN) talks about the work of OLLN in working for Latinx equity during COVID and post pandemic. “The first-come, first-serve processes have created greater inequality for Oregon’s Latinx communities. This crisis demands that we move away from inequitable policies and practices.”Support the show

Candace Avalos a first generation American, Blacktina, millennial, Portland State University educator, and civic leader talks about her defining moment that changed her life's direction. She is guided by the words of, Andrea Skorepa, CEO of Casa Familiar, who said, "You (young people) are always told you are the future. You are the present. If you waited for the future the time will be the past." Support the show

Tierra Stewart from Ignite National speaks about why women are such amazing leaders. She speaks about systemic racism and how women have the strength and skills to address these systemic barriers to ensure that all families thrive rather than survive. Tierra inspires us all to act for racial and social justice!Support the show

Rickee Arntz shares her thoughts about what the Biden administration should do to meet the needs of working class Americans and what Democrats can do to return to its working class roots. Americans need to know how our government is working on our behalf. Support the show

Rob Hernandez intimately shares his insights and wisdom as a yoga and spiritual mentor which have so much meaning during this very challenging moment in our history. Families and communities are divided; often viewing each other as “Conservatives or Liberals." Hate and fear are common in our national political discourse. Rob offers hope in finding our common ground. Rob is the author of the book "Simply Love...Changing the Paradigm of Thought, One Heart at a Time."Support the show

Leslie Aguirre talks about her work as a fellow for IGNITE National whose mission is to build leadership for the next generation of women elected officials. Leslie speaks about her experience as a first generation Latinx college graduate and her optimism for the future of our country. Support the show

We talk with Dr. Megan Horst, Portland State University, about food justice. What it means and why it is important in addressing poverty and food inequities in the United States. She talks about the history of food production in our country and its beginnings with slavery and colonialism! Support the show

Ana Salas-Porras and Sara Laas are both amazing community advocates who care deeply about this country. They talk about the diversity of Latino voters and how we, as a divided country, find a common ground for healing.Support the show

La-Tieka Sims speaks about her passion for civic and community engagement coming from her own past experiences as a single mother who overcame homelessness, returned to school as a non-traditional student, and discovered the power of her voice. La-Tieka works as the Deputy Director of Policy for District 2 City Council, serves as the San Antonio Fellow of IGNITE, and plans to run for office in the future. Support the show

Dr. Natalie Welch is a model for giving back to her community. She speaks about her journey from her beloved family and community, the Qualla Boundary, in North Carolina, to Linfield University in Oregon. Natalie talks about the importance of sharing our stories and honoring sports that are so important to Native communities. Natalie is the host of the podcast, Creative Native. Support the show

Gerardo Ochoa, Director of Community Relations and Special Assistant to the President at Linfield University in McMinnville, Oregon talks about their role and responsibilities as an emerging Hispanic academic institution especially now during these challenging times.Support the show

Ysatis Gonzalez, community leader, at the University of Houston, talks about social issues of importance to young Latinx. She works with JOLT Initiative and encourages all young Latinx to become involved as advocates in their communities.Support the show

Señora Ana Salas-Porras and Señora Sara Laas who are advocates for Latino communities in Texas. They talk about the political power of Latinos in Texas and the United States and how this election is a defining moment for the soul of our country! They are powerful and inspirational women!Support the show

Lupe Torres, a senior at University of Dallas shares that her defining moment happened with the presidential election in 2016. She was a junior in high school and made a commitment to studying politics. She encourages us to vote on behalf of our families, communities and for those who are unable to vote due to immigration status! We can be their voices for equity and justice!Support the show

Our guest, Dr. Stephen Nuño-Perez talks about the demographic change that is happening with 60 million Latinos in the United States and the chasm between the priorities of white older voters and younger Latino voters. Dr. Nuño-Perez says: “The current political system alienates Latinos; we need to stop portraying them as apathetic and blaming them for not showing up to vote, but rather find ways to diminish that sense of alienation and facilitate their participation"Support the show

Today we talk with Marisol Cortez and Greg Harman, writers, climate justice advocates and community organizers, from San Antonio, Texas. Marisol and Greg are editors of Deceleration News sharing important climate change resources, news and stories about life and our changing planet. They share their personal journeys as parents, professionals and community members in working for environmental justice and a healthy planet.Support the show

