56 °f
Detroit
EL CENTRAL Hispanic News
  • Home
  • About
    • Introducing the partnership with the Race and Justice reporting Initiative
    • Resources
  • Español
    Candidates Face the People: Southwest Detroit Hosts Powerful Mayoral Forum on Community Priorities

    Candidates Face the People: Southwest Detroit Hosts Powerful Mayoral Forum on Community Priorities

    MANA de Metro Detroit Celebrates 30 Years of Latina Leadership and Legacy

    Protecting Our Vote: Facts in the Face of Fear

    Protecting Our Vote: Facts in the Face of Fear

    The Comanche People

    The Comanche People

    Apaches Jicarilla

    Apaches Jicarilla

    Rarámuris / Tarahumaras 

    Rarámuris / Tarahumaras 

    Linzie and Jesse Venegas of Ideal Group Recognized as Entrepreneurs Of The Year 2025

    Linzie and Jesse Venegas of Ideal Group Recognized as Entrepreneurs Of The Year 2025

    George Carrillo speaks to attendees at the Real Talk series about his immigration policy recommendations for the construction industry, titled "Building America Stronger." Photo: Juan Carlos Dueweke-Perez, Featherstone.

    “This Is Our Moment”: National Latino Construction Leader Visits Detroit to Highlight Labor Crisis and Policy Solutions

    CitizenDetroit Launches Free Online Platform that Enables Detroit Voters to Hear Directly from Detroit Candidates

    CitizenDetroit Launches Free Online Platform that Enables Detroit Voters to Hear Directly from Detroit Candidates

  • Community
    Candidates Face the People: Southwest Detroit Hosts Powerful Mayoral Forum on Community Priorities

    Candidates Face the People: Southwest Detroit Hosts Powerful Mayoral Forum on Community Priorities

    MANA de Metro Detroit Celebrates 30 Years of Latina Leadership and Legacy

    A jubilee pilgrimage of hope through the Basilica of Ste. Anne

    A jubilee pilgrimage of hope through the Basilica of Ste. Anne

    Stellantis Hosts “Thrilling” MHCC Networking Event

    Stellantis Hosts “Thrilling” MHCC Networking Event

    El Zocalo Lounge Brings Back Nightlife to Mexicantown

    El Zocalo Lounge Brings Back Nightlife to Mexicantown

    Senate Theater Says ‘No Problem’ to No AC with ‘Hot, Sweaty & Weird’ Film Series

    Senate Theater Says ‘No Problem’ to No AC with ‘Hot, Sweaty & Weird’ Film Series

    Candidatos del Distrito 6 hablan sobre inmigración y contaminación

    Candidatos del Distrito 6 hablan sobre inmigración y contaminación

    Connecting with the Heart of Detroit

    Connecting with the Heart of Detroit

    Fr. David Buersmeyer y Mrs. Judith Brooks de Strangers No Longer / hablan a los participantes de la procesión frente a la oficina de campo de ICE en Detroit / address procession participants in front of the field office of ICE in Detroit. Foto de/Photo by Valaurian Waller | Detroit Catholic

    Detroit Catholics Walk in Solidarity with Immigrants, Demand Humane Treatment

  • Featured
    Candidates Face the People: Southwest Detroit Hosts Powerful Mayoral Forum on Community Priorities

    Candidates Face the People: Southwest Detroit Hosts Powerful Mayoral Forum on Community Priorities

    Fr. David Buersmeyer y Mrs. Judith Brooks de Strangers No Longer / hablan a los participantes de la procesión frente a la oficina de campo de ICE en Detroit / address procession participants in front of the field office of ICE in Detroit. Foto de/Photo by Valaurian Waller | Detroit Catholic

    Detroit Catholics Walk in Solidarity with Immigrants, Demand Humane Treatment

    Linzie and Jesse Venegas of Ideal Group Recognized as Entrepreneurs Of The Year 2025

    Linzie and Jesse Venegas of Ideal Group Recognized as Entrepreneurs Of The Year 2025

    George Carrillo speaks to attendees at the Real Talk series about his immigration policy recommendations for the construction industry, titled "Building America Stronger." Photo: Juan Carlos Dueweke-Perez, Featherstone.

