Invisible Yet Essential:
The Urgent Call to Invest in Latino Media

Editor’s note: Independent journalism plays a pivotal role in holding those in power accountable, amplifying the voices of the marginalized, and ultimately protecting the health of democracy. Latino-led and Latino-serving news outlets are vital not just in combating misinformation, but in prebunking it. Our trust-based relationship with our audience is our strength, and our Latino journalists are our backbone. To remain strong and continue our mission and commitment to our audiences, we must work together. palabra is a proud founding member of the Latino Media Consortium, and we join our colleagues in calling for investment in our publications.

– Valeria Fernández, managing editor palabra

Early morning, March 26, 2024. While most Baltimoreans were resting, thousands of others worked night shifts to keep the societal wheels turning for their neighbors. 

Seven of those workers —all Latinos— were on the Francis Scott Key Bridge, making repairs that are often taken for granted by the over 31,000 drivers who cross it daily, when tragedy struck. 

A container ship, the Dali, lost power, veered off course, and crashed into the bridge, causing it to collapse. All seven passengers were sent into the icy waters below. Only one survived.

Thanks to the diligence of local and national news outlets, we know initial calls to alert authorities that the Dali was drifting out of control potentially saved hundreds, if not thousands, of lives. We also know that as officials worked to stop bridge traffic in those crucial moments, they also discussed next steps over radio chatter, including alerting any work crews to leave the bridge.