New Flagship: MDX Prototype Previews Most Premium and Performance-Focused SUV in Acura History

October 15, 2020

TORRANCE, Calif., Oct. 14, 2020 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Today’s unveiling of the Acura MDX Prototype previews the fourth-generation of the class-defining Acura MDX, America’s all-time best-selling three-row luxury SUV¹. On sale early next year, the new MDX will assume the flagship role in the Acura lineup as the most premium, performance-focused and technologically sophisticated SUV in Acura history. Twenty years after the launch of the first-generation model, the bold new design and sumptuously appointed interior of the new MDX will be bolstered by an arsenal of new Acura technologies, an all-new performance-focused platform with MDX’s first-ever double wishbone front suspension, and the first application of the Type S high performance moniker to an Acura SUV.

“The new MDX marks a turning point for Acura as our new flagship and the most far-reaching effort yet to deliver on our Precision Crafted Performance brand promise,” said Jon Ikeda, vice president and Acura brand officer. “We knew we needed to deliver something more emotional and premium with performance at its core. This new MDX builds on the past 20 years of success and elevates the model to an even stronger position in the market.”

Exterior Design

Enveloped in striking matte finish, the MDX Prototype, shown in both Liquid Carbon and Performance Red, makes a bold statement with its more dynamic and muscular design. The upright grille and long, sculpted hood convey power and presence and are anchored to an even lower and wider body with bulging shoulders and a greenhouse set further back, enabling a 6-inch increase in dash-to-axle dimension.

Signature elements of Acura’s next-generation design language are elegantly integrated with the new more premium and athletic form of MDX, including a three-dimensional Diamond Pentagon grille flanked by four-element JewelEye® LED headlights, underscored by Chicane™ LED daytime running lights, inspired by the Acura ARX-05 race car. The front fascia has been sculpted to highlight the wide grille, integrating fog light housings under side vents that further emphasize the new MDX’s wider track.

In profile view, the 21-inch wheels have been pushed to the corners, giving the MDX Prototype a nearly 3-inch longer wheelbase, aiding both ride quality and more spacious seating in all three rows, as well as a larger and more versatile cargo hold. A sharply sculpted beltline connects the front and rear, where the wide-set Chicane™ LED taillights echo the headlight treatment in front.

Next Level Interior

Befitting its new flagship status, the MDX Prototype presages the production model’s more premium and sophisticated cabin design, with a cleaner, more upright instrument panel taking on a wide structural motif. High-grade, authentic materials trim the interior including open-pore wood with infused metallic flake, polished aluminum and soft-touch Milano leather. An elegant mix of Ebony and Light Orchid leather graces the instrument panel and steering wheel with French stitched detailing. Next-generation Acura sport seats offer a more sculpted form with curvilinear quilting in all three rows, gradient perforation, and high-contrast stitching and piping.

The MDX’s wider body design enables first-class seating with more legroom in all three rows, and notably more headroom for front and third-row occupants. An ultra-wide panoramic moonroof opens the cabin up to provide natural light to all three rows.

Optimally bolstered Acura sport seats offer 16-way power adjustment and integrated massage functionality with a class-leading nine massage modes to relax the driver and front passenger after an exhilarating drive. Acura’s Iconic Drive™ LED illuminates the entire MDX cabin with 27 different lighting schemes tied to driving modes and representative of various locations, such as iconic roads and race circuits around the world.

Advanced Technology

Featuring a myriad of leading-edge Acura technologies, the MDX Prototype debuts Acura’s all-digital Precision Cockpit™, replacing physical gauges with a customizable 12.3-inch driver’s meter. The new MDX also gains the latest generation of Acura’s intuitive and driver-focused True Touchpad Interface™, featuring an ultra-wide, 12.3-inch, full-HD center display (Acura’s largest implementation yet), Acura-exclusive touchpad with “absolute positioning” and a new CPU for improved performance.

The “Signature Edition” ELS STUDIO 3D® premium audio system in the MDX Prototype sets a new standard for concert-quality in-vehicle audio with more than 1000 watts of power, 22 discrete channels and 25 speakers. This elevated tier of ELS system features six ceiling-mounted Highline™ speakers and six carbon fiber coned mid-range woofers including two positioned innovatively in the front console to create a “Center of the Studio” experience with perfect left to right balance. Tuned and perfected by eight-time Grammy® award-winning music producer and sound engineer, Elliot Scheiner, this is the most advanced and powerful audio system ever offered in an Acura vehicle.

