Casanova//McCann

Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at Casanova McCann! 🍁🦃 Today, we're reminded of the power of gratitude and connection. We’re so thankful for our clients, partners, and the community who make our work so meaningful. Wishing you a holiday filled with love, laughter, and moments to cherish. 🧡

What's happening: The Night of the Blaxican, founded by Malik "Memo" Williams in 2016, is a celebration of the rich cultural fusion between Black and Mexican identities, particularly through the lens of oldies music. The name "Blaxican," coined by Williams himself, merges his own Black and Mexican heritage and has become a symbolic term for many young partygoers who share this dual background. The event, which mixes soul, funk, and R&B hits from the '60s, '70s, and '80s, honors the music and traditions that shaped previous generations, especially in Los Angeles' Black and Mexican communities. It provides a space for younger people to embrace both sides of their ancestry while also reinterpreting these cultural touchstones with a contemporary spin. With a focus on nostalgia and pride, Night of the Blaxican has grown into a vibrant monthly gathering that blends the past with the present, featuring live bands, DJs, and a lively crowd that celebrates their shared love for the music of their parents and grandparents. For Williams and his community, the event is not just a party—it's a way to ensure that this cultural legacy continues to thrive and evolve for the next generation. https://brnw.ch/21wP29c #LatinoBuzz

What's happening: In the 2024 election, the number of Latinos in the U.S. Senate will reach a historic high, with Arizona's Ruben Gallego and Ohio's Bernie Moreno securing victories to bring the total from five to seven. While Hispanic representation in the House of Representatives will see a slight decrease, from 48 to 45, several groundbreaking Latino lawmakers will join the 119th Congress, including New Jersey's Nellie Pou, the first Latina elected to Congress from the state, and Colorado's Gabe Evans, the first Latino Republican to win a full term in the state. Overall, 52 Latino members will be serving in Congress next year, with significant milestones achieved across a range of districts in states like California, New Jersey, Washington, and Colorado, marking an important step forward for Latino political representation in the U.S. https://brnw.ch/21wP1Mz #LatinoBuzz

What's happening: Selena Gomez’s decision to take on a Spanish-speaking role in Emilia Pérez has resonated deeply with Latinos, especially those who, like her, have lost fluency in the language. Despite facing backlash from critics accusing her of mispronunciations, Gomez’s commitment to reconnecting with her Mexican roots and honoring her heritage has sparked a sense of pride among non-fluent Latinos. For many, her vulnerability in embracing the challenge makes her a symbol of courage, reminding them that cultural identity isn't defined by perfection but by the willingness to honor one’s roots. Gomez’s performance is not just about the role—it's about reclaiming her culture and inspiring others to do the same. https://brnw.ch/21wP0kj #LatinoBuzz

What's happening: The "Thankful & Grateful Friendsgiving" event, a collaboration between Bella Dona and El Pollo Loco, featured a cooking class followed by a dinner where guests shared their thoughts and aspirations. El Pollo Loco provided the meal, which was prepared by chef Nicole Lee, and also set up a manifestation station for attendees. Guests received custom Hedley & Bennett aprons and recipes for the dishes served. The event highlighted the idea of hosting dinner parties with friends during the holiday season, and for those with limited time or cooking experience, El Pollo Loco was suggested as an option to help with meal preparation. https://brnw.ch/21wOZWc #LatinoBuzz

What's happening: State Senator Emily Randall has made history as the first queer Latina elected to Congress, becoming the first openly LGBTQ+ person to represent Washington at the federal level. Elected to represent the 6th Congressional District, which includes the Kitsap and Olympic peninsulas, Randall defeated Republican Drew MacEwen with 57% of the vote. A progressive leader, Randall's platform focuses on issues such as abortion rights, climate change, and reducing costs for families. Prior to her Congressional win, Randall served as deputy majority leader in the Washington State Senate and was a strong advocate for expanding access to education and healthcare. Her historic victory is part of a broader trend of significant firsts in the 2024 election cycle, which also saw Delaware elect Sarah McBride as the first openly transgender member of Congress. https://brnw.ch/21wOT1D #Latinobuzz

What's happening: The Center for Puerto Rican Studies (CENTRO) at Hunter College has won two NY Emmy Awards for its compelling docuseries Puerto Rican Voices, which aired on CUNYTV. The series, which garnered awards in the categories of Documentary – Spanish and Politics/Government – Spanish, highlights pressing issues faced by Puerto Rican communities. The two winning episodes are “After the Boats Left”, which examines the struggles of a displaced community in Fajardo after the relocation of the ferry service, and “The Tax Paradise”, which explores the gentrification and housing insecurity fueled by tax incentives for mainland Americans. Dr. Yomaira Figueroa-Vásquez, CENTRO’s director, expressed pride in the recognition, noting the importance of amplifying Puerto Rican voices in these times of crisis. Ángel Antonio Ruiz-Laboy, the series’ executive director, praised the decolonial approach of the documentaries and stressed that the awards belong to the communities fighting against neo-colonial practices. The recognition serves not only as a celebration of these stories but also as a call to action for solidarity and support. https://brnw.ch/21wOQVx. #Latinobuzz

What's happening: DoorDash is tapping into childhood nostalgia with a new campaign aimed at Hispanic Millennials and Gen Z, featuring a twist on the familiar phrase “Hay comida en la casa,” or “there’s food at home,” which many Latinx kids grew up hearing when asking to eat out. The campaign, created by Gut Miami, depicts a scene where parents tell their children there’s food at home as they pass tempting restaurants, only for the kids to be delighted when DoorDash delivers exactly what they were craving. The ad emphasizes the ease of bringing favorite local meals into the home, reinforcing the idea that family dinners can be special moments with the help of DoorDash. The campaign features contributions from a range of Latinx artists and creators, making it an authentic representation of family, food, and culture. With national TV, OTT, and social media spots, as well as out-of-home ads in cities like Los Angeles, Miami, and Houston, DoorDash is connecting with Hispanic audiences by celebrating both the joy of shared meals and the convenience of delivery. https://brnw.ch/21wOOWk #Latinobuzz

What's happening: Salma Hayek Pinault’s six-episode adaptation of Like Water for Chocolate brings Laura Esquivel’s iconic novel to life with a fresh, magical reimagining. Set during the Mexican Revolution, the series follows Tita (Azul Guaita) and Pedro (Andrés Baida), whose passionate love is forbidden by family tradition. As Tita battles her domineering mother (Irene Azuela), food becomes her way of expressing resistance and defying fate. Hayek Pinault calls the story a "universal" love tale that transcends cultural boundaries. The series, which also stars Ana Valeria Becerril and Andrea Chaparro, is streaming on HBO Latino and Max. https://brnw.ch/21wON8R #Latinobuzz

What's happening: Coca-Cola has announced the return of Barrilitos, a popular Mexican soda brand originally introduced in 1938, after a hiatus following its acquisition by the company. The relaunch aims to appeal to younger generations, particularly Gen Z and millennials, who are drawn to nostalgic and culturally significant brands. Barrilitos will feature its classic flavors—Mandarina (Mandarin), Manzana (Apple), Piña (Pineapple), and Ponche de Frutas (Fruit Punch)—and will continue to be made with 100% cane sugar from Mexico, though with updated packaging. Initially available in Texas and California, the brand’s return is based on consumer demand, with potential for expansion to other states if interest continues to grow. The relaunch reflects Coca-Cola’s strategy of tapping into the cultural significance of established brands while catering to modern tastes and preferences. https://brnw.ch/21wOE1A #LatinoBuzz