    “This Is Our Moment”: National Latino Construction Leader Visits Detroit to Highlight Labor Crisis and Policy Solutions

    Downtown Detroit’s Hart Plaza Comes Back to Life with ARRiBA! Latinos Festival

    Downtown Detroit’s Hart Plaza Comes Back to Life with ARRiBA! Latinos Festival

    Pope Leo XIV, the former Cardinal Robert F. Prevost, waves from the central balcony of St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican after his election as pope May 8, 2025. The new pope was born in Chicago. (CNS photo/Lola Gomez)

    Pope Leo XIV a ‘man of many gifts’ who will lead Church with grace

    Southwest Detroit’s Cinco de Mayo Parade Prevails Over “Rain and Rumors” to the Enjoyment of Thousands

    Southwest Detroit’s Cinco de Mayo Parade Prevails Over “Rain and Rumors” to the Enjoyment of Thousands

    Caesar Chavez Academy’s Robotics Team Represents Southwest Detroit at World Robotics Championship

    Caesar Chavez Academy’s Robotics Team Represents Southwest Detroit at World Robotics Championship

    El Arzobispo Edward J. Weisenburger dirige las oraciones durante una Misa en memoria del papa Francisco el 21 de abril en la Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament en Detroit. El papa Francisco, quien ha liderado la Iglesia católica desde 2013, murió la madrugada del lunes, el día después del Domingo de Pascua. (Foto de Valaurian Waller | Detroit Catholic)

    Archbishop Weisenburger leads Detroit faithful in mourning Pope Francis’ death

  • Opinion
  • Culture & Arts
    • All
    • World Cultures
    The Comanche People

    The Comanche People

    Senate Theater Says ‘No Problem’ to No AC with ‘Hot, Sweaty & Weird’ Film Series

    Senate Theater Says ‘No Problem’ to No AC with ‘Hot, Sweaty & Weird’ Film Series

    From Latin Boogaloo to Electric Vibes, Latino Music Moves the Crowd at Concert of Colors

    From Latin Boogaloo to Electric Vibes, Latino Music Moves the Crowd at Concert of Colors

    Apaches Jicarilla

    Apaches Jicarilla

    Brushstrokes & Brainpower: Teachers Gather to Boost Student Thinking Through Art

    Brushstrokes & Brainpower: Teachers Gather to Boost Student Thinking Through Art

    Rarámuris / Tarahumaras 

    Rarámuris / Tarahumaras 

    Blackfeet – Native Americans

    Blackfeet – Native Americans

    Finding Life’s Lessons in Lucha Libre

    Finding Life’s Lessons in Lucha Libre

    Paraguay

    Paraguay

    • World Cultures
  • Latest Issue
  • Past Issues
    • Throwbacks
  • Events
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • en English
    • en English
    • es Spanish
No Result
View All Result
EL CENTRAL Hispanic News
  • Home
  • About
    • Introducing the partnership with the Race and Justice reporting Initiative
    • Resources
  • Español
    Candidates Face the People: Southwest Detroit Hosts Powerful Mayoral Forum on Community Priorities

    Candidates Face the People: Southwest Detroit Hosts Powerful Mayoral Forum on Community Priorities

    MANA de Metro Detroit Celebrates 30 Years of Latina Leadership and Legacy

    Protecting Our Vote: Facts in the Face of Fear

    Protecting Our Vote: Facts in the Face of Fear

    The Comanche People

    The Comanche People

    Apaches Jicarilla

    Apaches Jicarilla

    Rarámuris / Tarahumaras 

    Rarámuris / Tarahumaras 

    Linzie and Jesse Venegas of Ideal Group Recognized as Entrepreneurs Of The Year 2025

    Linzie and Jesse Venegas of Ideal Group Recognized as Entrepreneurs Of The Year 2025

    George Carrillo speaks to attendees at the Real Talk series about his immigration policy recommendations for the construction industry, titled "Building America Stronger." Photo: Juan Carlos Dueweke-Perez, Featherstone.