Elevated safety technologies include the latest generation of Acura’s Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) Body Structure, with enhanced occupant and pedestrian collision protection capabilities, bolstered by an expanded suite of AcuraWatch™ safety and driver-assistive technologies, including enhanced Road Departure Mitigation, new Traffic Jam Assist and new Low Speed Braking Control. Acura’s next-generation front passenger airbag technology, first seen on the new 2021 TLX and offering improved occupant protection in a wider variety of frontal collision scenarios, will be standard on all new MDX models.

Performance at its Core

The fourth-generation MDX debuts an all-new light truck platform built for athletic handling, refined ride comfort and exceptional cabin quietness. The most rigid Acura SUV body to date, the new MDX is engineered to support Type S-levels of performance as well as advanced collision and pedestrian safety. Anchored to the ultra-rigid new body is a new performance-focused chassis featuring MDX’s first-ever double wishbone front suspension, delivering sharp and sporty handling with improved road holding and ride comfort.

Further aiding handling and all-weather performance is Acura’s available fourth-generation Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ (SH-AWD®), the only dynamic torque vectoring technology in MDX’s competitive class, extracting maximum grip and cornering precision from the all-new chassis. Superior stopping performance is enabled with Brembo® four-piston brake calipers, finished in a striking Ivory paint, at all four corners.

Drivers can customize the ride, handling, steering, suspension and powertrain performance characteristics using the MDX’s Intelligent Dynamics System (IDS). The IDS unlocks a wider range of personalized driving experiences through pre-set modes as well as giving drivers the ability to customize an Individual dynamic driving mode via the NSX-inspired Drive Mode dial, positioned prominently on the center console.

Powering the fourth-generation MDX will be one of two new powertrains. Standard power will come from Acura’s 3.5-liter V6 with i-VTEC® valvetrain, connected to an incredibly responsive and refined 10-speed automatic transmission. The upcoming MDX Type S will feature a Type S-exclusive 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 producing an estimated 355 horsepower and 354 lb.-ft. of torque, the most powerful engine ever offered in an Acura SUV. All MDX Type S models will put power to the ground through Acura’s fourth-generation SH-AWD® system.

Twenty Years of MDX

Debuting in 2000 as the North American Truck of the Year, the original 2001 Acura MDX was the industry’s first three-row crossover SUV, defining an entirely new category of vehicles that now dominate the segment. Over the past 20 years, across three generations of development, MDX has established itself as America’s all-time best-selling three-row luxury SUV and one of only a handful of luxury models to earn more than 1 million U.S. customers in the past two decades². MDX also recently surpassed the TL as the best-selling Acura model of all-time.

The fourth-generation MDX will join its three predecessors as designed, developed and produced in North America. The all-new MDX will be built at the company’s East Liberty, Ohio, auto plant, while both the 3.5-liter V6 and new Type S-exclusive 3.0-liter Turbo V6 engines will be produced at the company’s Anna, Ohio, engine plant, which also manufactures the NSX supercar’s twin-turbocharged hybrid V6 power unit. Acura’s 10-speed automatic transmission is built exclusively at the company’s Tallapoosa, Georgia, transmission plant.

About Acura

Acura is a leading automotive nameplate that delivers Precision Crafted Performance – a commitment to expressive styling, high performance and innovative engineering, all built on a foundation of quality and reliability. The Acura lineup features five distinctive models – the ILX and TLX sport sedans, the RDX and MDX sport-utility vehicles and the next-generation, electrified NSX supercar. All Acura models sold in North America for the 2021 model year are made in the U.S., using domestic and globally sourced parts.

Additional media information including pricing, features & specifications and high-resolution photography is available at AcuraNews.com. Consumer information is available at Acura.com.


¹ Based MotorIntelligence cumulative total sales among all 3-row luxury SUVs and CUVs, Jan. 1980 – Aug. 2020.
² Based on MotorIntelligence cumulative total sales of all luxury models, Jan. 2000 – Aug. 2020

Video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gPrGPcmIfs8
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SOURCE Acura

McDonald’s And J Balvin Drop Limited-Edition Merch Collection

October 15, 2020

CHICAGO, Oct. 15, 2020 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — After the J Balvin Meal hit restaurants across the country last week, the Golden Arches and the global ambassador of Reggaeton are continuing to elevate their collaboration by unveiling a new line of apparel and accessories. The exclusive collection fuses J Balvin’s favorite Colores with his love of McDonald’s food, including the Big Mac, World Famous Fries^® and OREO^® McFlurry that make up his signature order.

Fans can get their hands on the merch starting today on jbalvinmerch.com. The collection includes pieces ranging from a McFlurry bucket hat, to Big Mac slippers to a temporary tattoo showing off the receipt for the J Balvin Meal. Items are limited in quantity and will be available while supplies last.

