Today on Sojourner Truth:
Today is Cinco de Mayo, a holiday with roots in Mexico, but, today, mainly celebrated in the United States. Amid the coronavirus, celebrations are tamped down this year, as we focus on the impact of the virus on the most vulnerable essential workers and the economic impact of the virus. This has resulted in a series of rent strikes across the country. We discuss Cinco de Mayo and its historic roots and more about the little-known Mexican history with Gabriel Buelna. Gabriel Buelna, PhD, holds a doctorate in political science from the Claremont School of Politics and Economics, is a faculty member in Chicana/o Studies at Cal State Northridge, and a Trustee at the Los Angeles Community College District.
What is the situation on the ground in Mexico? Like other countries, Mexico is struggling against the coronavirus. Prior to the virus, what were the social movements making themselves heard in Mexico and what has been the government's response? What about the deal the government of Mexico was forced by the Trump administration to accept on the issue of migration? What are some of the sociopolitical and economic challenges facing Mexico today? Our guest is Jose Luis Granados Ceja, a writer and photojournalist based in Mexico City. He previously worked as a staff writer for teleSUR and currently works on a freelance basis. His stories focus on contemporary political issues, particularly those that involve grassroots efforts to affect social change. He often covers the work of social and labor movements in Latin America.
What about immigrants to the United States from Mexico and South of the Border? What has been the impact of COVID-19 in terms of the health and economics of that community? Our guest is Kenia Alcocer is a community organizer with Union de Vecinos based in East Los Angeles and Co-Chair of the Poor People's Campaign - California, A National Call for Moral Survival.