    “This Is Our Moment”: National Latino Construction Leader Visits Detroit to Highlight Labor Crisis and Policy Solutions

    CitizenDetroit Launches Free Online Platform that Enables Detroit Voters to Hear Directly from Detroit Candidates

    CitizenDetroit Launches Free Online Platform that Enables Detroit Voters to Hear Directly from Detroit Candidates

  • Community
    Candidates Face the People: Southwest Detroit Hosts Powerful Mayoral Forum on Community Priorities

    Candidates Face the People: Southwest Detroit Hosts Powerful Mayoral Forum on Community Priorities

    MANA de Metro Detroit Celebrates 30 Years of Latina Leadership and Legacy

    A jubilee pilgrimage of hope through the Basilica of Ste. Anne

    A jubilee pilgrimage of hope through the Basilica of Ste. Anne

    Stellantis Hosts “Thrilling” MHCC Networking Event

    Stellantis Hosts “Thrilling” MHCC Networking Event

    El Zocalo Lounge Brings Back Nightlife to Mexicantown

    El Zocalo Lounge Brings Back Nightlife to Mexicantown

    Senate Theater Says ‘No Problem’ to No AC with ‘Hot, Sweaty & Weird’ Film Series

    Senate Theater Says ‘No Problem’ to No AC with ‘Hot, Sweaty & Weird’ Film Series

    Candidatos del Distrito 6 hablan sobre inmigración y contaminación

    Candidatos del Distrito 6 hablan sobre inmigración y contaminación

    Connecting with the Heart of Detroit

    Connecting with the Heart of Detroit

    Fr. David Buersmeyer y Mrs. Judith Brooks de Strangers No Longer / hablan a los participantes de la procesión frente a la oficina de campo de ICE en Detroit / address procession participants in front of the field office of ICE in Detroit. Foto de/Photo by Valaurian Waller | Detroit Catholic

    Detroit Catholics Walk in Solidarity with Immigrants, Demand Humane Treatment

  • Featured
    Candidates Face the People: Southwest Detroit Hosts Powerful Mayoral Forum on Community Priorities

    Candidates Face the People: Southwest Detroit Hosts Powerful Mayoral Forum on Community Priorities

    Fr. David Buersmeyer y Mrs. Judith Brooks de Strangers No Longer / hablan a los participantes de la procesión frente a la oficina de campo de ICE en Detroit / address procession participants in front of the field office of ICE in Detroit. Foto de/Photo by Valaurian Waller | Detroit Catholic

    Detroit Catholics Walk in Solidarity with Immigrants, Demand Humane Treatment

    Linzie and Jesse Venegas of Ideal Group Recognized as Entrepreneurs Of The Year 2025

    Linzie and Jesse Venegas of Ideal Group Recognized as Entrepreneurs Of The Year 2025

    George Carrillo speaks to attendees at the Real Talk series about his immigration policy recommendations for the construction industry, titled "Building America Stronger." Photo: Juan Carlos Dueweke-Perez, Featherstone.

    “This Is Our Moment”: National Latino Construction Leader Visits Detroit to Highlight Labor Crisis and Policy Solutions

    Downtown Detroit’s Hart Plaza Comes Back to Life with ARRiBA! Latinos Festival

    Downtown Detroit’s Hart Plaza Comes Back to Life with ARRiBA! Latinos Festival

    Pope Leo XIV, the former Cardinal Robert F. Prevost, waves from the central balcony of St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican after his election as pope May 8, 2025. The new pope was born in Chicago. (CNS photo/Lola Gomez)

    Pope Leo XIV a ‘man of many gifts’ who will lead Church with grace

    Southwest Detroit’s Cinco de Mayo Parade Prevails Over “Rain and Rumors” to the Enjoyment of Thousands