“It’s been incredible to see all the excitement from fans over the past week,” said J Balvin. “Not only did I want to bring my personality to the McDonald’s menu, I also wanted to share my energy and creativity in a way that elevates our partnership through an exclusive merch collection that we created with my team. Now people can collect a piece of this collaboration and have it forever … lego!”

For those craving more, the J Balvin Meal is still available to order in restaurants for carry-out, at the Drive Thru, via McDelivery or through the McDonald’s App. The meal includes a Big Mac sandwich, medium World Famous Fries^®, and an OREO^® McFlurry, and is available at participating restaurants until November 1. Customers who purchase the J Balvin Meal as an offer on the McDonald’s App will receive the McFlurry for free.

McDonald’s and J Balvin are giving fans even more surprises in the weeks to come, so stay tuned!

About McDonald’s USA
McDonald’s USA, LLC, serves a variety of menu options made with quality ingredients to nearly 25 million customers every day. Ninety-five percent of McDonald’s 14,000 U.S. restaurants are independently owned and operated by businessmen and women. For more information, visit www.mcdonalds.com, or follow us on Twitter @McDonalds and Facebook www.facebook.com/mcdonalds.

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1313495/McDonalds_McFlurry_Bucket_Hat.jpg
Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1313496/McDonalds_slippers.jpg
Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1313509/McDonalds_receipt_tattoo.jpg

SOURCE McDonald’s Corporation

Santos Alvarez’s new book Revive Tu Tristeza en Alegría, a heartfelt narrative that contains perspectives that inspire joy and purpose amid sorrow in life

October 15, 2020

HOUSTON, Oct. 15, 2020 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The book Revive Tu Tristeza en Alegría was created by Santos Alvarez. Santos is an author who came from El Salvador. She now resides in Houston, Texas. She has been a community activist since 1993 through the Voz y Esperanza del Salvador Foundation that she founded and presides until today.

Santos said this about her book: “Revive Tu Tristeza en Alegría is to love yourself as sweet and salty. Both are enjoyed in life with those around us and those we have, taking care of the most beautiful things in life—humility, respect, and love for one himself—as did others.”

Published by Page Publishing, Santos Alvarez’s new book Revive Tu Tristeza en Alegría will evoke within the readers a sense of gratitude and passion to live life to the fullest in genuine grace, faith, and joy despite the heartbreaking circumstances one may find in life.

Consumers who wish to have their spirits uplifted with resounding wisdom on life’s beauty and quaintness amid pain and heartache can purchase Revive Tu Tristeza en Alegría in any bookstore or online at Apple iTunes, Amazon.com, Google Play, or Barnes and Noble.

For additional information or inquiries, you can contact Page Publishing, through the following number: 866-315-2708.

About Page Publishing:
Page Publishing is a traditional full-service publishing house that handles all of the intricacies involved in publishing its authors’ books, including distribution in the world’s largest retail outlets and royalty generation. Page Publishing knows that authors need to be free to create, not bogged down with complicated business issues like eBook conversion, establishing wholesale accounts, insurance, shipping, taxes, and the like. Its roster of authors can leave behind these tedious, complex, and time-consuming issues and focus on their passion: writing and creating. Learn more at www.pagepublishing.com.

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1311017/Santos__lvarez.jpg

SOURCE Page Publishing

Fabrizzio Martínez’s new book Fabrilosofía: Definir es limitar, a compelling tome of evoking poems on nature and human emotions and insights

October 15, 2020

NEW HAVEN, Connecticut, Oct. 15, 2020 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The book Fabrilosofía: Definir es limitar was created by Fabrizzio Martínez. Fabrizzio is a seventeen-year-old author of Honduran origin with a great interest in philosophy, poetry, and science. His desire is to fulfill his dream of becoming an astronomer.

Fabrizzio said this about his book: “Fabrilosofía: Definir es limitar—a book that brings a set of feelings expressed toward nature and man. With his philosophy based on reflection and contemplation, everything embodied in ink is ineffable and goes to introspection. Filled with pure feeling, you can see the things you feel, and the things you see are felt.”

Published by Page Publishing, Fabrizzio Martínez’s new book Fabrilosofía: Definir es limitar will engulf the readers with wisdom and an overwhelming appreciation for life’s quaintness as they partake in each poem that exudes with grace and countenance.

Consumers who wish to be filled with awe and reflect on humanity and life’s magnificence can purchase Fabrilosofía: Definir es limitar in any bookstore or online at Apple iTunes, Amazon.com, Google Play, or Barnes and Noble.

For additional information or inquiries, you can contact Page Publishing, through the following number: 866-315-2708.