Today we are talking with Matt Nelson and Nancy Treviño from Presente.org, the largest national Latinx online organization advancing social justice with technology, media and culture. Matt and Nancy are co-authors of an important book called “TURNOUT: Mobilizing Voters in an Emergency." They talk about why 2020 is truly an emergency election to determine the future of democracy. Support the show

Antonio Arellano, Interim Executive Director of JOLT Initiative, speaks about their work to mobilize and engage young Latinx political power. In 6 months Latinos will be the majority population in Texas! Antonio shares his vision for our country and describes the work happening in Texas, ground zero, to mobilize young and diverse voters who are demanding systemic changes. Support the show

Danielle Gonzales, Managing Director for the Education & Society Program at the Aspen Institute, talks about the systemic changes in education to meet the needs of Latino children and other students of color. The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed the racial, social and economic divide between students as schools moved to virtual education. It is our obligation to become education advocates for racial equity! Our future depends on it! Support the show

Allison Mora, Americorp volunteer, talks about her passion and work for food justice and food sovereignty. Allison, co-author of the series Uprooting Food: Planting the Seeds for Equity, also shares the importance of understanding the inequities of the current US food supply chain and action steps that we can all take for food justice and sustainability. Uprooting Food: Planting the Seeds for Equity is a series of articles produced by Abuelas en Accion in partnership with Familias en Accion, Portland, Oregon, familiasenaccion.org.Support the show

Join us as Consuelo Saragoza talks about her family history of voting and civic participation and why it has been so important for her. Our votes matter to ensure we elect leaders who look like us and represent our needs as families and communities. Support the show

Today we are talking with Ayla Rosen, from Familias en Accion, Portland, Oregon, about the Latinx HIV/STI (sexually transmitted infections) epidemic. HIV/AIDS continues to be a serious health threat within Latinx communities requiring culturally specific community prevention programs, family communication, increased testing and healthcare access. She speaks about the human rights violations often experienced by Latinx LGBTQ community members including discrimination and sexual violence. Support the show

Today Rebeca Marquez talks about Latinx health and nutrition. Developmental Origins of Health and Disease (DOHaD) research tells us that a baby’s health is impacted by three generations of her/his family. This unique program doesn't blame mothers or families for their health but rather looks at social determinants including poverty, fear of deportation, unsafe neighborhoods as all factors in poor health. Abuela, Mama y Yo engages family in becoming advocates for thriving families and communities.Support the show

Dr. Rosemary and Marie share their insights on this 27th episode of Abuelas en Accion where guests have shared their expertise, experiences and commitment to a just society. The challenges are many, during these uncertain times, but we all have the opportunity to act and to thrive! The late Congressman John Lewis said: "Democracy is not a state. It is an act and each generation must do its part to help build what we call the Beloved Community, a nation and a world society at peace with itself." Support the show

We continue our conversation with Dr. Michael McGlade about the Dry Corridor of Central America and why the region is experiencing a 1,000 year drought. The inability to grow traditional crops like potatoes and corn are some of the reasons why families in countries like Guatemala are forced to migrate north to the United States. Support the show

Dr. Michael McGlade, Professor of Geography, Sustainability and Latin American Studies at Western Oregon University, talks about how climate change is leading to the displacement and migration of families to the United States. He speaks about historic forces that have driven displacement in the Northern Triangle countries of Central America including colonialism, transnational corporations and the drug trade. Climate change is the next looming crisis for the United States and globally, requiring new migration policies that are cooperative, compassionate and pragmatic.Support the show

Lauren Ornelas Lauren is the Founder and President of Food Empowerment Project, a vegan food justice nonprofit that seeks to create a more just world by helping consumers recognize the power of their food choices. Food Empowerment Project works in solidarity with farm workers, advocates for chocolate not sourced from the worst forms of child labor, and focuses on access to healthy foods in Black and Brown communities and low-income areas. Support the show

Dr. Laura-Anne Minkoff-Zern speaks about the increase in the number of Latino owned farms in the United States and future opportunities despite the challenges they face including racism and accessing federal programs administered by the USDA. Dr. Minkoff-Zern speaks about the historical link between slavery and immigration as well as structural racism within our agricultural system that depends on workers of color, primarily undocumented immigrants, many of whom lack overtime pay, worker protections and other benefits. These essential workers who produce and process our food deserve better.Support the show