Editors’ Favorites: 2023 palabra’s Best
Collage by Yunuen Bonaparte for palabra
In 2023, palabra published over 80 stories including collaborations, republished pieces from sister publications and Nuestras Historias - our stories en español. We are proud of our community reporters’ work ranging from mental health, maternity education, teaching race to the comeback of a 90s rock band. Our launch of the ongoing investigative series “Safe to Learn” explores how we define safety in our communities. Additionally, we introduced Así Fue, our podcast!
palabra's signature approach has always been to cover news uniquely, leveraging our community's perspective. Take a look at why our editors loved the stories below.
For Latina Teens, a Mental Toll
Words by Katherine Reynolds Lewis. Images by Josephine Sittenfeld, Julie Leopo, Michelle Bruzzese. Edited by Julie Schwietert Collazo
Karen Mestizo peruses her phone in her dorm room at Brown University, where she is a first-year student. Photo by Josephine Sittenfeld for palabra
Teen girls across the U.S. are experiencing dramatic increases in depression and mental illness, but social media and the pandemic have compounded the challenges for Latinas and other girls of color. Culturally competent therapy, whole-child educational initiatives and community-based solutions can help.
"The mental health story of Latina teens was not only challenging but also inspiring. This is one of those crucial narratives that merit thorough analysis to understand why and how our girls are facing these issues. Generational trauma, am I right?! As a visual editor, it's a dream to collaborate with multiple photographers to create a cohesive story that encourages reflection on such a weighty topic. It was a pleasure working with Josephine Sittenfeld, Julie Leopo, and Michelle Bruzzese to bring this story to life."
— Yunuen Bonaparte, photo editor and web producer
Strangers on the Shore
Words and images by Valeria Trapp. Edited by Lygia Navarro.
Alejo Corniel Juma works at his fruit stand in Cabarete, the Dominican Republic. Photo by Valerie Trapp for palabra
Digital “nomads” seeking paradise settled in a beachfront Dominican town, hurting the local economy, while just beyond their view the Dominican government continues its systemic deportation of Haitians.
“This story from the Dominican Republic by emerging journalist Valerie Trapp exemplifies all that I love about palabra: in-depth coverage of Latin America (as well as stories from the U.S.), lyrical storytelling, space for often ignored community voices, and the support of promising freelance reporters with important stories to share.”
— Lygia Navarro, editor
What Recovery?
Words by Lygia Navarro. Edited by Ruben Castaneda. Audio by Johanna Bejarano. Illustrations by Rocío Benavides. Images by Annie Warren.
Illustration by Rocío Benavides/NWPB
It’s called a mass-disabling event: One in five COVID-19 infections results in long COVID, with Latinos the most affected. As society and medicine largely ignore this lingering crisis, how prepared are we to care for a looming avalanche of Latino long-haulers?
“It’s hard to pick a favorite feature from 2023 — palabra’s editorial standards are so robust, that every feature published clears a very high bar. But Lygia Navarro’s long COVID feature stands out to me as really reflecting what palabra does best: weaving deep reporting with powerful personal narratives that center sources and keep issues that impact them in the spotlight.”
— Julie Schwietert Collazo, editor and fact-checker.
MANAGING EDITOR’S CHOICE: Adrift
Words by Zaydee Sanchez and Claudia Meléndez. Images by Zaydee Sanchez. Edited by Autumn Spanne, Brian Bienkowski and Ricardo Sandoval.
Victor Torres outside his former middle school in Greenfield, California. He and his mother, Yanely Martínez, are members of the organization Safe Ag Safe Schools, which works for stronger pesticide protections. Photo Zaydee Sanchez for EHN/palabra.
Communities on the front lines of pesticide exposure fight for change. A three-part series by Environmental Health News and palabra, on pesticide use in California finds that rural communities of color and farmworkers are disproportionately exposed to some of the most dangerous chemicals used in agriculture.
"Pesticide exposure is an issue that has profoundly affected multiple generations of farm workers and communities. It's impossible to overlook its far-reaching impact. What captivates me about this story is its emphasis on community leaders instigating change and the meticulous attention the writers paid to reflecting the truths of those most affected. What's even more admirable is that this project stemmed from a collaboration between two newsrooms, firmly rooted in community input, sending a resounding message about the significance of local journalists' work.”
— Valeria Fernández, palabra’s managing editor.