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1311026/Fabrizzio_Mart_nez.jpg

SOURCE Page Publishing

Join Us for a Sesame Street in Communities® Sing-a-long and Storytime In Celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month

October 14, 2020

Healthy_Americas_Foundation_HAF_Storytime_Big_Bird

WASHINGTON, Oct. 14, 2020 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — “We invite families to join us for a special premiere of a Sesame Street in Communities bilingual (English and Spanish) sing-a-long and story time with Big Bird’s Comfy Cozy Nest read in Spanish,” said Dr. Jane L. Delgado, President and CEO of the Healthy Americas Foundation. “Now more than ever, we need to give families and especially children tips on how to handle their big feelings. It is a great time to come together and sing a song!”

Beloved Sesame Street characters Rosita and Sofia will be hosting Facebook Premiere events:

When:	Thursday, October 15, 2020
What:	Sing-a-long (bilingual) • Noon Eastern time (9am Pacific time)
	Storytime (bilingual, book read in Spanish) • 7pm Eastern time (4pm Pacific time)
Where:	Register for events at Facebook page @healthyamericas

The family fun sing-a-long and story time are part of the Healthy Americas Foundation’s Nuestros Niños effort that is supported by the Centene Charitable Foundation. As part of the effort, Sesame Street in Communities bilingual (English and Spanish) videos, storybooks, and activities are being made available in new Comfy-Cozy spaces in Hispanic-serving early childhood centers in twenty cities. The spaces feature a comforting, safe space for children and families. Using the power of the beloved Muppets of Sesame Street, the bilingual resources being made available, including Big Bird’s Comfy-Cozy Nest being read during the Facebook Premiere story time, are designed to build coping skills and foster nurturing connections between children and the caring adults in their lives. The bilingual resources are also available online at www.SesameStreetinCommunities.org.

“We are so proud to bring Sesame Street in Communities to families as part of Nuestros Niños and we are thrilled to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with this special sing-a-long and story time,” said Dr. Jeanette Betancourt, Senior Vice President of U.S. Social Impact, Sesame Workshop. “Together with our wonderful partners at the Healthy Americas Foundation and Centene Charitable Foundation, were building a circle of care around all children.”

“The Centene Charitable Foundation is proud to support this important initiative in Hispanic communities throughout the country to promote the well-being of children,” said Marcela Manjarrez-Hawn, Senior Vice President, Chief Communications Officer for Centene. “Together we can make a positive and lasting impact on the health and wellness of kids and families in communities.”

About Sesame Workshop
Sesame Workshop is the nonprofit educational organization behind Sesame Street, the pioneering television show that has been reaching and teaching children since 1969. Today, Sesame Workshop is an innovative force for change, with a mission to help kids everywhere grow smarter, stronger, and kinder. We’re active in more than 150 countries, serving vulnerable children through a wide range of media, formal education, and philanthropically-funded social impact programs, each grounded in rigorous research and tailored to the needs and cultures of the communities we serve. For more information, please visit www.sesameworkshop.org.

About Centene Charitable Foundation – Since 2004, the Centene Charitable Foundation has worked to make a difference in communities by investing in organizations and institutions that improve the lives of their neighbors and friends. A central element of Centene’s business strategy involves their focus on the whole person, not just the physical body. That principle has shaped their approach to community investments, paving the way for Centene to continue its support of long-term and far-reaching initiatives that promote strong and healthy communities.

About the Healthy Americas Foundation (HAF)- The Healthy Americas Foundation (HAF) seeks to improve the health of individuals and families throughout the Americas. HAF’s efforts are grounded in the experience of the National Alliance for Hispanic Health and its many partners. For more information, please visit www.healthyamericasfund.org.

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1313118/Healthy_Americas_Foundation_HAF_Storytime_Big_Bird.jpg

SOURCE Healthy Americas Foundation (HAF)

Stars of “Friday the 13th” and “Supernatural” along with musical guests Silversun Pickups, Filter, Beasto Blanco join the “Queen Mary Live: A Virtual Haunt & Music Fest”

October 14, 2020

LOS ANGELES, Oct. 13, 2020 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Halloween is not cancelled! The Dark Zone Network announces their biggest Live Streaming Virtual Paranormal Event yet! The revolutionary and innovative creative team at The Dark Zone Network (thedarkzone.tv) is at it again! This time, the people that brought you ground-breaking television like Ghost Hunters, Ghost Mine, Mountain Monsters and more, thrill and entertain viewers with four fully packed days of ghost hunting and Halloween festivities – music and celebration at the world’s most haunted ghost ship, the Queen Mary. Do not miss their latest—and BIGGEST–live streaming, interactive, fully immersive virtual global event – “The Queen Mary – LIVE: A Virtual Haunt and Music Fest!”