    Southwest Detroit’s Cinco de Mayo Parade Prevails Over “Rain and Rumors” to the Enjoyment of Thousands

    Caesar Chavez Academy’s Robotics Team Represents Southwest Detroit at World Robotics Championship

    Caesar Chavez Academy’s Robotics Team Represents Southwest Detroit at World Robotics Championship

    El Arzobispo Edward J. Weisenburger dirige las oraciones durante una Misa en memoria del papa Francisco el 21 de abril en la Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament en Detroit. El papa Francisco, quien ha liderado la Iglesia católica desde 2013, murió la madrugada del lunes, el día después del Domingo de Pascua. (Foto de Valaurian Waller | Detroit Catholic)

    Archbishop Weisenburger leads Detroit faithful in mourning Pope Francis’ death

  • Opinion
  • Culture & Arts
    • All
    • World Cultures
    The Comanche People

    The Comanche People

    Senate Theater Says ‘No Problem’ to No AC with ‘Hot, Sweaty & Weird’ Film Series

    Senate Theater Says ‘No Problem’ to No AC with ‘Hot, Sweaty & Weird’ Film Series

    From Latin Boogaloo to Electric Vibes, Latino Music Moves the Crowd at Concert of Colors

    From Latin Boogaloo to Electric Vibes, Latino Music Moves the Crowd at Concert of Colors

    Apaches Jicarilla

    Apaches Jicarilla

    Brushstrokes & Brainpower: Teachers Gather to Boost Student Thinking Through Art

    Brushstrokes & Brainpower: Teachers Gather to Boost Student Thinking Through Art

    Rarámuris / Tarahumaras 

    Rarámuris / Tarahumaras 

    Blackfeet – Native Americans

    Blackfeet – Native Americans

    Finding Life’s Lessons in Lucha Libre

    Finding Life’s Lessons in Lucha Libre

    Paraguay

    Paraguay

    • World Cultures
  • Latest Issue
  • Past Issues
    • Throwbacks
  • Events
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • en English
    • en English
    • es Spanish
No Result
View All Result
EL CENTRAL Hispanic News
No Result
View All Result

Dragons in August

EL CENTRAL by EL CENTRAL
August 25, 2022
in Community
Reading Time: 4 mins read
Home Community
ShareShareTweetEmail to a friend

By Elena Dolores Solano

August is the sweetest month. There are no holidays, there is only the hot Michigan sun and what feels like endless summer days and long summer nights. Students, teachers and counselors are free for the summer, each group going on about their lives for a few short weeks before school resumes. But August has a timeline of its own, muggy nights and sun-splashed days and asphalt that buckles and melts in the heat. Time lingers. It is when tomatoes pop off the vine and chili arbol is harvested with gusto.

August is also when educators prepare to return to their buildings and classrooms. It is when students and educators realize summer is fading and moving quickly. Educators are planners and givers, and a combination of saints and imperfect human beings. I am an educator and I learned many years ago that educators have daunting jobs. Detroit educators are no exception. We deal with the hardest circumstances and manage heartbreaking scenarios on a daily basis. We help students find solutions to unbearable problems, believing they can and will succeed.

It is well documented that spontaneous play heals children from trauma. It leads to cooperation and creativity and connections in the brain. It helps children learn to problem solve and communicate. Summer months are critical for free play and important for healing.

August is the hottest month in Michigan. We swelter and sweat. We swat flies and mosquitoes. We gather tomatoes and flowers we have planted and grown over the summer. We
soak in the sunlight that goes on for hours. We lay quietly, motionless in the moonlight, and in the cool of the evening breeze, waiting for relief from the sweltering heat.

When I was a child my brother Dan and I ran to fields close to our house on 17th Street. Urban decay was already winding its way through Detroit. It bit our neighborhood hard, and like a snake it consumed houses and left empty lots. Pebbled walkways were still in place and large trees dotted former yards. We traipsed through overgrown weeds and looked for bees and hornets’ nests. We stared at the clouds and saw bears and mountains and dragons breathing fire in the hot summer sky. We collected fireflies in glass jars.

