I believe the COVID-19 pandemic has reinforced what some of us already knew, but maybe didn’t fully appreciate: deep relationships and human connection are what give us the most joy and satisfaction in life. With all of the suffering around the world, it’s hard to say anything good about the period of time we have had to spend in quarantine, but the time I have spent with my kids and family has been a pleasure that could never have happened otherwise. Game nights on Sundays, eating meals together, going on long walks, and just talking. While it hasn’t been all good, it’s been a once in a lifetime experience that I will never forget and for which I am grateful.
I also hope most of us acquire an even greater appreciation for the pleasure of being with people. I miss being in the NAHREP office and feeing the energy of a big team working together. I miss my friends. I miss conventions and sporting events. I miss the feeling of packing my suitcase the night before I leave on a business trip or weekend getaway with Kathy. I miss restaurants, hotels, and live theater; but more than anything I think I miss the people who I encounter at all of those places. I miss the bartenders, Uber drivers, ushers, flight attendants, waitresses and busboys. The people who hustle to make our lives a little more comfortable. I hope I never take those people for granted again. When the pandemic is over, I hope we all recognize what a privilege it is to meet new people, to learn a little about their lives and to try to bring a little joy to each other. There is nothing more fulfilling in life than human connection.
After my last video about Pharrell Williams, I heard from people who wondered why I’d respond to a comment that, on the surface, seemed harmless. In this episode, I explain why moments like this matter—because even well-intentioned remarks can reinforce damaging narratives about Black and Latino professionals, especially around DEI and merit. And when those narratives come from influential voices, they spread fast. I also get into why unity and consistency in our messaging is critical right now, and why staying silent when false narratives gain traction can cost us economically and professionally.
Every now and then a public comment goes viral that reveals just how deeply people misunderstand diversity programs — and how quickly nuance disappears. This week, Pharrell Williams sparked conversation by suggesting that some Black and Latino professionals get opportunities they “don’t deserve.” I recorded this episode because statements like that ignore how competitive admissions and hiring actually work, and they erase the reality that our communities have always had to be both talented and lucky just to get in the room.
Every once in a while, you can feel something shifting. Over the last few months, I’ve sensed a momentum building in our community—one that feels different from 2000 and different from 2020. This time, it isn’t coming from outside forces or corporate gestures. It’s coming from us. Latinos are frustrated, galvanized, and more unified than I’ve seen in years, and I believe we’re on the edge of a defining moment. In this episode of The Latino Brand, I break down why this matters and what it means for anyone who wants to shape—not just witness—the next chapter for our community.