Never before has anyone had full and unrestricted access to the Queen Mary. Because it is currently closed to the public, every level, every haunted area will be virtually accessible by anyone watching the live stream. For the first time, the world’s most haunted ghost ship will reveal her secrets to The Dark Zone’s world-wide audience.

Hosted by renowned resident apparitionist Aiden Sinclair, partner Becca Knight and The Dark Zone’s Susan Slaughter, viewers will be treated to more ghost hunting over four days than seen on most reality ghost hunting shows. This is a fully immersive, interactive experience as viewers watch the locked down camera feeds from the safety of their living room couches, looking for shadow figures, objects moving or even full-bodied apparitions. When they spot them, and they always do, they’ll communicate directly with The Dark Zone and the on-site investigators to tell them where to investigate next.

Because it’s their favorite holiday, The Dark Zone will host a full, live-streaming Halloween party and Day of the Dead celebration. TDZ proudly announces music performances from Silversun Pickups, Filter, Beasto Blanco, Dead Sara, Metalachi and Sound Barrier as well as celebrity guests Kane Hodder (Jason from Friday the 13th), Chad Lindberg (Supernatural), Calico Cooper (Alice Cooper’s daughter/Beasto Blanco’s lead singer), and Britton Buchanan (The Voice). There will even be a virtual costume contest with prize giveaways. Oh, and there will be ghosts – and ghost hunters. This event will feature some of the biggest names in the paranormal ghost hunting community to search around in the deepest, darkest depths of The Queen Mary looking for what goes bump in the night.

Step into The Dark Zone on October 29th through November 1st for four terrifying nights of Halloween on the haunted Queen Mary. Tickets are only $19.99 for this once in a lifetime, live streaming, fully immersive, virtual event. Go to www.thedarkzone.tv for tickets and more info. Live, multi-channel stream available to view on Roku and Apple TV.

Contact [email protected] for media inquiries.

SOURCE The Dark Zone Network

CMC Releases Comprehensive Gen Z Study “It’s Time: Ready (or Not) for the Multicultural Majority”

October 14, 2020

AHAA: The Voice of Hispanic Marketing is rebranding as Culture Marketing Council: The Voice of Hispanic Marketing, which will continue to elevate the quality and effectiveness of U.S. marketing by harnessing the power of cultural expertise and impact to drive business results. (PRNewsfoto/AHAA: The Voice of Hispanic Mar)

FAIRFAX, Va., Oct. 13, 2020 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — 2020 is not only a critical turning-point year because of a pandemic, racial and social movements, or an election, 2020 also marks the first time the 0 to 17-year-old segment—or any generation, for that matter—is a multicultural majority. Building on more than 20,500 consumer touchpoints to date, the Culture Marketing Council: The Voice of Hispanic Marketing (CMC) released the first part of a comprehensive study on Gen Z (ages 13 to 17), IT’S TIME: Ready (or Not) for the Multicultural Majority.

This first section of the study, Cultural Intersection of Politics and Movements, shows that feelings about culture as it relates to race, identity and equality existed well before George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and Ahmaud Arbery came to national attention. Culture plays a critical role in the decisions Gen Zers make—from the brands and content they follow to the understanding of why such protests have erupted. In fact, culture and identity are the very underpinnings for the movements we see today, like #BlackLivesMatter.

“Gen Zers are fueling the American culture as they interpret and reinvent the American theme, not always perfectly executed but aspirational as they value ‘freedom, equality and opportunity’ for all. With a lower ‘Us’ versus ‘Them’ mentality and what appears to be a healthy dose of patience and empathy, Gen Zers believe that, unlike their elders, they can be a driving force for unity in the long game they are playing,” said CMC Research Chair Nancy Tellet, founder, brand & consumer navigator at PureClarity LLC. “We see this unity expressed when even a quarter of non-Hispanic white teens say that issues of hate and racism are most important for them as well. On the flip side, one in four non-Hispanic White teens say the multicultural majority will change America’s values for the worse and are bothered by hearing the Spanish language spoken in public.”

Diversity is simply a way of life, however, for the majority of Gen Z, and this data provides a glimpse into the kinds of cultural shifts and alliances we can expect in the future.

1) Freedom, Equality & Healthcare for All Matter the Most to Gen Zers

All segments value freedom of speech, freedom to make own decisions, and equal opportunity. Pre-COVID, affordability, particularly housing, education, and healthcare, was a “Top Three” issue among all segments, with 82 percent across ages and cultures agreeing that “everyone” should have healthcare coverage—a hot button topic that could play out during this election with the Affordable Care Act hanging in the balance.

