The American expression "Don't poke the bear" serves as a warning against provoking someone powerful or instigating a situation that could lead to negative consequences. Referring to Puerto Rico disparagingly as a "floating island of garbage", has incited a strong and enduring reaction from the Puerto Rican community and its allies. This insult compounds the historical grievances of exploitation, disenfranchisement, and mistreatment that Puerto Rico has endured under colonial rule, intensifying the response. It highlights the broader need for respectful and informed discourse about Puerto Rico, its people, and their history.

In this episode of “I Have SOMETHING to Say”, Chris Majocha and Samí Haiman-Marrero return after a busy summer tending to family, professional wins, and civic engagement. They were planning to start-up a new season of the podcast after the 2024 General Election, BUT thought it was critical to address the powerful force that is the Puerto Rican and Latino vote in American politics, reflective of a vibrant and growing demographic that values respect, family, and compassion. This voting bloc is diverse, encompassing a wide range of cultures, experiences, and perspectives, making it a significant factor in shaping local, state, and national elections. Their participation can sway election outcomes and direct attention to issues that matter deeply to their communities, such as education, healthcare, economic opportunities, and immigration reform.

Samí is a proud Puerto Rican businesswoman, and while she remains poised during most of the conversation if you are sensitive to a Latina unapologetically exercising her freedom of speech…SEE YA! Chris and Samí discuss the ongoing impact of 2017’s Hurricane María, the resilience of the Puerto Rican community, and the importance of political engagement and advocacy to address these long-standing issues. Engagement in the electoral process allows the Puerto Rican and Latino communities to amplify their voices and advocate for their rights and interests. This impacts policy and decision-making and encourages a more inclusive and representative political environment.

As the second largest Latino voting bloc after Mexican Americans, the Puerto Rican vote contributes to building a democracy that better reflects the diverse makeup of the nation, elevating the importance of participation and representation in creating equitable and just outcomes for all communities, including the fate and safety of undocumented families who are part of our Latino family. Since apparently, Puerto Ricans know so much about garbage…they are mobilizing to take out the trash on November 5.

#Urbander #UdoU #IHAVESOMETHINGTOSAY #podcast #mindset #Leadership #Humanity #Vote #PuertoRico #Latinos

Put on your seatbelts. In the latest episode of I Have SOMETHING to Say, co-hosts Chris Majocha and Samí Haiman-Marrero get real about the systemic neglect and misrepresentation faced by the Puerto Rican and Latino community in Florida. Joined by Florida State Representative Johanna López and Boricua Vota Founder Jimmy Torres, they lay bare the urgent need for engagement and education to dismantle harmful misconceptions about Latino voters and amplify their electoral participation.

It’s high time to confront the truth: language barriers and a lack of cultural competency are not just hurdles—they're deliberate obstacles keeping the Latino vote marginalized and underrepresented. The conversation calls out the glaring insufficiency of investments in culturally relevant messaging and resources, which are crucial for genuine outreach.

Political representation isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity to ensure that our voices are heard and our needs addressed. The Latino vote is not just influential—it’s transformative, and it's time for everyone to wake up to its power. As we dig deep into this episode, remember: "Very soon, you will not be able to win an election in this country without the Latino vote."

It's about time we fight back against ignorance and demand the recognition and respect we deserve. Tune in now and find out why the Latino vote is the game-changer we can no longer ignore.

#Urbander #UdoU #IHAVESOMETHINGTOSAY #podcast #BoricuaVota #LatinoVote #Vota #Vote

Recent events have led many of us to experience a whirlwind of emotions, swinging between extreme joy and deep anguish. This episode of the “I Have SOMETHING to Say” Podcast focuses on the emotional whiplash caused by the exhilarating announcement of the Harris-Walz ticket for the U.S. general election and the profound grief following the tragic execution of Sonya Massey in her home by a police officer. Our guest, Deloria Nelson-Streete, Founder & CEO of ACE Solutions, joins hosts Samí Haiman-Marrero and Chris Majocha to discuss these starkly contrasting events from her perspective as a Black woman.

Deloria shares insights on the emotional impact of these back-to-back events and the critical need to address racial trauma and ongoing work in our country. She reflects, "Navigating these feelings as a collective really is like emotional whiplash."

The episode unpacks how injustices and violations of trust, particularly when they occur within one's own home, deeply affect the community’s collective psyche. Deloria comments, "The idea of being violated in your own home, the place that is supposed to be your safe place, is something that you react to."

As a coach and facilitator dedicated to combating bias through training and mentorship, Deloria emphasizes her commitment to collective success and equity. "I celebrate [the Harris nomination], but then I serve, right? Because I have to remember the people behind me," she notes. She adds, "Our body's ability to desensitize certain things so we can keep going is helpful, but it's also injurious."

The conversation also highlights the importance of pausing and responding deliberately in challenging situations to prevent further tragedies. It underscores the need for empathy, awareness, and action to address systemic issues and create a more equitable society. Deloria stresses the role of those who can leverage their privilege—such as race, socioeconomic status, or access—to drive positive change. At the heart of fostering understanding and dismantling biases is education and a mindset shift towards inclusivity and fairness.

#Urbander #UdoU #IHAVESOMETHINGTOSAY #podcast #mindset #Leadership #Humanity