The article discusses the anti-racism protests in Colombia, drawing parallels with the Black Lives Matter movement in the United States. It highlights the case of Anderson Arboleda, a young Black man killed by police, which sparked protests in Colombia against police brutality and systemic racism. The article features comments from activists and notes the lack of media coverage on such incidents. It also touches on the historical context of racial discrimination in Colombia, mentioning a law passed in 2011 against discrimination and the challenges in enforcing it. The piece further explores the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Afro-Colombian communities, particularly in the Pacific Coast region, and the ongoing violence against Black community leaders. The article concludes with the need for sustained attention and action on the issue of Black rights in Colombia.

In La Guajira, Colombia, the wind energy industry is expanding with 60 projects planned, mostly on Indigenous Wayuu land. While wind power offers a clean energy source and potential local benefits, there are concerns about the impact on Indigenous rights and the adequacy of consultation processes. The Wayuu, who have lived in the region for over a millennium, face challenges from multinational corporations that have historically failed to bring long-term development and have been accused of inadequate consultations. The article discusses the potential for wind power to provide up to 20% of Colombia's electricity needs, the risks of Indigenous displacement, and the need for fair compensation and legal assistance for the Wayuu. It also highlights the poverty and corruption in La Guajira, the importance of respecting cultural values, and the potential for community-owned wind farm models as seen in other countries.

Indigenous women across Latin America continue to lead the defense of their ancestral lands against extractivism, illegal land seizures, and colonial legacies, advocating for autonomy and control. They view the land as integral to their identity and existence. Notable activists include Sara Omi, the first Embera lawyer in Panama, who fights against deforestation; Alexandra Narvaez, the first female A’i Kofan Indigenous Guard in Ecuador, who won the Goldman Prize for environmental activism; Ediana Montiel, a Wayuu activist in Colombia, who opposes extractivist projects; and Miryam Vargas, a Nahua community radio journalist in Mexico, who is part of a movement against the Morelos Integral Project threatening water and food sovereignty.

Colombian flower workers, predominantly female, endure up to 100-hour workweeks with low pay and poor conditions to meet the demand for Valentine's Day flowers in the U.S. Despite Colombia's $1.5 billion in annual flower exports, workers face health issues like carpal tunnel syndrome and lack of union representation. Studies reveal excessive work hours, health deterioration, sexual harassment, and pregnancy discrimination. International groups and union activists campaign for recognition and improved conditions, with February 14 marked as Flower Workers' Day to protest and raise awareness.

In Colombia, armed groups are exploiting the COVID-19 pandemic to increase their recruitment of children, particularly in impoverished areas with limited access to basic services. The pandemic has closed schools and worsened living conditions, leading to a spike in child recruitment rates. Communities are protesting in Bogotá, demanding government action against the violence and the implementation of rural reforms promised in the peace deal. Despite a new government plan to address child recruitment, many believe the government is not doing enough to protect their children. The situation is dire in the north of Cauca, where families like that of Luis Troches are being forced to flee due to the threat of their children being recruited by armed groups.

In Colombia, families of victims in the 'false positives' scandal, where the army killed civilians and presented them as enemy combatants, have accused former army chief Mario Montoya of withholding information during a peace tribunal hearing. Montoya was expected to provide new details about the scandal, which resulted in at least 2,248 civilian deaths. Rights groups and victims' families are seeking accountability and believe Montoya's testimony is crucial to understanding the extent of the military's crimes and the involvement of higher command levels, including former President Santos and Senator Uribe. Montoya initially remained silent but later provided vague answers and blamed the soldiers' poor backgrounds for the crimes. Victims' rights groups are urging the court to take action against Montoya's perceived delay tactics. The Special Peace Jurisdiction (JEP) is considering expelling Montoya from the tribunal or initiating a judicial procedure that could lead to a 20-year prison sentence.

Colombians have expressed outrage on social media over the military's censorship of a mural in Bogotá that highlighted the role of generals in extrajudicial killings from 2000 to 2010. The mural, commissioned by human rights organizations and created by graffiti artists, was painted over by military officials who also intimidated the artists and issued a ticket for vandalism. The incident has sparked a viral campaign, with the original design being shared online, and has drawn criticism from Human Rights Watch. The military has not commented, and concerns for the safety of those involved persist.

Former FARC combatants in Colombia face a dilemma after a group of ex-commanders, including Iván Márquez, announced a return to armed struggle, citing the government's failure to implement the 2016 peace deal. Despite the call to rearm, the majority of ex-combatants, such as Gonzalo Beltrán, remain committed to peace, focusing on civilian projects like a clothing-manufacturing cooperative. The government's slow progress on reintegration and security has been criticized, and President Iván Duque's response includes a reward for information on the rebels and a commitment to ex-combatant reintegration. Analysts suggest that the rearmament announcement could pressure the government to fulfill its promises and prevent further ex-combatants from abandoning the peace process.

Chicana photographer Laura Aguilar, celebrated for her portrayal of underrepresented Latinx subjects, passed away at 58. Aguilar, a self-taught artist, used photography to communicate and represent Latinx, queer, and large-bodied individuals. Her work, particularly the series 'Latina Lesbians' and her self-portraits set against the Southwest's landscapes, provided visibility and a platform for queer women of color. Aguilar's photographs have been featured in significant exhibitions across the U.S., including a recent retrospective spanning her career from 1976 to 2007. Her legacy continues to influence discussions on Latinx identity and representation in art.

Colombian illustrator Rapiña has amassed an extensive collection of over 1,800 Latin American zines, reflecting a range of countercultural movements. La Maleta Fanzinera, her project founded in 2016, aims to preserve and exhibit these zines, which capture the essence of anti-fascist punks, feminist activists, and anarchist creatives. The collection, which has been recognized for its historical value, is unique in its accessibility, as Rapiña travels to various events to display the zines. Ariadna Varse, a Mexican transplant in Ecuador, is among the contributors to this archive, which is seen as a non-official record of history and a testament to the 'B-side' of history.

Danielle Villasana, a Texas-born photojournalist, captured the lives of trans women in Lima, Peru, through her photo project 'A Light Inside.' The project challenges stereotypes prevalent in Peruvian media that often depict trans women negatively. Villasana's work reveals the community's resilience and the intimate, supportive relationships formed among trans women, despite facing systemic discrimination, violence, and marginalization. The article discusses the lack of legislative protections for transgender citizens in Peru, the high incidence of sex work among trans women due to employment discrimination, and the significant risk of HIV in the community.