2) When It Comes to Race & Ethnicity, Our Identity & Values Diverge

Unique race and ethnic identity are core to both Hispanic & non-Hispanic Black (NHB) teens, many of whom also self-identify as people of color, to the tune of 56 percent and 94 percent, respectively. Racial identity is not consciously central to 86 percent of non-Hispanic Whites (NHW) ages 13 to 49, but they are more likely than their multicultural counterparts to see their identity as “being an American” with patriotism as a top three American value.

Other divergences include “Equal treatment under the law” as a “top three value” cited among non-Hispanic Black (NHB) parents and all multicultural teens, as well as “strong work ethic” among Hispanic parents.

3) Hate and Racism Top Issues Faced by Multicultural Teens While Unity Creates Clout & Comfort

Eighty-two percent of Hispanics & non-Hispanic Blacks that also identify as a “person of color” feel a sense of unity with other minority segments. In fact, 64 percent of multicultural people ages 13 to 49 say, “People of color will come together to leverage their combined political clout,” with 40 percent saying, “all or most of the time.” Teens who identify as a Hispanic or Black understand that hate and racism are the biggest issues they face together (51 percent of Black and 35 percent of Hispanic teens), while teen suicide ranked high among NHW teens as a key issue.

4) Ninety-Four Percent of Gen Zers Say They Will Register to Vote with Multicultural Teens Skewing More Liberal

While most of Gen Z is unsure of its future political party or any party at all, data suggests many will favor the Democratic party, although there is a growing trend among those aged 18 to 29 to identify as independent. Overall, NHW teens and parents are more likely to identify themselves with the Republican party than Hispanics & Blacks, however we see Republican ID erosion with NHWs under the age of 30.

Gen Zers claim to be a politically engaged and socially active generation with 94 percent saying they will register to vote. In addition, the social/political movements they follow are driven by culture.

Non-Hispanic White parents consider movements relating to affordability, such as affordable housing and a livable minimum wage as most important
White teens say #metoo is most important to them
Non-Hispanic Blacks from 13 to 49 agree that #blacklivesmatter is their most important movement
Immigration rights are most important for Hispanics ages 13 to 49

5) The Multicultural Majority Sees Themselves as the EVOLUTION, not a Revolution

With all these shifting demographics, 55 percent of people 13-49-years-old believe Gen Z’s values will change America, mostly for the better or “just different.” Among the multicultural segment, more than half believe opportunities “will be better” for their children, with 13-17s agreeing. According to a 16-year-old Hispanic female interviewed, “I do think that this generation could be the next step…to unify instead of separate.”

6) Brands Need Cultural Fluency to Survive & Thrive

More than half of people ages 13 to 49 have quit a culturally illiterate brand, saying it offended them or disrespected their values—that number skyrockets to 72 percent among Black female parents ages 25 to 49. Thirty percent of the 13-49 segment said advertising adjacent to offending content was also a brand break-up reason.

With culture often at the heart of purchase decisions, brands are taking a stand against racial and gender discrimination with more than 500 brands, including adidas, Diageo, Honda, Unilever and Verizon, supporting change and participating in the “Stop Hate For Profit” Facebook ad boycott. In addition, brands like Aunt Jemima, Mrs. Butterworth, the NFL Washington D.C. team, and Uncle Ben changed longstanding imagery & history of their brand identities.

Multicultural marketing is no longer a “niche,” or a “nice to have” marketing afterthought. The definition of “white as the norm” or “general market” is no longer applicable for brands targeting people under the age of 35—and as soon as 2033, brands continuing to make this mistake with people under the age of 50 could lose significant market share. Currently, approximately nine out of 10 chief executives, advertising, promotions, and sales & marketing managers are non-Hispanic white. Without deep cultural fluency and insights at the core of every brand strategy, brands risk a break up with Gen Zers and their parents. That is why it is critical for companies to invest in culture marketing specialists from the C-suite and senior executives to junior practitioners.

Methodology & Funders:

The study received financial or operational support from Kantar, ThinkNow, ViacomCBS and Univision.
Quantitative research came from 2,418 13-17s (Gen Z) and 25-49 parents of kids 8-12 (65% Millennials/ 35% Xers) with equal sample representation of Hispanics (HISP), non-Hispanic Blacks (NHB) & non-Hispanic Whites (NHW) from January 2020 to February 2020.
Qualitative interviews with 54 respondents (36T/18P), in-home pairs (HISP/NHB/NHW) and two Gen Z multicultural workshops (HISP/NHB/NHW/Asian-American/Other)

For more information, visit culturemarketingcouncil.org and follow the CMC on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter at @cmchispanic.

