January 1, 2023. For many across the world, the start of this New Year was a moment of hope. Concerns of COVID, while still a global issue, had substantially declined. The labor market was healthy. The U.S. Congress saw the highest number of federal Latino legislators elected to both House and Senate, as well as an increased number of state and local public officials. There were, also, some troubling concerns. Inflation and interest rates continued to increase. Issues of immigration, hate crime, and public safety continue to be matters of local and national concern.

But the reality of this “new year” and challenges faced was redefined on February 13, 2023, when eight MSU students were shot, three fatally. The campus community and the entire state of Michigan were shocked by this tragic event. The impact on students, staff, faculty, and community members is nothing that can be adequately described. But it is a lesson for us to step back and reflect upon.

The outpouring of support exceeded anything imaginable. Random acts of kindness inundated the campus and surrounding communities (and those students wounded or the families who lost their loved ones) to help begin the healing process. First responders, health care and mental health professionals have also benefited from the support of residents in Michigan as well as throughout the nation.

There are multiple reasons for this reflection as we continue to address the needs of Latino communities in Michigan and the Midwest. First and most important, to thank everyone for their prayers, thoughts, and support offered to the students, staff, faculty, and multiple communities throughout Michigan and the world that have ties/were impacted by this tragedy. While it is hoped that no other community must experience these types of tragic events, it is consoling to know that the nation does offer unequivocal support when needs arise.

By the same token, it reinforces the work that community agencies, partners, JSRI researchers, and policy professionals have engaged in for decades—strengthening the fabric of our communities and families. The needs of our communities are multifaceted yet interconnected. While we might have priorities based on the agencies or professional identities that we have, no need is more important than other needs—they are interconnected. We need to continue our quest to elevate the concerns and issues that impact the viability of individuals and communities.

Our bilingual and bicultural communities and networks place us at the forefront of addressing the dynamic demographic changes occurring throughout the United States. The limitless options available are constrained only by our challenge of time and creating sustainable interconnected initiatives, with the participation of communities and persons across the lifespan who bring both lived experiences and expertise addressing social and environmental challenges that impact well-being. Collectively, we can bring preeminent intellectual and transformative forces together to improve Latino well-being throughout Michigan and the Midwest.

In the words of our esteemed relative, César Chávez: Sí, se puede!!!!