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César Chávez in 1972 (Public Domain)
In this special episode of the Latino Newsletter podcast, host Michelle Zacarias is joined by founder Julio Ricardo Varela to discuss the New York Times report on the sexual abuse allegations against César Chávez. Michelle and Julio process the public response, reflect on the complexity of holding a movement's legacy alongside its darkest truths, and examine how activist communities can better protect women and children. The conversation is raw, honest, and deeply felt — a necessary reckoning for the Latino community and beyond.
Warning: Part of this episode includes a discussion of sexual violence.
This episode of The Latino Newsletter podcast was produced by Joaquín Cotler, Juan Diego Ramírez, and Michelle Zacarias. Julio Ricardo Varela edited the conversation. The music is by Cast of Characters via Soundstripe.
Season 2 of The Latino Newsletter podcast was made possible through individual donations and the Latino Media Consortium.
The Latino Newsletter is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Help us reach our $50,000 goal to fund our podcast’s third season and to offer more opportunities for journalists to file their stories without paywalls or paid subscriptions.
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What We’re Reading
Take Chávez’s Name Off Everything: Julio’s latest opinion column for MS NOW dropped on Thursday. “Chávez’s name adorns an untold number of streets, schools, and parks in this country. His name should be removed from all of those places: every one,” he wrote.
Journalist Released: From the Nashville Banner, “After more than two weeks in ICE custody, Nashville Noticias journalist Estefany Rodríguez walked out of a Louisiana detention center Thursday afternoon, free on bond.”
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