About CMC: Founded in 1996 as the Association of Hispanic Advertising Agencies, the Culture Marketing Council: The Voice of Hispanic Marketing is the national trade organization of all marketing, communications, and media firms with trusted Hispanic expertise.

Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/635930/Culture_Marketing_Council_Logo.jpg

SOURCE Culture Marketing Council: The Voice of Hispanic Marketing

Blue Shield of California Provides Over $50 Million in Premium Relief for Customers to Help Ease Financial Burden During COVID-19 Pandemic

October 14, 2020

OAKLAND, California, Oct. 14, 2020 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Blue Shield of California today announced the nonprofit health plan is providing more than $50 million in premium credits for its customers facing economic hardship caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Blue Shield is applying a one-time premium credit to bills issued for the month of November or December for its fully-insured employer customers. Premium credits will also be applied to November bills for people enrolled in Blue Shield dental and/or vision plans, plus those enrolled in Blue Shield’s Medicare Supplement plans.

“We are looking for ways to support our customers and members in these unprecedented, challenging times,” said Paul Markovich, president and CEO, Blue Shield. “It is especially important during this pandemic to serve our nonprofit mission and help all Californians have access to high-quality health care at an affordable price.”

The credit, which will vary by customer, will appear on their November or December billing statement. Today’s announcement is part of Blue Shield’s ongoing support for members, employer customers, providers and communities during the COVID-19 crisis. Blue Shield of California and its subsidiary Blue Shield of California Promise Health Plan efforts include:

Extending the commitment to waive co-payments, coinsurance, and deductibles for treatment of COVID-19 through December 31, 2020.
Continuing to cover costs for virtual care (medical and behavioral) services provided by Teladoc Health through December 31, 2020.
Blue Shield of California Promise Health Plan providing $100,000 in grants to support nutrition for Southern Californians during the coronavirus pandemic.
Donating $500,000 to the Oakland COVID-19 Relief Fund to support pop-up coronavirus testing sites and other community initiatives.
Using latest technology to deliver personalized care by using machine learning to identify members with heightened needs during the pandemic.
Protecting employees and limiting the possible spread of the virus by initiating a company-wide work-from-home plan while maintaining uninterrupted service to our customers.

Blue Shield’s extensive support for medical providers during the pandemic include:

More than $200 million financial support program for qualifying in-network providers and hospitals facing financial pressures as a result of the pandemic.
New Primary Care Reimagined program that provides in-network physician groups access to an array of latest technologies to enhance their delivery of care, and new reimbursement models that results in more predictable cash flow for physician practices.
Offering a new digital tool to Blue Shield’s network hospitals at no additional cost to help them triage the influx of patients seeking advice on COVID-19 or other medical care.
Providing $100,000 support to MedShare, a San Francisco Bay area nonprofit organization that provides personal protective equipment (PPE) to nonprofit community healthcare providers.

Blue Shield also has created a dedicated COVID-19 website to inform members of their coverage under specific Blue Shield health benefit plans, as well as to support our employers, plan sponsors and brokers.

About Blue Shield of California

Blue Shield of California strives to create a healthcare system worthy of its family and friends that is sustainably affordable. Blue Shield of California is a tax paying, nonprofit, independent member of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association with over four million members, 6,800 employees and more than $20 billion in annual revenues. Founded in 1939 in San Francisco and now headquartered in Oakland, Blue Shield of California and its affiliates provide health, dental, vision, Medicaid and Medicare healthcare service plans in California. The company has contributed more than $500 million to the Blue Shield of California Foundation since 2002 to have an impact on California communities.

For more news about Blue Shield of California, please visit news.blueshieldca.com.

Or follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, or Facebook.

CONTACT:	Matthew Yi
	Blue Shield of California
	510-607-2359
	[email protected]

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SOURCE Blue Shield of California

miR Scientific announces FDA Breakthrough Device Designation for its Prostate Cancer Liquid Biopsy Test

October 14, 2020

NEW YORK, Oct. 13, 2020 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — miR Scientific, LLC, a healthcare company whose purpose is to transform global cancer management by providing early and highly accurate detection, characterization and monitoring of disease, announced today that it has received Breakthrough Device Designation by the U.S Food & Drug Administration for its miR Sentinel™ PCC4 Assay (miR Sentinel™ Prostate Test). FDA Breakthrough Device designation is granted to novel medical devices that have the potential to provide more effective treatment or diagnosis of life-threatening or irreversibly debilitating diseases or conditions.

