Alka's Angle

In the United States, September 15-October 15 is celebrated as “Hispanic Heritage Month” every year. Many have wondered why this observance begins in the middle of the month. It is so because September 15th marks the anniversary of the independence of 5 countries: Nicaragua, Honduras, El Salvador, Costa Rica, and Guatemala, followed by Mexico’s Independence Day on September 16th and Chile’s on September 18th.

Tomorrow marks the 20th Anniversary of 9/11 -- the day that is forever etched in the memory of all who were alive at the time. We remember where we were on that day and what we were doing. Life in the United States has not been the same ever since.

If you listened to the news this week then you may be aware of the Supreme Court’s decision on abortion in Texas, which takes effect this week, allowing private citizens to sue anyone they even suspect of helping a pregnant person access the services. Two weeks ago we had talked about voting rights under attack! It truly feels like our country has reverted back decades. Lives are at risk and rights are being taken away. I encourage us to let our elected officials know that these are not the right choices for women, persons of color or any minority identity. If you can, donate to organizations that fight against these rules, and/or continue to provide the needed services.

Did you know:

• Almost half the country's population is facing dry conditions. Soil is parched. Mountain snowpacks are producing less water. A warming and drying trend is pushing the nation's two largest reservoirs to record low levels, for the first time since 1930.
• As of August 1st, there were 91 active wildfires raging across the country.
• Extreme rainfall caused floods that washed away centuries-old homes in Europe, triggered landslides in Asia and inundated subways in China, taking the lives of more than 900 people.

The 2020 census report came out recently -- showing us interesting trends and changes in the demographic of our country and Chicago specifically.