August is a heavy month. It is ripe with life and death and the beginning and the end. It is a month of healing and of time that moves so slow you can feel your body let go and your muscles unwind. It is a month of catching your breath and letting all things be as they are. It is a month of catching fireflies with your best friend.

Heart Shaped Leaf for Dragons

August is a sacred month. It is made up of festivals at Clark Park, carnivals and trips to Belle Isle, and Up North if you’re really lucky. It is running under water sprinklers and open fire hydrants, watching fireworks, running around with sparklers and taking a cool bath before bed. It is everything and nothing all at once. August is filled with magic. Throughout the school year I see teachers and counselors do magic and become dragons in the best sense of the word. I love my students, just as I love my children, and I will breathe fire to protect them. August gives us strength to give our best.

My strongest asset at work is that I believe. I believe. I believe in the power of love and hope, of books, writing and a solid education. I believe in a river that runs along the heart of Detroit that carries a thousand stories. I believe in each and every one of my students to be all they can be, to do what their heart says they can do.
Educators often leave the school year empty and exhausted. We are givers. In the slow days of summer, I remember who I am, a woman, a child of Detroit, Mexican American, a mother, a daughter, sister and friend. I am a human being, and I too must heal.

It is the magic of August, of the heat in the moonlight and waiting for a cool breeze and being still in the night that makes me whole. I lay quietly in the dark and wait for dragons and stars to emerge from the darkened sky. It is where hope is grown and belief is resown, ready to be harvested for the following year. It is time to heal.

I would be useless without August. These are the days I let my heart fly and dare to believe, and remember who I am.
Elena Dolores Solano 2022

Previous Post

City Donates 500 Decommissioned Computers to be Refurbished and Provided to Detroit Families

Next Post

The First Puerto Rican Community in Detroit (1918)

EL CENTRAL

EL CENTRAL

Related Posts

Youth poet Charisma Holly. Photo by the City of Detroit, Detroitmi.gov.
Community

Youth Civic Night Highlights Empowerment for Detroit’s Young People

by EL CENTRAL
August 7, 2025
0

Detroit’s Youth Civic Night empowers young leaders with music, art, and voter education, proving civic engagement starts now, not later.

Read moreDetails
Pax Cristi in front of the Spirit of Detroit
Community

Pax Christi USA Holds National Conference in Detroit

by EL CENTRAL
August 7, 2025
0

Pax Christi USA’s 2025 conference in Detroit united faith, peace, justice, and nonviolence advocates in workshops, awards, and interfaith dialogue.

Read moreDetails
A mural outside of an immigration resource center in El Paso, Texas.
Community

El Paso Workshop Guides Reporters Who Tell Immigration Stories

by EL CENTRAL
July 31, 2025
0

From El Paso to Detroit, a journalist explores immigration, border policy, and climate justice—revealing urgent truths and untold human stories

Read moreDetails
Mayoral Candidate Mary Sheffield
Community

Mayoral Candidate Mary Sheffield

by EL CENTRAL
July 31, 2025
0

Detroit mayoral candidate Mary Sheffield tackles air pollution, housing, infrastructure & immigrant rights in this in-depth EL CENTRAL interview

Read moreDetails
DCFC Breaks Winless Run
Community

DCFC Breaks Winless Run

by EL CENTRAL
July 31, 2025
0

Detroit City FC defeats Westchester 3-0 but exits League Cup. With Trevor James out, Le Rouge must rally for the...

