The Profe Podcast Newsletter

 We have lots to talk & share.

History: Bernardo Vicente de Gálvez y Madrid

Economics: Let’s Eat!

Education: Read a 25-page article in under 10 min!

Culture: Historical Memory

History

Bernardo de Gálvez was a Spanish military leader and colonial administrator who played a crucial role in aiding the American colonials during the American Revolutionary War. Born in Spain in 1746, Gálvez served as the viceroy of New Spain (Mexico) and later as the viceroy of Peru.

He provided significant military support to the American colonies by supplying troops, funding, and military supplies. Gálvez led successful military campaigns against the British in present-day Florida, Louisiana, and Alabama, helping secure important victories for the American cause.

His contributions were instrumental in weakening British forces and ultimately aiding the American colonials in their fight for independence, and proof that Latinos were part of the U.S. before there was a “United States”.

Historical figures are often romanticized to capture attention or illustrate significant points. In this context, Gálvez is re-imagined with modern social cues: adorned with custom coffee and headphones while wearing a traditional tacuche /ta-ku-che/ (suit) from his era.

This serves as a powerful reminder that we are deeply connected to historical moments, people, places, and ideas—whether we choose to recognize them or not, regardless of any limitations imposed upon us.

A 2018 study revealed that 69% of immigrants (16 years and older) held essential critical infrastructure jobs. Researchers also found that 74% of undocumented workers were identified as “essential critical job employees compared to just 65 % of US citizens.

 In 2023, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that foreign-born workers (including undocumented people), accounted for 18.6% of the US labor force.

Late in 2024, Florida business leaders and politicians drafted a bill to secure undocumented labor to avoid labor shortages. However, the impending Trump administration prompted its retraction.

Nebraska, one of the US top beef producers, fears a worker shortage since it currently has a rate of 39 people for every 100 jobs.

The image considers the four major areas that need undocumented labor: agriculture, food service, hospitality, and construction. No doubt there are many, but these are key economic indicators too. Interesting to think about how folks sit to eat food, information, and ideas. It’s hard not to think if they know what they are consuming or where it comes from.

As the college Spring Semester begins, here are quick tips to read 25-page articles in under 10 minutes:

 1. Authors/Scholars: Do a quick search on the authors to understand their research interests and get a general idea of the article’s focus.

 2. Title: Often reflects the key ideas of the article, offering insight into its content.

 3. Abstract: This essential section, usually about 250 words, includes:

   >Thesis: The main focus and its significance.

   >Research: A brief overview of the study's approach and purpose.

 4. Introduction: Restates the thesis with more detail, explaining the research's context within the existing literature.

 5. Conclusion: This summarizes key points and reiterates the thesis without introducing new information, helping you verify your understanding.

These steps will help you quickly grasp the essentials of academic articles! For a detailed walk-through, visit us here.

Mexican American History and Chicano/a/x Studies – what are they and do American classrooms need them? Short answer, Yes!”. Mexican American and Chicano/a/x are American.

Accordingly, they should be included at some level and degree beyond a few sporadic paragraphs in a book of sixteen chapters, seventy-four subsections, and 125+ subsections. Unfortunately, one of the most popular history books used in high school, early college, and college-level classrooms does exactly this.

Incorporating Mexican American History and Chicano/a/x Studies into American education is vital for a more inclusive understanding of our nation's history. These subjects deserve more than a brief mention in textbooks. By enhancing the curriculum, we can better appreciate the contributions of these communities and create a richer educational experience.

Collecting and maintaining an in-home library works too! Here are some recommendations 🙂 

The Profe Podcast

Interested in more in-depth conversations about Mexican / Mexican American culture and history, visit us here.

Community Outreach & Service

Here is a great way to find service opportunities for your classroom, company, or doing a good deed!