The Company’s miR Sentinel™ Prostate Test is a new method to analyze small non-coding RNAs (sncRNA) derived from a simple, non-invasive urine specimen from age-eligible men. Using only the expression level of these sncRNAs, a proprietary Statistical Classification Algorithm derives scores that classify patients according to the likelihood of being in the following four possible groups: no molecular evidence of prostate cancer; low-risk; intermediate-risk; or high-risk prostate cancer. Initial validation data for the miR Sentinel™ Prostate Test was published in the September 2020 issue of The Journal of Urology. The Company will initially commercialize its test as a Laboratory Developed Test in the US. Through the Breakthrough Device Program, miR Scientific will work more closely and frequently with the FDA to expedite its review of the miR Sentinel™ Prostate Test.

In comparison to currently available technologies alone, the specificity, sensitivity and empirical NPV and PPV of the miR Sentinel™ Prostate Test may significantly reduce mortality and decrease the number of hospitalizations, physician visits and reduce recovery time. The Company designed the miR Sentinel™ Prostate Test to revolutionize a patient’s disease journey when used by a provider in conjunction with other clinical findings and/or laboratory tests.

“We are highly appreciative that the FDA’s breakthrough designation process provided miR Scientific with invaluable feedback, which we have incorporated into our current clinical prospective studies to support our full marketing authorization plan” said Sam Salman, Chairman and CEO of miR Scientific. “Receiving this designation achieves another important milestone in the development of our novel and ground-breaking technology. We believe that the accuracy and non-invasive feature of our award-winning technology will impact the lives of millions of men and forever positively change the standard of care for urological cancers”.

About miR Scientific: miR Scientific, LLC is a healthcare company whose purpose is to transform global cancer management by providing early and highly accurate detection, characterization and monitoring of disease. Our team developed miR Scientific Disease Management Platformâ, which is comprised of proprietary, non-invasive and highly accurate liquid biopsy urine tests for the detection, classification and monitoring of urological cancers. The Platform is being utilized to commercialize its award-winning miR Sentinel™ Prostate Test. miR Scientific is a majority-owned operating subsidiary of Impact NRS LLC, headquartered in New York City with operating subsidiaries in Israel, Canada and Puerto Rico.

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SOURCE miR Scientific, LLC

MoneyGram Continues to Deliver Remarkable Momentum in Digital Business with Strong Growth in September

October 14, 2020

DALLAS, Oct. 13, 2020 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — MoneyGram International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MGI), a global leader in cross-border P2P payments and money transfers, today announced another impressive month of digital growth in September. The Company delivered 161% year-over-year cross-border transaction growth for MoneyGram Online, its direct-to-consumer digital business, marking its ninth consecutive month of triple-digit growth. This growth continues to be driven by strong consumer demand for the Company’s leading mobile app and a full suite of leading digital capabilities available in over 75 countries.

“Over the past few months, we have continued to drive a phenomenal increase in monthly active users on our leading app, as our customers remain loyal to our unmatched user experience and continue to refer their friends and family to the trusted MoneyGram brand,” said Alex Holmes, MoneyGram Chairman and CEO. “Our relentless focus on improving our customer-centric capabilities from product improvements, to innovative customer acquisition campaigns and our loyalty program, enables us to offer the most seamless cross-border P2P money transfer experience in the industry.”

As a result of the pandemic starting to rapidly spread in early 2020, numerous organizations projected annual remittance flows would decline materially. In contrast to these predictions, MoneyGram has reported a sizable uptick in global money transfers, particularly in its direct-to-consumer digital business as a result of the Company’s ongoing digital transformation to build the world’s best modern, mobile, and API-driven money transfer platform.

“We continue to prioritize investments in digital capabilities and user experience improvements to further enhance our consumer-focused digital transformation,” said Kamila Chytil, MoneyGram Chief Operating Officer and leader of the Company’s digital business. “As COVID-19 and its ongoing impact on everyday life continues to create a new normal, we’ve increased our efforts on our direct-to-consumer digital business and our results continue to flourish.”

About MoneyGram International, Inc.
MoneyGram is a global leader in cross-border P2P payments and money transfers. Its consumer-centric capabilities enable family and friends to quickly and affordably send money in more than 200 countries and territories, with more than 75 countries now digitally enabled.

MoneyGram leverages its modern, mobile, and API-driven platform and collaborates with the world’s leading brands to serve millions of people each year through both its walk-in business and its direct-to-consumer digital business.

With a strong culture of innovation and a relentless focus on utilizing technology to deliver the world’s best customer experience, MoneyGram is leading the evolution of digital P2P payments.

For more information, please visit moneygram.com and follow @MoneyGram.

Media Contact:
Stephen Reiff
[email protected]

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SOURCE MoneyGram

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