Read moreDetails
Candidates Face the People: Southwest Detroit Hosts Powerful Mayoral Forum on Community Priorities
Community

Candidates Face the People: Southwest Detroit Hosts Powerful Mayoral Forum on Community Priorities

by EL CENTRAL
July 24, 2025
0

Southwest Detroit demands action on immigration, flooding, and justice as mayoral candidates face tough questions at historic community-led forum

Read moreDetails
Next Post

The First Puerto Rican Community in Detroit (1918)

Leave Comment
  • Trending
  • Comments
  • Latest
Volunteers Needed for Refugee Resettlement in Michigan

Volunteers Needed for Refugee Resettlement in Michigan

February 14, 2024
Southwest Celebrates Cinco de Mayo

Why We Celebrate “CINCO DE MAYO, THE 5TH OF MAY”

May 2, 2024
MSHDA Opens $60 Million MI Neighborhood Applications

MSHDA Opens $60 Million MI Neighborhood Applications

April 4, 2024
Infamous Highwaymen Motorcycle Club Leader Pursues a Second Chance at Life

Infamous Highwaymen Motorcycle Club Leader Pursues a Second Chance at Life

February 1, 2024
Community and RuboFest 2022 

Community and RuboFest 2022 

0
“Vemos a México como un socio igualitario”

“Vemos a México como un socio igualitario”

0
Ford Hispanic and Latino Network Beautifies Clark Park

Ford Hispanic and Latino Network Beautifies Clark Park

0
Editorial Opinion “The Fifth, I take the Fifth”

Editorial Opinion “The Fifth, I take the Fifth”

0
Candidates Face the People: Southwest Detroit Hosts Powerful Mayoral Forum on Community Priorities

Candidates Face the People: Southwest Detroit Hosts Powerful Mayoral Forum on Community Priorities

July 24, 2025
Tacos Wuey Opens in the Heart of Southwest Detroit

Tacos Wuey Opens in the Heart of Southwest Detroit

July 24, 2025

MANA de Metro Detroit Celebrates 30 Years of Latina Leadership and Legacy

July 24, 2025
A jubilee pilgrimage of hope through the Basilica of Ste. Anne

A jubilee pilgrimage of hope through the Basilica of Ste. Anne

July 24, 2025

Recent News

Candidates Face the People: Southwest Detroit Hosts Powerful Mayoral Forum on Community Priorities

Candidates Face the People: Southwest Detroit Hosts Powerful Mayoral Forum on Community Priorities

July 24, 2025
Tacos Wuey Opens in the Heart of Southwest Detroit

Tacos Wuey Opens in the Heart of Southwest Detroit

July 24, 2025

MANA de Metro Detroit Celebrates 30 Years of Latina Leadership and Legacy

July 24, 2025
A jubilee pilgrimage of hope through the Basilica of Ste. Anne

A jubilee pilgrimage of hope through the Basilica of Ste. Anne

July 24, 2025
EL CENTRAL Hispanic News

Michigans #1. Oldest. Largest & Only
Bilingual Hispanic News for 33 Years.

Follow Us

Browse by Category

  • Business
  • Classifieds
  • Community
  • Culture & Arts
  • Education
  • Entrepreneurs
  • Español
  • Events
  • Featured
  • Finance
  • Food
  • Latest News
  • Local News
  • Local Small Business
  • Music
  • National News
  • Opinion
  • Others
  • People
  • Politics
  • Resources
  • Restaurants
  • Sports
  • Throwbacks
  • World
  • World Cultures

Recent News

Candidates Face the People: Southwest Detroit Hosts Powerful Mayoral Forum on Community Priorities

Candidates Face the People: Southwest Detroit Hosts Powerful Mayoral Forum on Community Priorities

July 24, 2025
Tacos Wuey Opens in the Heart of Southwest Detroit

Tacos Wuey Opens in the Heart of Southwest Detroit

July 24, 2025
  • Latest Issue
  • About
  • Newsletter
  • Advertise
  • Contact
  • Menu Item
  • Created with EyeBreatheDesign

© 2022 EL CENTRAL HISPANIC NEWS

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Catagories
    • Featured
    • Local News
    • Community
    • Culture & Arts
    • Español
    • Music
    • Sports
  • Events
  • Latest Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Contact
  • Advertise

© 2022 EL CENTRAL HISPANIC NEWS